Sec. of State: Richardson and Kerry are being considered! What your vote?

[Sensitivity]

Secretary of State is the most senior cabinet position. Who Obama appoints will quite literally determine the complexion of the new administration. Now campaign work is happily over we can join the speculation games.

Since Richardson’s endorsement of Obama, the Hispanic political community has rumored that Richardson made clear that he wanted State – I was told this directly.

There is also the rumor that John Kerry is ready to join the Obama Admin. But State is likely the only position that Kerry would take in the Cabinet and Kerry’s support of Obama from the start is likely the most critical factor in bringing many in the Party leadership into the Obama camp. No endorsement was likely more determinative than Kerry’s. It led directly to the Kennedy endorsement which turned the tide.

Both Kerry and Richardson are well prepared to carry out Obama’s agenda, so it is really a question of comfort level with Obama and Biden. At the same time, a Kerry appointment will appear to tilt U.S. foreign policy more towards Europe while a Richardson State is likely get more cheers from Latin America. Kerry will be a tilt towards the Northeast liberal aristocracy, Richardson will be a nod to western states creativity.

Current Speculation
http://www.politicususa.com/en/Kerry-Obama-Sec-Of-State

Speculation from May
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24860223/

So who do you want in the top cabinet spot and why?

[Lerkfish]

1. richardson actually has diplomatic chops, this should be a no brainer

I like Kerry, and I think he should have SOME position, but I think Richardson is a better fit.

[Stand and Fight]

3. I completely agree.

My first inclination was to vote Kerry, but... Well, you said it already!

[Sensitivity]

8. Kerry has adv of established respect among world leaders esp when ran for Pres

Kerry is very much viewed a peer among European leaders, and has been deeply involved in global enviromental and economic policy forums for the past 2 decades.

[Lerkfish]

11. has he ever been employed as a diplomat?

I don't disagree with what you are saying, but even so it does not negate my original point: Richardson has the chops.

[Mass]

15. Neither has biden and I do not think there is any question when it comes to Biden as SoS.

if he was not the VP. (or does it?)

[Lerkfish]

17. It should make a difference: A diplomat has to negotiate treaties, a senator has to do

photo ops. Those are different skill sets.

[Mass]

20. Photo ops? I hope you are kidding. I have nothing about Richardson at State, but the idea that

you are denigrating the competences of respected experts like Biden or Kerry is amazing.

[Lerkfish]

26. You are reading what you want into what I'm saying: I'm denigrating no one

I'm explaining a truth: when a senator visits a foreign leader, its to be photographed and have a polite discussion. Does a treaty result? are there any negotiations? No, its a good will effort AND ITS IMPORTANT. But it is a different skill set.

You can be charismatic and personable, but negotiating agreements requires something more.

I don't understand why this is a difficult concept.

[karynnj]

80. The role is far greater than that

His role is to get an independent point of view of the situation. It is true that unless the administration is willing, they are not allowed to negotiate. The fact is that there are plenty of examples where Kerry's diplomatic skills were used to resolve problems - one example brokered a compromise between nurses and a hospital in MA - he also is good doing so in the Senate - he and Snowe created the compromise that got a coalition behind raising CAFE standards. These demonstrate diplomatic skills that would be transferable. EVERY successful Senator spends their life negotiating agreements. Do you think they just write a bill in their office and put it out on the floor to vote on? Did you notice that Kerry's Kerry/Feingold bill was the prototype for the Democrats plan?

On of Kerry's strengths running for President was his foreign policy knowledge and his vision. Madeline Abright on a book she wrote about two years ago on foreign policy was speaking of the new approach that considers culture more, she had excerpts from some foreign policy experts and included John Kerry. Not the John Kerry of 2006, or of 2004 when he ran for President, not the Kerry of 1971 ending his awesome testimony before the Senate with a call to turn America's foreign policy - she selected Kerry's 1966 (no that is not a typo) speech from his days at Yale.

Kerry has more foreign policy vision and more class than Richardson will ever have.

[Sensitivity]

117. Very insightful

[karynnj]

71. Kerry did not do photo ops!

Also Kerry did draft the treaty that re-established relations with Vietnam - he was working with the administration at the time.

