Will Kerry appoint the greatest Sec. of State in history - Bill Clinton?

[ElementaryPenguin]

Who but Big Dog/Clark Kent/Superman/William Jefferson Clinton himself could possibly undo the madness that is the Nazi-esque Bushler foreign policy - and somehow miraculously restore America's horribly tarnished reputation?! Methinks, if given that opportunity - former president Clinton could very well distinguish himself historically even more as a Secretary of State - then he did as a president - and THAT'S saying something!!! Anyone else share this opinion?

:hi:
:dem:

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

1. That would make for a very interesting debate!

I'd love it!

[ElementaryPenguin]

13. Cool!

:headbang:

[FleshCartoon]

2. I like it.

Any gist of Kerry actually having this as a plan, or are we just playing make-believe until we're all allowed to be grownups again under the Kerry administration?

[ElementaryPenguin]

5. Haven't heard it was true - just wanted to get it started here!

I say we spread this notion far and wide!

[ronnykmarshall]

3. I think he would be great.

BUT! Wouldn't it be difficult to go from being a President to working for one?

My mom read an article that Bill is itching to get back in the loop however, so maybe this might be the ticket.

[ElementaryPenguin]

12. Big Dog is so darn diplomatic, I'm sure he could handle any role

and with the greatest ease!

[Ganja Ninja]

4. Al Gore for Secretary of State & Big Dog for UN Ambassador!

I would like that better but either/or is fine with me.

[VolcanoJen]

32. Not sure, but I don't think Clinton is eligible for UN Ambassador.

Something about former heads-of-state not being allowed as primary UN Ambassadors, or something? A Security Council issue, maybe?

[leftynyc]

42. I'm pretty sure the he can be ambassador to the UN

what he can't be is Secretary General of the UN. Nobody from the 5 permanent members of the security council can do that. I'm not sure if that's a written rule or just the way it is.

[VolcanoJen]

47. aha!! Thank you, leftynyc!!

Good info... thank you!!

[rucky]

6. is that possible?

has anything like that happened before?

[Heritic]

7. Wow, that would be really good. But Clinton would outshine Kerry, and I

don't think Kerry would be to pleased if everyone was focusing on his Sec. State and not him. Not out of jealosy, of course.

[ElementaryPenguin]

17. I think Kerry and Clinton have too much respect and admiration for each

Other to let their egos screw things up! Plus - the stakes are so high - saving America - saving the world from Bushler's policies - and these two - as opposed to the evil Busheviks - really CARE about the people on this wounded planet!

[ArkDem]

8. He sure did a great job of undoing the Democratic Party

during Clinton's administration, the Democrats lost:
- 48 seats in the House
- 8 seats in the Senate
- 11 governorships
- 1,254 state legislative seats
- Control of 9 legislatures
In addition 439 elected Democrats had joined the Republican Party while only three Republican officeholders had gone the other way.
While Democrats had been losing state legislative seats on the state level for 25 years, the loss during the Clinton years was striking. In 1992, the Democrats controlled 17 more state legislatures than the Republicans. After November 2000, the Republicans controlled one more than the Democrats. It was the first time since 1954 that the GOP had controlled more state legislatures than the Democrats (they tied in 1968). Among other things, this gave the Republican more control over redistricting.
In fact, no Democratic president since the 19th century suffered such an electoral disintegration of his party as did Clinton.

[libcurious]

10. I agree

To much baggage with clinton, most deserved. That is why I think any affiliation would only hurt the dems.

[mmm]

14. Clinton would kick KKK butt!

I don't love him, but he is better than most.
He makes repugs look like the mental/moral lightweights they are.
We need him back in the loop.

[libcurious]

18. You can't

actually mean ALL repugs are KKK can you? I mean, that is just as bad as them saying ALL dems are socialist commies that don't love their country.

[ElementaryPenguin]

34. All BUSHCO repugs are - okay?

:evilgrin:

[ElementaryPenguin]

22. Kerry needn't/shouldn't run on this - or reveal it till elected!

It's statemanship we'll be in need of - this won't be an overtly political act! We need EXPERIENCE - BRAINS - and INNOVATION!

[ElementaryPenguin]

19. You can thank Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, etc. for that!

Not to mention Diebold! Big Dog was a great prez - and that's a fact! Corporate press whores are going to kill any Dem - as everyone should know by now!

