But meanwhile, what about Bill Richardson?

Based on the lack of media coverage, you would hardly even know Bill was running for President. While Clinton, Obama and Edwards were getting all the media attention, Richardson spoke at the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting in Washington last Saturday morning, and several standing ovations later, the crowd walked away dazzled.

Richardson drew enthusiastic applause for his calls to exit Iraq, to boost public school teacher pay and to use tax cuts to reward companies that create jobs, not to reward the wealthy. "The Congress passed a resolution authorizing war," said Richardson. "They need to pass another that overturns that authorization and bring our troops home by the end of this year."

Richardson leaned heavily on his own résumé during his speech, and especially touted his experience as a former ambassador and diplomatic troubleshooter. Over the years, he has negotiated the release of U.S. hostages and prisoners in North Korea, Iraq and Sudan. "I know the usual rap on governors — that we don't know anything about foreign affairs," Richardson quipped. "Well, maybe you can say that about governors from Texas, but not this governor."

Richardson brought the audience to its feet when he told them New Mexico has a new hate crimes law. He was the first candidate during the conference to mention hate crimes as a key issue. "In New Mexico, our fight for equality extends to sexual orientation," Richardson said. "We've extended civil rights protections to include sexual orientation and we're providing state health insurance for domestic partnerships."

After his speech, dozens thronged around Richardson seeking photos, autographs, hugs and handshakes. It took him and his aides 20 minutes to travel about 150 feet from the Washington Hilton's banquet hall to a bank of elevators across the lobby as they departed. By comparison, Joe Biden, who spoke immediately before Richardson, and Wesley Clark, who spoke on Friday, drew only a handful of well-wishers and reporters as they left the hall after their pitches to the top tier of Democratic activists. But the audience had leaped to its feet numerous times during Richardson's talk, which meant he managed to impress the savvy political crowd that might have been ambivalent about the governor before Saturday morning.

Richardson — a former congressman, United Nations ambassador and U.S. energy secretary — said Saturday's speech gave him a crucial, early chance to elevate his profile among the grass-roots activists who comprise the DNC. Many are the same delegates who will ultimately decide the party's nomination in August 2008.

"I just tried to get myself introduced," Richardson said afterward. "I know I'm low in the polls, but I just started. We're getting a lot of volunteers. I'm fine. I'm exactly where I want to be."

Clinton (don't like her), Obama (don't know him) and Edwards (too insubstantial)spoke Friday and drew perhaps double the audience that Richardson (vote for him), Biden (too old) and Vilsack (funny name) did on Saturday. Howard Dean said the speaking order for the meeting was chosen by a drawing, but come on, who really believes that?

And for that matter, who really believes me? Why should you believe me? Perhaps all of this is just Internet hyperbole, blogospheric hype. Well, don't take my word for it, you can check out the video of his speech right here and see for yourself.

Richardson is scheduled to be the featured speaker at the Concord City Democrats "3rd Annual DemSocial" on Saturday, February 17 at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' (IBEW) Hall in Concord, New Hampshire. If you're in the area, go listen to him. Because after the voters get to know him and he starts rocking the early primaries, the press won't be able to keep him a secret for much longer.