[ProSense]

41. Yes, he has.

History Repeating Itself: Kerry-Brokered Cambodia Tribunal Set To Begin

Washington at Work; The Senator Pursues 'Untold' M.I.A. Story

John Kerry on Energy and Global Warming

John Kerry advocates a responsible, forward-looking energy policy that would reduce our dependence on oil; increase the energy efficiency of our buildings, homes, and appliances; increase the amount of clean, renewable energy used to create electricity; and make our cars and trucks go further on a gallon of gas. He has championed and introduced legislation on a number of measures to improve fuel economy and to require the use of more clean renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Kerry has been a champion in leading the fight to defeat the Bush Administration's polluting energy bill, which was hatched in secret by the Cheney Energy Task Force in 2001. In addition, Kerry has been a leading voice for the need to take immediate significant steps to combat global warming. He was a participant in the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio and a delegate to the 1997 Kyoto and 2000 Hague climate talks.

link

Kerry has the breadth of foreign policy experience and knowledge on a broad range of international issues that would make him a perfect choice.

Still, this is President-Elect Barack Obama's choice. Yay!

[Lerkfish]

49. thanks.

I agree that makes me feel a bit better.

[YvonneCa]

57. Thanks, Prosense. I'm so glad...

...you showed up here. :7

[blm]

83. Plus....Kerry went ahead of Obama and helped set up his trip to Mideast and Europe last summer.

I swear some Dems must believe everything positive that happened for Obama the last few years happened in a vacuum.

[blm]

56. Kerry's father was a diplomat and wrote a book about global diplomacy. Kerry studied world cultures

and their religions and how they effect governance in those regions - it has been a lifelong passion of his.

However, I still prefer Kerry lead investigations into BushInc with a COOPERATIVE Dem president facilitating access to needed documents, instead of protecting the criminals.

[YvonneCa]

16. Kidding...right? Like Kerry doesn't? n/t

[Lerkfish]

19. sigh....

I'm not going to keep explaining my clear point -- look at my other posts in this thread.

[YvonneCa]

33. Your point is clear. But it's...

...wrong.

[Lerkfish]

38. what are Kerry's diplomatic chops, then?

If I am wrong, you should be able to come with some.

[blm]

70. Who do you THINK prepared ahead of time for Obama's visit to Mideast and Europe?

I'll give you two guesses.

[YvonneCa]

34. Your point is clear. But it's...

...wrong.

[karynnj]

69. Did you see the first debate in 2004 on foreign policy?

Did you see any of Richardson's debates? Kerry is 1000 times better.

[Stand and Fight]

2. Love John Kerrry, BUT...

Richardson has TONS of foreign policy experience, and, while I don't agree with his position on pulling troops out of Iraq right away, I think he's a good man, trustworthy, and he'll serve this country best in the position of SoS.

[Mass]

4. Kerry has nearly as much foreign policy experience as Biden (24 years on the SFRC). Not endorsing

him or Richardson, just correcting a common misperception.

[Lorentz]

9. "Richardson has TONS of foreign policy experience,"

He can see Mexico from his house! :)

[Lerkfish]

13. google is your friend.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bill+richardson+diplomat&btnG=Search

and try not be so annoying when you're completely wrong.

[Lorentz]

62. It was a joke, idiot.

Try not to be so obtuse when you don't understand the smiley.

[Terran]

65. OMG, per Wikipedia...

...Richardson is a native of Pasadena, CA--like me!! :woohoo:

Ya learn something everyday.

[Stand and Fight]

39. Richardson has served in numerous diplomatic posts. n/t

[blm]

5. Kerry would be great in any position and he's the top expert on Pakistan and Iran region, BUT...

I prefer he stay in senate and lead investigations into BushInc and track again the global terror networks he first uncovered and exposed in his BCCI investigation.

I want a Kerry investigation to have the COOPERATION of a new Dem president who sides with him and the right to open government instead of with the secrecy and privilege of Bushes and their cronies.