:think:

[libcurious]

24. We will

just have to disagree on that one. I thought he was a terrible president who's crimes and scandals embarrassed the US. Much like dipshit is doing today.

[ElementaryPenguin]

40. You're willing to equate receiving blowjobs with starting illegal wars??

Granted, my friend, Clinton may have been one LOUSY HUSBAND - but the fact is, the man was also ONE HELLUVA PRESIDENT!!

:spank:

[libcurious]

44. I don't give a

rats ass about his personal life. Hell, if I could get an intern to do that for me, I probably would also. I am talking about the thousands of civilians that died in the bombing of Bosnia for so called mass graves. Remember that?
He lied to the people, just like bush does, and any leader that knowing lies, is bad.

[ElementaryPenguin]

48. Sounds as if you'd lump Abraham Lincoln in with Adolph Hitler!

But I am relieved to hear that you're not preoccupied with the personal life of Clinton, or any other leader.

[libcurious]

51. Thank you

for being open-minded. I just honestly believe clinton was a terrible president all around.

Were you aware of this?

http://www.infowars.com/print/misc/bush_rape_death.htm

Have fun!!

[AZCat]

88. Kosovo, not Bosnia

Bosnia was the one where he DIDN'T intervene.

Kosovo, unfortunately, was (imho) a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" sort of situation.

For information, you can go here for a Guardian article on the revised Serb deaths in Kosovo.

The Guardian's Kosovo archive (lots of good articles) is here.

[SammyWinstonJack]

41. Please fill me in?

What "crimes" are you speaking of? And the dipshit's crimes are killing people. When Clinton lied, nobody died. As for scandals, well we all know where those came from. :eyes: Clinton wasn't a "terrible President" but dipshit sure is!

[ElementaryPenguin]

45. Clinton created the largest surplus in history, * the largest deficit!

Just for openers! Clinton was really one of the most effective, best presidents - Bushler is the absolute WORST! No one really even in his league!

:argh:
:mad:

[libcurious]

49. I agree on bush

he IS one of our worst presidents. And clintons surplus, please. Depending which numbers you look at, you get the answer you want. Bush can say all this great stuff about the economy because of numbers now, but we know the truth now don't we. Rebublicans put out numbers that show we were in a recession that began in 98 and climbed out of recently, the correct numbers are the ones you want to believe.

[libcurious]

46. Lying is perjury

Nobody died in our bombing of Bosnia? Where are the thousands of mass graves with hundreds of thousands of bodies? And a scandal is only a scandal if even just a part of it is true. Let me think now, all those women ruined their lives, marragies and such just because they disliked him? Most were and still are dems and supported his policies. Whitewater and the such? Just as bad as enron and such.

[Rainbowreflect]

52. Actually, lying is not perjury.

Lying under oath about an issue that has direct relevance to the case is perjury. Even the Judge in the case admitted that it was not perjury. Also under the legal definition oral sex is not "sexual relations".

[ElementaryPenguin]

54. Right on, Rainbow. Few have understood this!

:toast:

[libcurious]

57. Right

If a common person lied to a judge, he would be found guilty of it.
And if you think the judge would come to the same conclusion for one of us, I'm sorry, but I believe you are wrong.
Oral SEX is not SEXual relations? Please don't try this line. Everyone knows oral sex is a form of sex, hence the term for it.

[ElementaryPenguin]

58. The definition of sexual relations that Clinton was given at his depo

Did NOT include oral sex. It was actually crossed out by the presiding judge. That Paula Jones case was all about trying to entrap the POTUS!

[libcurious]

59. That is all fine and dandy

but if I hire a hooker and the wife catches me getting a bj, she is going to file for divorce (my personal problem, no one elses) but then the judge asks me if I had sexual relations with her and I say no but the wife shows proof, I guarantee I will be charged and I will be losing all I have.
Paula Jones ruined her life just to entrap clintbone? I don't believe so.
I guess the following lady gave her life then, just to entrap bushhead./\

http://www.infowars.com/print/misc/bush_rape_death.htm

[Rainbowreflect]

71. In the your case it is relevant to the issue. Duh

Paula Jones did not ruin her life to entrap Clinton. She was paid very well for it and had her 15 minutes of fame.

[libcurious]

72. Ok then

to you clinton is a god and can do wrong and is allowed to get away with rape. please remember that when the Margie Schoedinger story finally hits the air.

