Bill Richardson in Fox News Sunday, "Choosing the President" interviews

On Foreign Policy: Make $10B in aid to Pakistan conditional on democracy

A: I’m very skeptical of this announcement. You can’t have democracy halfway. I am extremely concerned that President Musharraf has not delivered, in my judgment, as much as he could on going after Al Qaeda, on disbanding some of the terrorist headquarters that are on the Afghan-Pakistani border. And it’s a failure of leadership on the part of the Bush administration. We should be saying to Musharraf very clearly, “We give you $10 billion since 9/11. Unless you have free elections and return to democracy, unless you go after Al Qaeda in a determined and effective way, your conditional assistance may be terminated.” That’s what I would do. I think right now we have a failed nation state on our hands.

On Foreign Policy: No conditions on aid to Pakistan, but push for democracy

A: No, because if you play that last card and it doesn’t work, then obviously you have no leverage whatsoever. Musharraf, by agreeing to the elections in February is a step forward. I know Musharraf. I know the area. I’ve been to Waziristan. You’ve got to put this situation in the context of the last 20 years. Pakistan was a failed state under Benazir Bhutto. Musharraf came to power to replace a failed state. We should appreciate if Pakistan collapses into a radical Islamic state, then our chances of building democracy and freedom in Afghanistan are in severe jeopardy. So this is a very delicate time. I would be doing intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations to convince Musharraf that the best thing for him, as well as the future of Pakistan, is to move forward with the democratic process. But to issue ultimatums and threats right now that may result in damage to US national security I think is inappropriate.

On Principles & Values: Giuliani left Iraq Study Group; uninterested in war deaths

A: He didn’t show interest in the Iraq study group, which was about where Americans are fighting and dying. The Iraq study group met without his participation, and he either voluntarily withdrew or was asked to withdraw from the Iraq study group, which was trying to sort out the tremendous challenge we had, particularly at that time, in Iraq because of the failed strategy of Rumsfeld. I admire & respect Rudy Giuliani. This is not a question of personality. It is a question of experience, knowledge, background, and ability to lead. I served on a weapons of mass destruction commission, and I was pretty busy with other things at the time, too.

On Principles & Values: Predicts a win in New Hampshire primary

A: We’ve been moving up, with obviously a great deal more enthusiasm at town hall meetings. I think there’s a poll out this morning that shows that only 16% of the people in New Hampshire have definitely made up their minds. This thing is wide open. I know from previous campaigns that a lot of people, particularly independents here in New Hampshire, wait. A lot of people haven’t made up their minds. We’re campaigning hard. I’m glad the way that things are going. And I can sense that we’re doing very well here in N.H. We’re on the upswing. And I can tell you right now I will win New Hampshire.

Q: You’re saying flat out you’ll win New Hampshire.

A: I’m saying flat out.

Q: And if you don’t?

A: I will.

Q: But are you saying if you don’t that you’re out of the race?

A: Of course not. I’m just telling you I will.

On Technology: Doesn’t believe in UFOs, but wants more info on Roswell

A: Well, first of all, I don’t believe in UFOs. Secondly, I don’t think there were any potential sightings. But the problem here is that the federal government, instead of releasing all the information when they had it, never did it. So it causes enormous suspicion. Now, look. Roswell has a UFO museum. They have a tradition there. You know, admittedly, sometimes I pump it up for tourism reasons because that’s my job as the governor. I have to promote jobs and tourism.