[Robb]

14. Good point. nt

[marions ghost]

18. ditto

good point

[ieoeja]

82. Attorney General then?

I agree with you. Keep him in the Senate. Massachusettes is likely going to lose one Senator soon. Let Kerry move on to become the Senior Senator from MA**.

But if he was going to the cabinet, I'd almost think Attorney General would be a better fit for the reasons you state. Fitzgerald would be a great pick, but the GOP is already spinning that possibility as being for the purpose of getting Fitz off the Rezko trail despite the fact that 100% of the dozens of people implicated in the Rezko trial were Republicans, not Democrats.

For AG I would be seriously interested to find out if the prosecutor who went after the Feds in Idaho over the Ruby Ridge killings was serious about Constitutional responsibilities and abuse by law enforcement, or if he was just ideologically (firearms) motivated. I suspect the latter. But if it was the former, picking him would wildly confuse the gun crowd.


** Took him 24 years to get his first promotion. What a loser. :)

[RepublicanElephant]

6. kerry's replacement in the senate would obviously be a dem.

but would richardson's replacement as gov be a dem? is new mexico considered a safe state for dems now?

[LibraLiz1973]

22. That would have to be a factor

[Barack_America]

24. The other consideration is if Teddy leaves the Senate...

Is it really fair to Massachusetts to have 2 junior Senators?

[demodonkey]

112. Um, if Ted leaves, Kerry becomes the Senior Senator. nt

[Barack_America]

123. Not if Kerry leaves for a Cabinet position.

That was my point.

[Freddie Stubbs]

52. NM's Lt. Governor is a Democrat

http://www.ltgov.state.nm.us/

[globalvillage]

7. Either would be great.

Both have experience, and both have been excellent surrogates for Obama.

Sen. Kerry's SFRC subcommittee deals with the Middle East and N Africa, so he has already met with leaders in many countries where we have real challenges. He has a long history of focusing on the issue of narcotics and terrorism, and his work uncovering BCCI and investigating Iran-Contra would be invaluable.

I'm not sure if Sen. Kerry would rather have SoS or chair the SFRC, but if he wants SoS, I think he should get it.

[debbierlus]

10. Kerry. He has amazing knowledge of foreign affairs, & way more experience

Being on the foreign relation committee...

Frankly, I am surprised Richardson is up there for this particular position. I love Richardson, but I think he should be used in a different capacity.

[Sensitivity]

12. With Kerry you get 2 for 1 -- Love to see TERESA representing us with JK around the world

[karynnj]

91. Very true, Teresa did accompany Kerry when he visited South Africa

where she had attended University and marched against apartheid. Kerry was there to do oversight on the AIDS aid program that he and Frist initiated. Teresa's connections to the area and the fact that she was the daughter of a doctor who had taken her on house visits likely made her an asset. (That she is brilliant and speaks 5 language.)

http://www.kerryvision.net/2007/11/senator_kerry_in_cape_town.html#more

[Occam Bandage]

21. Richardson would send the message that America is ready to talk again.

Kerry would send the message that Obama is rewarding his supporters with little regard to anything else.

[Mass]

23. Care to explain?

[politicasista]

63. Yes, I want to know too n/t

[blm]

85. That's ABSURD - Kerry is highly regarded by world leaders for advocating face to face talks

Who do you THINK set up Obama's trip to Mideast and Europe last summer? Try checking out Kerry's travel schedule in the weeks before Obama went.

[karynnj]

93. Bull shit - Kerry had the same message of DIPLOMACY, DIPLOMACY, DIPLOMACY in 2004

Kerry was considered qualified by the majority of Democrats to be President - yet you have the lack of insight to say that "rewarding his supporters" is the only reason to pick Kerry.

Kerry is very likely the more respected in the world.

[politicasista]

120. Ooh. Ouch! BTW: Still waiting on the explanation

So far crickets.

[JVS]

25. How about if Kerry took Reid's job?

[Mass]

27. There would be a small problem? Wrong chamber?

[JVS]

29. Oops, sorry.. Reid's job then

[NYC Liberal]

32. Speaker doesn't have to be a House member. But it wouldn't happen anyways nt

[musicblind]

30. Kerry can't do that he is a member of the Senate not the House.

[Hieronymus]

94. Reid is leader of the Senate.

[musicblind]

101. JVS edited his post after I made mine. It originally said Pelosi.

You can see the time stamp of where he edited it. His edit is also discussed up thread. I'm not the only person who called him on it.