[Rainbowreflect]

77. Actually, while I thought Clinton was a good President

he was too far to the right for my taste on many issues.
I just know that there is a difference between a lie about sex & legal perjury and between not agreeing with a politician's stand on issues & someone like bush who would destroy our country in another four years.

[Bridget Burke]

60. No, you're wrong.

Clinton's shading of the truth didn't kill anyone. Chimp's outright lies have killed thousands.

Interesting user name--reminds me of the singles ads. Just dabbling?

[libcurious]

61. Check around

for how many died because he shaded the truth about why we bombed bosnia.
No, I am not just dabbling. I have a sincere liberal side to me that has been thrust out by this corrupt regime.

[ElementaryPenguin]

63. Your "sincere liberal" side may best be cultivated

by discarding your incessant Freeper-like Clinton bashing - which really seems to be blinding you. I am heartened to hear that the extreme Reich wing has managed to awaken the liberal inside of you. Perhaps in time, there's hope for your true enlightenment. (This is not to suggest that lots of things about the Democratic party don't suck!)

:shrug:

[libcurious]

68. So then

because I keep both eyes open and don't support just one side, then I am blinded?
The one who keeps BOTH eyes open, sees more than the one who keeps one eye open.

[yankeedem]

65. Oh, then

Why did we bomb Bosnia?
Was it the oil? That's right, they don't have oil.
Was it their strategic location? That's right, they are in the middle of nowhere.

What was it again?

[libcurious]

69. The main reason given

was because of the thousands of mass graves with hundreds of thousands of bodies in them, and that it would continue if we did not help (bomb) them. I am by no means saying the Iraq war was right, I totally disagree with it also.

[Rainbowreflect]

62. Of course oral sex is sex, but not in the legal definition.

As far as "If a common person lied to a judge, he would be found guilty of it." Say you were a witness to a bar fight where someone was charged with assault. On the witness stand you said you went to the bar with some friends when you were actually meeting you lover. That is not perjury because it is not relevant to the case.

[libcurious]

66. Those are completely

opposite topics with no relation to each other. Assault and love?
clinton did not witness an assault and then say he did not have sexual relations with that girl. He sat back and let her perform a sexual act on him. Any form of sex is considered a sexual relation.

[Rationality]

82. Nice try

I've looked through this entire thread and all you have done is Clinton-bash. I'll concede that there were better presidents out there, but to see that you focus so heavily on the sex scandal and Bosnia...

[ElementaryPenguin]

83. Right on, R!

Always good to shine a light on rabid Clinton bashers! (Those who try to put him in the same category as the Evil War Chimp will NEVER cease to amaze me!)

[Rationality]

87. Your welcome! And thanks to the mods for taking the trash out (n/t)

[trekbiker]

9. Clinton would be a great Sec of State but...

would he take the limelight off Kerry? I agree that Clinton may be the only person who can repair our damaged reputation

[ElementaryPenguin]

25. As far as statesmanship, I see him as only an asset - a tremendous one!

:dem:

[colonel odis]

11. john quincy adams notwishstanding,

once you've been president it's hard to take any political job. of course bush, never having been elected, could take a job in politics -- provided he could get elected to anything after his squealing pigfuck of a presidency passes.

clinton being clinton, he'd be trying to tell kerry how to run things. and i doubt that would set well.

what about le grand chien as head of the dnc? that makes a lot of sense to me. it's a big picture thing, wouldn't be limited to a set term or tied to someone else's incumbency, and he could strategize. heaven knows he knows how to win elections.

[ElementaryPenguin]

38. Clinton is still a young man - with an inquisitive mind and a passion

for trying to make a difference in the world. I guy like that is far too young to be retired or cooped up in some secret service mothballed cocoon for the rest of his life. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't view Carter as THE role model for ex-presidents. Plus - on a certain personel level - as well as for history's sake, he'd probably like to do all he could to atone for his bullshit impeachment.

[Walt Starr]

15. It would certainly improve my opinion of Kerry if he did

n/t

[ElementaryPenguin]

26. Mine too - and I already happen to like him!

:yourock:

[Q3JR4]

16. Is that even a possibility?

The constitution limits the president to two four year terms and Clinton has had his.

If an attack occurred on U.S. soil that took out the president, vice president, speaker of the house and the president pro tempore of the senate, then the Sec. of State would become president.

