I'm beginning to think Bill Richardson possesses some sort of Jedi-mind trick capability, which would explain not only why he's been able to convince vicious dictators to do his bidding but also why he continues to rise in the polls despite some sub par debate performances and an incoherent appearance on Meet the Press that might have derailed other candidates.

Richardson's latest knee-slapper was his assertion yesterday that Iowa is one of the Top 10 states in the country at risk of a terrorist attack.

People are used to the standard ethanol pander in Iowa during election years. These days, with the focus on breaking our dependence on foreign oil, playing the ethanol card is not only commonplace, it's actually become fashionable.

That might be the reason Richardson felt compelled come up with a new pander to set himself apart from the crowd in Iowa, but the one he used yesterday is so ridiculous it calls his judgment and credibility into question.