Hillary Clinton to accept Obama's offer of secretary of state job

[onehandle]

Source: Guardian

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned.

Obama's advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton's foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. But Democrats do not believe that the vetting is likely to be a problem.

Clinton would be well placed to become the country's dominant voice in foreign affairs, replacing Condoleezza Rice. Since being elected senator for New York, she has specialised in foreign affairs and defence. Although she supported the war in Iraq, she and Obama basically agree on a withdrawal of American troops.

Clinton, who still harbours hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed by staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the secretary of state job.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/hillary-clinton-secretary-of-state

[LeftyMom]

1. Oh Jeez.

:eyes:

[EFerrari]

27. I know. I have an Excedrin headache. And if this is true, so will Obama.

:(

[LeftyMom]

36. I'm hoping it's not true. I kinda doubt it.

Aside from the fact that she's a total hawk, he seems to be looking for people he gets along with, and I think whoever gets State is going to be somebody who is willing to be subordinate to Biden on foreign affairs, which I can't see her being.

Political considerations entirely aside, her personality doesn't exactly scream "successful diplomat."

[blue_onyx]

65. How do you know Obama doesn't get along with Hillary?

They could be good friends for all we know.

[LeftyMom]

73. Remember the primary?

If they're friends, I'm the Pope.

[blue_onyx]

75. Yeah, that's what happens in politics

People want to win so they go after the other candidate. It doesn't mean people hate eachother. Biden criticized Obama too and yet was picked as VP.

[LeftyMom]

76. No, I've followed politics since I was a kid. That was something else.

There's clearly some enmity there, though it appears to be mostly omni-directional.

[hendo]

99. same here

but im not sure that even Excedrin is strong enough to cure it. Why cant she just go away?

[ClarkUSA]

83. Gee, I had no idea until now that Obama had offered the job exclusively to her.

:sarcasm:

The Clintons are really doing their best to steamroll Obama, aren't they?

[bluestateguy]

2. I'll wait for the official announcement

I don't like rumors, leaks and cowardly anonymous sources.

[mikelgb]

3. confirmed?

[Drunken Irishman]

4. Sorry, but I do not trust the Guardian. Ever.

[snot]

20. Can you cite to specific instances in which they've been wrong?

Even if you can, I suspect their track record's better than that of the U.S.-based corporate media.

[Drunken Irishman]

40. They've leaked a lot of things in the past, especially during the election, that were wrong.

Always cited here and nothing ever develops. It's just rumor.

[snot]

47. Again, specific instances?

[musicblind]

90. I personally do not know of any specific instances. But I will say this.

I am a staunch Hillary supporter... and I don't trust the guardian. I don't trust that paper because I am aware of how tabloid-esque British papers are. British news is not superior to American news when it comes to their papers. Sorry.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

102. British newspapers publish the truth when US papers haven't dared to!

I prefer the Independent

[Prophet 451]

113. You obviously don't know British papers at all

We have four types of paper here; the tabloid-esque ones are, unsurprisingly, the tabloids. Breaks down like this:
Broadsheets (trustworthy, objective): London Times, Telegraph
Middle England (mostly trustworthy but opinionated): Independent, Guardian, Observer
Tabloids (utterly untrustworthy, highly subjective): Sun, Mirror, Express, Mail
Redtops (think National Enquirer meets Weekly World News): Daily Star, Daily Sport

[anigbrowl]

120. Hmmm....no.

I fail to see how you can put the Times and the Telegraph (aka the Torygraph) into the 'trustworthy and objective' category - they're basically little different from 'Middle England' category, just a lot older. I'm not sure about your category name either, since the Grauniad (in-joke) is a historically lefty paper, not what I'd call 'Middle England' at all. Which is not to say I don't like them - I used to work for the Guardian and have fond memories of it.

The only paper that I'd credit with modern broadsheet status (as in being largely apoliticial in its reporting) is the Financial Times, but the FT has such a narrow focus that it's of questionable value to most people. You'd miss a lot of interesting domestic news if you only read the FT, though of course the significance of that domestic news is highly questionable.

[Prophet 451]

122. The category name

...was purely because I couldn't come up with something else for "middling". I meant "Middle England" as in the middle rather than any political view.

The Times used to have a reputation which they zealously guarded, for reliable, apolitical coverage. Granted, they've since been sold to Murdoch but the editors seem to be fighting him. The Torygraph, while mildly slanted, also tries bloody hard to get it's facts straight. I'm trying to evaluate not their political stance but how reliable their reporting is. Personally, I take the Indy.

In terms of genuinely apolitical reportage, you're right. Probably only the FT and a few local papers qualify. The Standard maybe? Haven't read it in years.

[JoFerret]

103. Ridiculous remark

Are you currently drunk?

[ElsewheresDaughter]

109. huh?

[Whoa20]

5. praise the Lord

or karma, whatever you believe in. Nothing will turn up in this new witch hunt, and I'll be happy to see the look on Markos', Huffington, and all Clinton hater faces.