Because of that, I would think that Clinton would not be eligible for that role.

[ElementaryPenguin]

35. Constitutionally - he IS eligible.

:dem:

[dr.strangelove]

39. It is allowed

Two interesting points here.
The 22th states that no person shall be elected POTUS more then twice and no person who served more than 2 years of the presidency someone else was elected to can be elected more than once. This means that if the VP (or anyone else under the 25th) become POTUS after two years of the departing president's term, the new POTUS can run for re-election 2 times. So the longest elected term possible is 9 years 364 days.

However, if Bill was to be Sec of State, or be elected to the House or Senate and fill the Pro Tempore or Speaker role, and rise to POTUS through operation of the 25th, he would not be elected POTUS. The 22nd prevents him from being elected POTUS. He could not run for another term after Kerry's term finished, but he could serve out Kerry's term.

As an aside, there is no requirement that the VP, Sec Stte, Pro Tempore, Speaker, or any cabinet member, actually be able ot take the Presidency. The 25th creates an order of succession that allows for unqualified people to be passed over. This happened during the Nixon administration after Agnew resigned. At that time, Carl Albert was speaker, James Eastland was Pro Tempore, and Kissenger was Sec State and National Security Adviser. If Nixon, Eastland and Albert were all killed, Kissinger as Sec of State would have been up for POTUS, however he is not qualified as he was not a natural born citizen.

There is no requirement that anyoen in line be qualified to be POTUS. If it came to an unqualified person, they would be passed over. The current Sec of Labor, Elaine Chao, is ineligible because she is not a natural born citizen.

In case anyone wan wondering, here is the order of succession.

POTUS
VP
Speaker
Pres. Pro Tempore
Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury
Secretary of Defense
Attorney General
Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Labor
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Education
Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Secretary of Homeland Security

However, * is trying to get Tom ridge moved up to 8th in line.

[ElementaryPenguin]

43. Thanks for helping to clarify.

Almost temps me to opt for lobbying for Big Dog V.P. - but we've plenty of suitable candidates (including my fav, Wesley Clark) - and I wouldn't want to somewhat waste Clinton and his experience in that role.

[dr.strangelove]

70. It would be a waste

to have Bill in the VP slot. A waste of his talents. I think it would help the party as Bill would carry 3 (Arkansas, Miss. and probably Tenn) southern states and ensure Kerry's win.

Bill is much more valuable as a world embassador. Look at all the good Carter has done. He isn't half the world leader Bill was (and Carter is incredible). I see Bill winning a nobel peace prize before he is through. I believe he is done with US politics and won;t accept any position in the government. With a Dem in the white house, he will likely reconcentrate his efforts on the middle east/palestine, with the new POTUS's blessing.

I know some of us want Bill back so bad we can taste it, but Bill did his part for the party and his service to the US citizens. He will concentrate on using his remarkable gifts and power as a former POTUS to make the world a better place. IT would be a waste to cage him in Washington for 4-8 more years. He is finally finished with his book. He'll finich the library next, than he'll become a great goodwill ambassador.

[Rosco T.]

75. I would like to see it.. if for no other reason than to see....

Rush, Hannity and O'Riley's HEAD EXPLODE!!!!!!!!

[ElementaryPenguin]

80. LOL!

You've got to support it - for that effect alone!

:evilgrin:

[mondo joe]

20. Never Happen: Why would any pres settle for taking orders?

Why would Clinton - or any former president - settle for taking orders?

Why would any President want someone so accustomed to calling the shots to serve under them?

Never ever happen. Never.

But I would like to see Clinton take some role in public life.

[ElementaryPenguin]

23. Don't think Kerry would have to/want to order Big Dog around

They're likely on close to the same wave length!

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

21. Clinton and the rest of the world

Despite the bad opinion of Big Dog here in the States, Clinton is beloved and admired by the rest of the world. His advances in the peace processes in Northern Ireland and the Middle East have endeared him to many countries in Europe. I think that he would do well in mending our many broken relationships there. It would send a strong message to the other countries that the Kerry Admin. means to turn this thing around.

However, it may be just a pipe dream, given the very valid points made above.

[ElementaryPenguin]

31. Excellent post, Psst!

I really think we ought to start lobbying the Kerry Camp for this.