[Hieronymus]

110. Thanks

[politicasista]

64. Heard Durbin is up for that spot n/t

[musicblind]

28. John Kerry Please.

If not Kerry then Clinton, or someone else. I'm not a big fan of Richardson.

However, Kerry would be an excellent choice! :)

[Jersey Devil]

31. Well, since Richardson already shaved off his beard it's him

Either that or he has been traded to the Yankees.

[NYC Liberal]

35. I like Richardson for Secretary of State. I think Kerry should stay in the Senate

We need some strong allies there too, remember.

[Dappleganger]

46. I agree.

[AspenRose]

55. Yep

[Myrina]

103. Agreed.

:hi:

[Kalyke]

36. Wes Clark

He already has the contacts.

[Meshuga]

37. I'm happy with either. n/t

[Beacool]

40. Richardson?

Watch your back Obama, you too may get stabbed by him.

[Beausoir]

84. ...

:thumbsup:

[Ozma]

42. Richardson! Kerry had his chance and he's a Senator with

Seniority in the Senate. Mass will possibly be losing Kennedy in the next two years, (I hope not, but the diagnosis isn't good).

Kerry wants out of the Senate, I think, and he can do something for Obama after Kennedy is replaced in 2010.

[karynnj]

105. Kerry had his chance???

That is the strangest reason ever - he narrowly lost the Presidency, in spite of his brilliant foreign policy debate, so he can't be President.

However, you have no problem with Richardson who never won a single primary (or even came close)

[Hope And Change]

43. We need Kerry in the senate.

[Bake]

44. Neither one.

Keep Kerry in the Senate. And Richardson? Oh please. He's a whiner that we don't need in sensitive negotiations.

Bake

[amborin]

45. Richardson is a complete idiot

a total dunce

his primary debate performances were pathetic

there are so many excellent candidates

[Lerkfish]

50. I find it interesting that no one is attacking your for this post

yet if I say Richardson has diplomatic experience I'm skewered.

this place is very odd, sometimes.

[blondeatlast]

53. Yorus (and many of the others in oppostiion to it) have some

merit in terms of knowledge and intellect. The one you responded to has neither so best let it go ignored...

[Lerkfish]

61. good point.

[YvonneCa]

59. Richardson has a LOT of...

...diplomatic experience, much of it during the Clinton Administration. And he's a good candidate for this job. I just think Kerry has way more.

[karynnj]

95. You ignore that you attacked because you said that the man that 69% of

Democrats picked in the primaries in 2004 has no experience on foreign policy - ignoring that he has spent 24 years on the SFRC and that he spoke brilliantly on foreign policy even in 1966 - Albright quoted and praised his Yale speech in a book she wrote a few years ago.

You were not attacked because you said that Richardson had experience. The fact is that Richardson was awful in the debates - even saying people had the choice to be gay or not. (Yes, that is relevant - it shows that he is pretty tone deaf to say this in a Democratic debate.)

[Blu Dahlia]

47. I appreciate all that Kerry has done, he deserves it but

I would prefer to see a fresh face in the position (Richardson).

[Sensitivity]

54. Amazed at the bias to Richardson. Kerry's legal, military-foreign policy, and negotiating skills

makes him unquestioningly qualified.

Richardson's experience as a negotiator probably exceed Kerry's, but negotiation is not the primary job of the SOS but of his deputies.

I think Kerry's 2 decades of experience in the Senate better prepares him to direct and craft the development of strategy and policy for issues around the globe.

[Aloha Spirit]

79. I'm concerned about Mass. going from two powerful Senators to two newbies.

[karynnj]

107. Richardson has been around far too long to be a fresh face

He's been around for at least 2 decades in Congress, the Clinton administration and NM. You saw him less than Kerry because he was a complete failure in the primaries and Kerry has been a leader since he narrowly lost the Presidency.

