Leading by Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution - Hardcover

"In his writing, he clearly demonstrates his knowledge of and familiarity with energy politics." ( The Boston Globe , January 6, 2008) "In a book that is easy to read for people not well versed with energy issues, his laid–back yet direct personality shines through the book..." ( MSNBC.com , November 16, 2007) Coinciding with Governor Richardson′s campaign for the Democratic Party nomination for president, his proposals for reducing our dependence on foreign oil is substantial, despite their transparent vote–getting tenor. Drawing on his 15 years in the U.S. Congress, as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and as energy secretary in the Clinton administration, as well as his New Mexico governorship, Richardson provides useful insights into the resistance of powerful entities such as the automobile industry, coal industry and, of course, the oil industry to alternative energy sources. Writing in a folksy style, with personal anecdotes that leaven his wonkishness, Richardson is not shy about trumpeting the breadth and depth of his experience; at times he′s almost insufferable, but his battles with those who care more about quick profit than about clean air, clean water and energy–related national security suggest he has earned the right to say, "I told you so." Richardson is critical of Republicans, including George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, yet manages to lift portions of the book above partisan politics. Knowing that Congress will often be inhibited by powerful special interests, Richardson would use the bully pulpit of the White House to initiate change, hoping, for example, that calling for automakers to produce plug–in electric cars will drive private markets to do right by the environment. (Nov.) ( Publishers Weekly , September 3, 2007)

"In his writing, he clearly demonstrates his knowledge of and familiarity with energy politics." ( The Boston Globe , January 6, 2008) "In a book that is easy to read for people not well versed with energy issues, his laid–back yet direct personality shines through the book..." ( MSNBC.com , November 16, 2007) "...substantial...useful insights..." ( Publishers Weekly , September 3, 2007)

This book discusses where America needs to go in 2008 - from the presidential candidate who can take the country there. Democratic Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has served as Secretary of Energy and Ambassador to the United Nations. Now, as the only candidate with executive and foreign policy experience, he presents an integrated, comprehensive program to radically and quickly reduce America's oil dependence, create long-term energy security for the United States, and protect the world's climate. Richardson decided to write "Leading by Example" because other elected officials, diplomats, pundits, and industry leaders are proposing stopgap measures. Congress and the White House are taking baby steps for a nation that needs - and wants - giant progress on energy and climate. In "Leading by Example", Richardson argues that the United States must act boldly and it must act now - and then he provides the detailed program needed to achieve energy security and climate protection, as well as to restore America's international leadership. Richardson issues a call to action for Congress, the energy industry, and the public.

He calls for a new American revolution - an energy and climate revolution. Likening the nation's energy challenge to those that unified Americans to win World War II and to put a man on the moon, Richardson says that the energy policy stagnation of the past 20 years is a challenge whose solutions will inspire optimism, new technologies, and a measure of sacrifice among the American people. 'In their dreams, political reporters can imagine what a race between [Bill Richardson and Mike Huckabee] would be like: two lively, loquacious politicians with strongly opposed viewpoints but a liking for people - and a promise of a few lighter moments to relieve the tedium and the tensions of a long campaign' - David Broder, "The Washington Post". Governor Bill Richardson (Santa Fe, NM) was elected Governor of New Mexico in 2002. He has served as New Mexico's Representative in the Third Congressional District, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Secretary of Energy. He is the author of "Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life" (978-0-399-15324-2).

One of the country's most well-known progressive commentators on how - and why - the conservative movement went off the rails According to even Newt Gingrich, 'Republicans have lost their way'. Always better with one-liners than worthwhile policies, John McCain recently said, 'We spent money like a drunken sailor. Although I never really knew a sailor, drunk or sober, with the imagination of my colleagues'. Bill Press, however, says the Republicans have been governing exactly the way you'd expect. If a politician's most basic belief is that government always fails, why would anyone think he'd try to prove otherwise? "Trainwreck" details the rise of the modern conservative movement from Robert Taft to Ronald Reagan and its fall from Newt Gingrich to the abject failure of George W. Bush. Once champions of fiscal responsibility, conservatives have brought us, instead, record high federal spending and bloated budget deficits. Once leery of foreign entanglements, conservatives have launched us, instead, into an unprecedented age of imperial wars and conquests.

Once apostles of honesty and integrity in government, conservatives have, instead, used their positions of power to enrich themselves or evade the rule of law. For decades, conservatives struggled to topple liberals from the federal throne, but, once in power, they didn't deliver. Everything they touched, they trashed. Here is the story of who, how, and why. Bill Press (Washington, DC) is the host of Sirius Radio's "Bill Press Show", which is also syndicated across the country, and writes a syndicated column for "Tribune Media". Formerly the host of CNN's "Crossfire", his books include "Spin This!" (978-0-7434-4268-8), "Bush Must Go" (978-0-525-94840-7), and "How the Republicans Stole Christmas" (978-0-385-51605-1).