Who asked him?
The Administration did. Richardson is a reliable water carrier, and has just enough respect in mainstream circles to be taken seriously. The news/talk shows this evening will hash his remarks out, and pass judgment. If he receives favorable commentary, Obama will move in that direction.
Richardson is just plowing the road for Obama should he need to save face.
Is this any degree of a hint that the puppet masters are getting ready to flush OThuga as their scape goat for the results of him doing all they ordered him to destroy?