[freestyle]

48. Richardson is the best qualified. eom

[blondeatlast]

51. There's no loss to either one, but my preference is richardson for experience. nt

[PVnRT]

58. I like Richardson's experience better

He has done a massive amount of work on the international stage as UN ambassador and doing Dept. of Energy work. I like Kerry, but I've been thinking about Richardson as SoS for a while now.

[Alter Ego]

60. We need Kerry in the Senate.

Therese Murray and Martha Coakley are licking their chops at the thought of an abandoned Senate seat in MA and both of them suck dog balls.

[politicasista]

66. Wow, what happened to this thread?

Is it just the name Kerry or is just the speculation. Everything is just a rumor. It's Obama's decision.

I will say que sera, sera. Kerry, Richardson, Clark, are all good candidates.

[bdamomma]

67. what else could they offer Senator Kerry if he doesn't get

Secretary of State

[karynnj]

68. The write up is pretty biased

and ignores that Kerry was one of the people who was with Obama before the foreign policy debate. The writer is ignorant in saying that a Kerry appointment would be a tilt towards Europe. Kerry chairs the subcommittee of the SFRC that deals with the middle east and near east - where a high concentration of the problems are.

In addition, Kerry is MUCH closer to where Obama is philosophically on foreign policy. His fascination with cultures and religions and their impact on political decisions gives Kerry a more textured richer view of the dynamics of the various conflicts. Kerry is one of the very few politicians who has actually articulated a personal world view and abstract foreign policy. He is far more respected overseas. He is also far more "creative" than Richardson.

To give a non foreign policy examples of Richardson's tone deafness, look at his debate answers and all his interviews when running for President - he was not very good - even though his golden resume made me want him to be good. Consider his answer that being gay was a choice. Now, most gays reject that - yet he was willing to go with his personal biases. This is relevant in diplomacy because it shows a rigidity. Imagine he has a bias against one side or another in a conflict.

As to Latin America, that comment is racist. So, they are suppose to like Richardson because he is Hispanic. This would be as dumb as saying that Kerry is better for Latin America because his wife being Portuguese plays well in South America's biggest country. The fact of the matter is that Kerry in 2004 spoke of the JFK approach, the Alliance with America. Kerry also stood against The Reagan administration's backing of the RW Contra thugs and teh School of America. Give me an example of anything similar Richardson has done.

Kerry is far more qualified - my only negative is that he is also an excellent Senator and MA might emotionally need him.

He also comes with baggage, he is not the class act Kerry is.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

72. Kerry

he is a very good man. I think he would be great.. and goddamit he deserves the nod here.

[Fabio]

73. I prefer Kerry.

He carries much more political heft overseas as a function of his 2004 run -> this will save miles on Obama (as will as Biden obviously). JK, a longtime environmental leader, is particularly smart on global climate and fishery issues, which can only be fixed with global action. I see JK making that a personal priority and as well as being able to do that well. Also having tremendous respect in Asia as a historical figure of peace in the region is a nice plus.

That said, as I have said in other threads, Richardson is very much qualified.

[blm]

87. Sad that so many Dems STILL have no clue how highly regarded Kerry is by world leaders who

were ANXIOUS back in 2004 to finally have an American president of his integrity as well as his considerable knowledge of their cultures and concerns.

[Sensitivity]

108. Completely agree. Kerry has enormous respect as a powerful leader in own right

[karynnj]

96. Kerry may have the same "figure of peace in the region" in Central America as well

because he was a strong critic of the Contras and the School of America.

[goodgd_yall]

74. It will be neither, but I don't have any idea who. n/t

[politicasista]

77. You may be right, it could be a dark horse person

Only Obama knows. :)

[No Elephants]

75. Any other options? I love Kerry, but I don't think he's temperamentally suited for this; despite

his intellect. I also think he has enormous difficulty with formulating sentences without 18 subordinate clauses. And sometimes his sentences just never end. Not good for clarity of communications, especially in translation.

However, I think the opposite of Richardson--very well suited temperamentally, but not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Not at all dumb, mind you, but not an intellectual giant, like Kerry, Condi, Obama, Clinton (Bill), etc.

