The American Spectator

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Richardson described Castro as the "most informed" of all the world leaders he'd met, but admitted he was driven to distraction by the dictator's "terrible dandruff."

"I said, 'Man, I need to get this guy some Head & Shoulders,'" Richardson joked.

Richardson also dished that after closing the deal with the Butcher of Baghdad to gain the release of some prisoners, he and Saddam agreed there was no political worth for either of them in having their picture taken together, so Richardson told Saddam he was instead going to church to "Thank the Lord" for apparently helping out with the negotiations. Saddam's response, "I hope you don't go to confession. Then you'll never leave."

The students, clearly enthralled, broke into laughter. Richardson had felt around for a bit until he found what they were looking for from him and provided it with a flourish. It was no different for the crowd at the Mexican restaurant.

Think back to how uncomfortable the Democratic presidential candidates looked during that train wreck Spanish debate during the 2004 primaries as they mangled what few Spanish phrases they'd crammed for the occasion. Now imagine Richardson in the same situation. Imagine someone at ease and able to move deftly between the extremes. On Sunday he was one of the guests of honor at the Manchester St. Patrick's Day parade, for God's sake, and was well received to boot.

This is no one trick pony. This is a savvy politician and if he takes this campaign seriously, he will put up a serious challenge.

topics:
Education, Bill Clinton, Immigration