There should be absolutely no question that Bill Richardson is the most qualified candidate for SoS

[FLAprogressive]

Out of the three most discussed candidates....only ONE has actually done serious negotiations with foreign countries all over the world and won a Nobel Peace Prize for them. Bill Richardson.

I really don't know why this isn't a no-brainer at this point. I respect HRC and Kerry but they are not as qualified for the job as Richardson is....they need to remain in the Senate, where they are best-suited IMO. This is absolutely no time for a political appointment for such an important cabinet position.

[blm]

1. That's absurd. Why do you STILL know very little about the last Dem presidential nominee.

What a shame.

Try reading the National Security Archives. Just because corpmedia doesn't WANT the public to know much about this nation's actual historic record, doesn't mean activist Democrats need go along with the dumbing down.

Try this for starters:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7826276&mesg_id=7826276

And I don't even WANT Kerry in SoS because I believe we need him leading investigations into Bush2 the way he uncovered so many crimes of Bush1 and his cronies, but, I'll be damned if I'm going to let the low information delegation misrepresent his SERIOUS foreign policy credentials.

[KittyWampus]

8. Sorry BLM, love and admire Kerry but what has he done to accrue real diplomatic and

negotiating skills?

That's an honest question.

I know he's done lots of investigating. I hope Obama gives him room in the Senate to do some digging and that Obama has the GUTS to pursue certain things.

[blm]

11. Did you read any of ProSense's post and hit any link? Here, I'll post link again...

.http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7826276&mesg_id=7826276

A shame corpmedia has kept so much from the American people - too bad Kerry didn't hire a PUBLICIST to push his accomplishments over the DECADES, including some heavy duty negotiations globally. But then, the matters he handled certainly had no appeal to the media talking heads and their import tends to be lost when big stories like stained blue dresses happen.

[Bad Thoughts]

2. Agree, but Disagree

I think you are correct in assessing Richardson's qualifications, but this is not merely a question of finding the best resume. I like Richardson's credentials: he has shown that he can negotiate in tough situations, not just shake hands and remember names. Indeed, a great FP team would have Biden, Richardson at state, Clark or Rice as NSA, and (maybe) Clinton at Defense, with Kerry becoming chair/Senate Foreign Relations. But ultimately, this is Obama's choice. We gave him that power when we elected him. If he wants Kerry or Clinton, that's his choice.

[proud patriot]

3. I'm leaning toward Richardson myself

He's quite a personable fellow . I think
he would make an Excellent Secretary of State .

[BOSSHOG]

4. He is not more "qualified" then General Clark

both are outstanding men with great credentials and would do a great job at State, but "most qualified" is subjective ergo I'll throw my two cents worth in. General Clark is the most qualified. I choose not to go through answering the absurd question of why. If you know of Richardson's credentials then you should be up to speed with the General's diplomatic portfolio. Not to mention his administrative experience. A four star general versus a governor is a no contest relative to administrative duties experience and responsibilities.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Right. Clark. Richardson. Clinton. Rice. Holbrooke. They're ALL good.

Man, have we got a deep bench!

[BOSSHOG]

7. We've had a great bench for quite some time

but I've yet to get over the Ryne Sandberg for Ivan Dejesus trade. hey, what forum am I in?

[saltpoint]

15. Hell, I'm still in near-catatonic shock over the Frank Robinson for

Milt Pappas trade.

Milt Pappas!?!?! I mean, for God's sake...

[Spider Jerusalem]

6. Richardson's been nominated for the Nobel; he's never WON it though

[karynnj]

9. Ricjhardson did not win a Nobel Peace Prize

[GoesTo11]

10. There are plenty of good people who haven't run for president.

How about me!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

12. The Righties were sliming both him and John Kerry, which means that both are more suited for the SoS

Much more than Hillary Clinton who they suddenly seem to love. Wonder why....

[debbierlus]

13. Sorry, Kerry is the most qualified. The only reason he hasn't been offered is his damn Senate

Foreign Relations Chair...

From what I have been reading, they don't want Feingold to chair, too much of a 'partisan' hot potatoe

Kerry deserves the position. He is the best man for the job. But, I don't think he will get it.

[saltpoint]

14. Bill Richardson is very qualified and may become the next SOS. Or not.

I'm counting several very qualified souls for that position.

[camera obscura]

16. I totally agree

[Medusa]

17. Agree 100% percent

THE most qualified for that job and the most suited for it.

[saltpoint]

18. I like that Richardson and Kerry are bilingual.

It suggests a global sensitivity and mastery. Most foreign heads of state speak our language. I don't think it's asking too much for our SOS to demonstrate interest and command of another language.