[politicasista]

76. He and Obama got similiar temperment n/t

[karynnj]

100. Did you watch a single Kerry interview or speech this year?

Kerry is extremely articulate and in case you didn't notice, made the case for Obama better than anyone -first in his endorsement speech, where he was the first to speak of Obama as a transformative figure. At the convention, his speech was called the best speech in 2 decades - and he wrote it himself and the Obama people had so much trust it wasn't vetted.

As to clear clean compelling sentences, what would you cut from;
"How do you ask a man to be the last man to die for a mistake?"

But, look at this mess:

I also think he has enormous difficulty with formulating sentences without 18 subordinate clauses. (Absolute Hyperbole - find me ONE Kerry sentence with even 4 subordinate clauses.)

And sometimes his sentences just never end. (This is a very poorly formed sentence - I doubt your high school English teacher would have liked it.)

Not good for clarity of communications, especially in translation. (Gee a sentence with no verb)


The fact is that in treaties, those clarifying clauses are REALLY important.

[politicasista]

121. Guess they didn't watch

:shrug:

[karynnj]

109. You must then thinks Obama an idiot - they sent Kerry to MTP the Sunday before the election

to state the case for Obama.

[politicasista]

119. Yep. They must think that n/t

[Aloha Spirit]

78. Neither, but Richardson is my preference if it's between the two.

[pageman551]

81. What about Donald Rumsfeld?

That would be a surprise pick that would electrify the country. He's got plenty of experience and has been a strong proponent of good relations with European allies like France and Germany. Plus, he's so loved in the Middle East. I think, if Obama knows what he's doing, he'll pick Rummy for sure.

[Aloha Spirit]

86. If you break it you bought it.

Is that what you mean by experience?

:toast:

[Essene]

88. richardson 100%

[Supersedeas]

89. we need Kerry in the Senate

[ReadTomPaine]

90. This is pretty much a win/win situation...

Isn't it nice to say that for a change? :)

[knixphan]

98. YES!!!!!

TOTAL win-win.

I'd celebrate either

[FKA MNChimpH8R]

114. Can't find a bad thing to say about either of

these distinguished men.

[tammywammy]

92. Richardson, hands down. n/t

[trudyco]

97. Kerry - I haven't forgotten Richardson refused to do NM recount in04 when inums. seemed funny.

Besides, I think Kerry speaks better than Richardson. Otherwise they both sound qualified.

Does everybody on the cabinet have to be a known? I mean, are there any interesting prospects who have not run for president or been an insider for billions of years? It would be nice to see some fresh faces, too.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

99. Kerry By A Mile. He Deserves It Too.

I really hope that if he wants it, he'll get it. He'd be great in the position.

[youthere]

102. I gotta'go with Richardson on this one...

much as I love Kerry...I've already lost two powerful Senate chairs...I don't want to lose another..and as much as I hate to say it..we may be losing Kennedy as well.

[Sebastian Doyle]

104. Richardson for Secretary of State

Kerry for Attorney General. Let him finish what he started in the 80's, and bring the goddamn Bush Crime Family down once and for all.

[Lyric]

106. I dislike Richardson. Kerry would be phenomenal. nt

[personanongrata]

111. Con.....

di? How about it?

[maddowfan]

113. Bill.

[Sensitivity]

115. PLEASE FOLKS - consider we want TERESA on the Internanal stage for us

Kind of subjective, but considering her charm in 5 languages and her third world orientation, it more than makes up for Bill's hispanic background.

[MarjorieG]

122. Kerry said he/Obama share foreign policy DNA. Obama trusts him on message discipline/diplomacy

Kerry is careful on language, relationships, and worked the advance on the mideast trip. As much as he'd want it, he may worry about MA representation right now and settle for Foreign Relations Chair. His areas have been Near East and Far East, Pacific Rim. The whole package.

Richardson was the troubleshooter for Clinton and hope there is something for him.

[eridani]

116. That Richardson is not currently holding national office is a plus

Kerry is very valuable in the Senate.

[Sensitivity]

118. Isn't the senate leadership crowded w Clinton, Bayh Webb etc