[Pol]

27. Clinton Wouldn't Take It

Kerry probably would not ask Clinton to serve, and Clinton probably would not accept. Clinton has been president of the U.S. - the policy maker and leader. He now enjoys a fairly exhalted status within the party, where he wields significant influence. Should he take a position in a Kerry cabinet (assuming Kerry wins the election - let's not get cocky), that influence would be diminished. Is this Clinton talking, or is it just a message from Kerry? It would also be difficult for him to play second fiddle to Kerry. Indeed, with his influence, he might make things very difficult for Kerry should they disagree.

[newyawker99]

30. Hi Pol!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ElementaryPenguin]

33. Clinton is a workaholic! I think he would take it - and be proud to serve

As much as he's already given this country, I believe if Clinton were as asked to serve in this capacity - he would do so - and work his brilliant ass off!

[neebob]

28. Wouldn't that be sweet!

As little as I like Clinton, as much as I blame him for helping to position Evil Chimps R Us to steal the election, I think he'd be a great Secretary of State. And it would be soooooooo much fun! And while we're at it, let's have Hillary as AG. And let's make sure we get that crazy Al Gore in the cabinet as well.

[ElementaryPenguin]

36. Hillary's post may be going a bit overboard.

But there certainly should be plenty of room for President Gore.

[beyurslf]

29. I;d love him to do it., but I think he could be a special

envoy and accomplish the same things but without the distractions in the Senate Confirmation.

[ElementaryPenguin]

37. How is the Senate going to deny a two-term President confirmation,

when they approved friggin' John Ashcroft??!!

:crazy:

[Stuckinthebush]

50. Nope

A. - Bill wouldn't want to be that far down on the power ladder
B. - Kerry wouldn't want the charismatic Clinton to outshine him
C. - Bill doesn't need the headache. He is making loads of cash and enjoying life as an ex-president.
D. - You are addressed by your last official title. So technically, President Bill Clinton would become Secretary Bill Clinton. He'd hate that.

[ElementaryPenguin]

53. Good points all, SITB, but I think Clinton and Kerry are throwbacks

Who would consider America's need for competency and expertise to help us out of the incredible foreign policy mess the Busheviks have gotten us into to be paramount - and will not be hung up about titles and such.

:shrug:

[Stuckinthebush]

64. Don't get me wrong...I'd love to see it!

Can you imagine having Bill back in a Democratic Administration in such a high profile role? Beautiful! The right wing blow-hards would have seizures. Also, something powerful might happen that would bring back our standing in the world community.

I just think that it can't happen because of the obvious power differential between President and Sec of State.

But, one can hope.....!

[ElementaryPenguin]

67. It is a fun dream, isn't it?

And it could happen - in fact, really ought to happen. If it doesn't...hell, if we can't at least dream during this Bushler nightmare, what the hell can we do?

:shrug:

[weedthesmoke]

55. I can think of much better candidates

Norman Schwartzkopf, Chuck Yeager, BB King etc.

[ElementaryPenguin]

56. How could you have left off Newt Gingrich, Tom Delay, and Sean Hannity?

:spank:
:crazy:

[robertpaulsen]

73. If Clark is chosen for VP, I think he will.

I've always thought Clark would be a brilliant choice for Secretary of State. But if Kerry choses him for VP, there is only one other person more qualified for Sec of State than Clark - Clinton! Great idea!

[ElementaryPenguin]

78. THAT is MY dream team!!!

If only...

:bounce:

[davidinalameda]

74. Clinton would outshine Kerry if this happened

don't see it

[TexasSissy]

76. No way. That would be a step down for a former Prez.

He has joined the ranks of "former President," and is still referred to as , "Mr. President."

[ElementaryPenguin]

79. Just as he ALWAYS will be - despite whatever office he might ever hold.

Don't forget - ex-presidents are rarely this young and full of vitality!

:think:

[mandyky]

81. If not Sec of State,

definitely special envoy to the Israeli/Palestinian matter.

[ElementaryPenguin]

84. Shameless kick! Keep the dream alive!

:kick:
:grouphug:

[evil_orange_cat]

85. I want Clinton to stay retired...

I don't want 4 years (or 8) of listening to the right attack the man again. Let his legacy stand. Ex-Presidents stay retired... I like that precedence.

[Rationality]

86. Look up Taft in the history books

After leaving the presidency, he became a SCOTUS justice... that precedent you talk about hasn't always held.