David Brooks: Richardson "the candidate most likely to rise. "

Well, finally: A member of the Eastern Media Machine has recognized BR as a worthwhile candidate! David Brooks, columnist for the mother of all Eastern Media, the NY Times, devoted a full column to BR Sunday!

Unfortunately, it's part of their "Times Select" coverage not available to those who don't pay (and I don't), so I can't repost it here. But, suffice to say that he thinks Richardson does so well in small groups and seems so "human," that he can succeed without the Rock Star Power of the other candidates. Here are some choice quotes:

"He seemed recognizably human, unlike some of his overpolished peers. He gave the best presentation, by far.

"Most of all, he's not a senator. Since 1961, 40 senators have run for president and their record is 0-40. A senator may win this year, but you'd be foolish to assume it.

"he's perfectly positioned — not by accident — to carry liberals and independents

"Richardson is actually something of a throwback pol — a Daley or La Guardia who doesn't treat politics as a moral crusade. That might appeal this year.

"he could generate waves of free media the way John McCain did in 2000. He's a reporters' favorite — candid, accessible and fun to be around.

"He is garrulous, amusing, touchy-feely (to a fault), a little rough-edged and comfortably mass-market. He's Budweiser, not microbrew.

"this campaign will at some point leave the "American Idol"/"Celebrity Deathmatch" phase. The Clinton-Obama psychodrama may cease to fascinate..."

Interestingly, as of today (Monday, 6:05am New Mexico time, the David Brooks column is the #3 most-emailed column on the Times web site!

I also find it interesting that BR appears to be getting more press now than Edwards, perhaps because he's "new" and Edwards is old news. (Of course, that's all the press really cares about: who's the new, fresh face to feature this week.) - MC