Essential Estrogen

It was a good thing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson was running a few minutes late for the meet-and-greet at his Cedar Rapids headquarters Wednesday. Local organizers needed the time to move supporters and chairs out of the overcrowded office and into the parking lot in front of the building.

Richardson, known for his ease and good-natured humor on the campaign trail, was fresh off stops in Waterloo and the Field of Dreams in Dyersville -- and was quick to point out he was still wearing the jeans and sneakers to prove it.

"It's been a great day," the longtime baseball fan said. "I even got to hit a line drive... right into a photographer."

Richardson said the photographer was not injured and quickly forgave the presidential candidate even as laughter and a shout came from the audience about how the journalist "shouldn't have been in the way."

The rest of the Democratic hopeful's prepared remarks were short and sweet, much like a shopping list.

"I'm running because we need change and experience," the former ambassador to the United Nations. "We need to get out of Iraq. We need to be energy-independent. We should have schools for all and national health care. We need an economy that will protect the middle class."

Point after point was delivered, only interrupted by outbursts of applause from the crowd of about 100. Some of the largest eruptions came when Richardson said he will be "a president that will follow the Constitution."

"We have to bring back habeas corpus," he added before giving a quick overview of why the United States should not tolerate human rights violations and should close the holding facility in Guantanamo Bay. "I want to lead us back into the community of nations, and I want to lead our nation back together -- we should not be so divided."

Richardson ticked off a couple more items on his list before proceeding to check-out: the importance of women's reproductive rights and ending discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"I'm someone who knows how to get these things done," he said. "I know I'm not in an easy fight here. I don't have as much money as some of the others. I'm not a rock star. I know I'll be fighting some of the special interest groups. There is one thing I do know: no one is going to out-work me."

Before moving on to audience questions, he closed his remarks with praise for Iowa and a promise to supporters.

"I am hopeful because the choice of the presidency is in your hands," he said. "Iowa is first because you deserve it. I want you to know that I will make you proud. I'm going to stay positive because our nation needs me to -- to try and bring us back together."

Despite gentle shoving from campaign staffers for him to move a little faster toward the car and the airport, Richardson took his time answering questions, speaking with the press and sharing a few laughs.

"I really like him," one woman confided as she made her way out of the event and toward her car. "He reminds me of a really great uncle you simply must have at the family reunion or it's just no fun. I know he has great credentials and he knows he has great credentials. I like that he's comfortable enough not to have to shove them in my face and can just be casual."

Although the event in Cedar Rapids marked the end of a two-day tour, campaign staff members have begun planning his next trip into the area.