Secretary of State Clinton??

[pmcalk]

If true, it would be interesting choice to put Hillary in the cabinet as secretary of state.  On the one hand, it is an extremely prestigious position, and shows a tremendous amount of respect for Hillary.  On the other hand, Hillary's issue was healthcare.  She isn't going to have much say if in the state department.  I thought Chuck Todd's analysis was interesting:  http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/11/14/1674694.aspx.  By taking Hillary out of the Senate, it prevents her from debating (and potentially being a thorn in Obama's side) on domestic issues.  She certainly has foreign policy credentials (just stay away from sniper fire stories) and I think she would be a great Secretary of State.  But I also worry about Bill....

I am curious about the thoughts of former Clinton supporters.  Should Hillary take the position?  (Rumor has it that it has been offered to her)

[RecycleMichael]

I hope she doesn't take it.

Senator from New York is a very good job.

Secretary of State would be cool until the first time she says something that Obama didn't like or that the talk (hate) radio DJ's blew out of porportion. Then she would be asked to resign and her political career would be over.

She can be a force for good right where she is. She can help Obama, especially if he has 59 fellow democrats in the Senate. I imagine she could find a republican or two to vote with the dems whenever it really counted.

[Ed W]

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  Bringing Senator Clinton into the administration may be a good move both nationally and internationally.  She brings a wealth of experience to the job, and she's known throughout the world.  I'm not implying that she's an enemy of Obama's administration, but there's no doubt she can be a powerful friend or foe.  

Musashhi said that the way to overcome your enemy is by becoming his friend.  It's a wonderfully ambiguous idea worthy of Machiavelli.

But you really have to admire the pragmatic approach to governing the Democrats have adopted.  Despite the Left howling for the head of Joe Leibermen, Senator Reid appears to be leaning toward allowing him to not only remain in the Democratic caucus, but he's likely going to remain chairman of the Homeland Security committee.  Such is the equation of power and politics.

[YoungTulsan]

The Lieberman issue is tricky.  While they would love to punish ol' Droopy Dog for backing McCain, they are way too close to 60 in the Senate to throw him under the bus and potentially have him switch sides to spite them.

[we vs us]

Supposedly Bill Richardson has also been interviewed for Sec of State.  Honestly, I think Richardson's the better candidate.  His governorship isn't nearly as pivotal as keeping a stable and powerful D seat in the Senate.  

As for Lieberman, Sen's Leahy and Sanders have both publicly called for him to lose his chairmanship.  I'm hoping that there's a groundswell of similar stuff coming from other congressfolk in the near future.  It's one thing to let bygones be bygones, but it's pretty clear that Lieberman's already well down the Zell Miller path and either useless or actively destructive to the caucus.  Time to cut him loose.

[pmcalk]

^^While I also like Richardson, and I tend to agree with RM that Hillary would be more effective in the Senate, her resignation in NY is no risk to the democrats--there will definitely be a democratic replacement in NY.  On the other hand, another Democratic governor in New Mexico is a bit more risky.  One thing that became clear in this election, having a governor on your side in the election can be very, very helpful.

[Wilbur]

Poor choice as she often comes across as being too bi!chy.

If it comes down to her or Richardson, I'd rather see Richardson.

[inteller]

well this will make it harder for her.  now she has to knock off 3 people.

[we vs us]

Guardian UK says she's going to accept the position.

[inteller]

quote:Originally posted by we vs us

Guardian UK says she's going to accept the position.

sad that we have to get our news from the UK.  Probably because the media hates Hillary to death.  All the US is covering is Bill's global dealings.

[waterboy]

I don't think its that they hate her so much. They are just tired of covering her and Bill. Its been a lifetime project for many of them and they crave fresh meat. Its like a battle of heavyweights that keep fighting but neither one seems able to totally vanquish the other.

It looks like a mere repayment of political debt within the party. She can certainly do the job as well as Condoleeza and it keeps her occupied. If her and Bill get too far out of line Obama can use other cabinet members or the VP to frustrate her, like GB used Cheney.

[pmcalk]

quote:Originally posted by we vs us

Guardian UK says she's going to accept the position.

Maybe premature?  Politico reports that insiders say Clinton still not sure she wants the position:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15738.html

She may be putting out the story for political reasons, but at least is making it clear that it isn't a done deal.  And today Kennedy named her to head up a task force to look into healthcare reform:  http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/kennedy-taps-clinton-for-big-health-reform-job-2008-11-18.html, so she may decide to stay in the Senate after all.

In other news, looks like Holder is Attorney General:  http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/18/eric.holder/index.html.  Still has to undergo vetting, though.  He would be the first black AG.

[inteller]

to paraphrase mayor Nagin, this is shaping up to be a milk chocolate administration.[}:)]

[PonderInc]

I would worry that Bill would become the Secretary of State In-Law from hell.  Like having a mother-in-law always trying to tell you how to raise your children or decorate your house...except he'd be phoning up foreign heads of state to tell them what he thinks.  (Remember Bill on Hill's campaign trail... and what a disaster that was.)  

I think Hillary is highly intelligent & knows a lot about policy.  I would much rather see her being a powerful force in the senate, where she could be a leader in her own right...Rather than having her (or her husband) running with scissors and undermining the Obama administration and/or US foreign policy.

[cannon_fodder]

CHANGE!

Mostly Clinton appointees thus far.

My fear is the open attitude Obama seems to want is contrary to the cover up legends of the Clintons.  And yes, international gifts from Arab royalty to her family also poses a potential problem.  I'm surprised he is seriously considering her for the above reasons and because it would curtail Bill's ventures abroad ($peaking engagement$ etc.) and instantly paint him as Clinton II.