[KittyWampus]

8. Witch hunt? That tells me all I need to know about you

[EFerrari]

29. Yeah, vetting for others is a "witch hunt" for the Clintons.

No spin there.

I can't believe we're going to be saddled with these people another four years. Oh, god.

[amdezurik]

41. Gee, maybe a part of it is the belief

in so many right here at DU of all the rumors spin and innuendo pushed by the freepers concerning the Clintons? Nah, you are such a perfect person yourself you am ENTITLED to make those kinds of "judgements" based on BS from the RW. Yes, yes, I know how distressing it is for some people that a woman fought for her position, and i know the habit to just slide over improper things our side did just because we won, but nobody was a saint during the primaries, much as you seem to want to claim that title all for yourself...

[EFerrari]

49. I am a well known lackey of the right wing here on DU. n/t

[MadBadger]

79. Whoa

[Leftist Agitator]

85. Wow, you're quite the ardent Hillarite, aren't you?

:eyes:

[HeraldSquare212]

6. I'd really like to know if an offer was actually made.

So far as I have read, Obama was considering several candidates.

[kimmerspixelated]

7. She'd be good, I guess.

But I was hoping for Wes Clark, Kerry or Richardson.

[Gullvann]

11. They would all be good.

But, I think Clinton could be a much needed voice for women's issues around the world.

[closeupready]

38. Oh, give me a break. She didn't have squat to say about, for example, that Saudi girl who

was raped and then sentenced to be lashed. Hillary isn't much of a feminist where it will cost her politically.

[Gullvann]

51. Show me one Western Politican who dares to stand up to the

Big Oil in Saudi?

I started a thread on global warming this weekend. But, that is another major issue to get weaned off oil....

[closeupready]

56. That is a good point - when people talk of the corruption of Washington, that is one of the

things people are saying - they don't stand up to these regimes that stomp on human rights and women's rights when we are talking about oil. That's flat-out wrong.

[Gullvann]

62. I agree. But, I would certainly rather have Hillary Clinton going

down there as a strong woman. Instead of Bush doing his sabre dance.

[qwlauren35]

88. The "Experience" Issue...

I was looking through the Wikipedia at the "resumes" of several past Secretaries (Rice, Powell, Albright, Baker, Christopher, Haig, Kissinger, Schultz) in an effort to express my feelings about Clinton's qualifications as Secretary of State. Looking back, I should simply say, that she doesn't share the qualifications of several of our previous Secretaries... but she's more qualified than others.

For example, several of our recent Secretaries of State have previously served as either Undersecretaries, UN Ambassadors, National Security Advisors, or some combination of the above. Some of them know multiple languages. Many have lived abroad or spent time abroad in political or diplomatic negotiations prior to taking the role. Several had degrees (M.A. or PhD) in International Policy.

These are the types of qualifications that Clinton does not have in any way, shape or form. I would add that no Senator has EVER become a Secretary of State previously. Now, there's a first time for everything. But my personal opinion is that Clinton falls way short on diplomatic qualifications.

However, I would add that these "qualified" people haven't necessarily been outstanding. And we've had people who were LESS qualified than Clinton, who clearly seemed to be taking the role as a favor to the President... or had it bestowed upon them as a favor.

So, I guess a politically motivated appointment isn't without precedent. But I REALLY wish they would pick a diplomat, experienced negotiator or foreign policy EXPERT instead of Clinton. In my mind, if Obama chooses her for political reasons, his credibility with me will drop several notches.

[ut oh]

18. Wes Clark should go to Defense

imo

[Gullvann]

19. What was the fall our of the Clark situation in Kosovo?

He seemed to get into a fight with the British commanders...

[AllyCat]

23. He can't. He has not been out of the military long enough for this post

I was hoping for him for SoS, but we get Hilary instead. Hope this works.

[tclambert]

35. Agree. Wes Clark for Defense.

Former Supreme Allied Commander. Last American general who actually won a war.

[blue_onyx]

69. I hope Wes Clark gets some sort of position in the administration

[Gullvann]

9. If this happens. I think it will be very popular in Europe..

A bit weird that she wants to give up her "lifetime" place in the senate.

Perhaps term limits are coming? :-)

[salguine]

34. I just blew my tea out of my nose. Term limits? That would mean

Congress imposed term limits on themselves, which is about as likely as a dog neutering itself.

[Gullvann]

48. I know. :-)

How did that happen for the Presidency. Congress did it?

[salguine]

70. The Congress we have now would never impose term limits on the President

because he would call them "soft on tair".

[Gullvann]

72. lol.

[RufusTFirefly]

100. A Republican Congress did it during Truman's presidency

Their goal was to prevent another Roosevelt. In keeping with the Law of Unintended Consequences, they prevented Eisenhower and Reagan from serving third terms.

[muriel_volestrangler]

42. Term limits in Congress would be a constitutional amendment, wouldn't they?

I can't see that happening unless there's been a long bipartisan push for it.

[Gullvann]

44. They probably would.

It would be a good project for McCain to be all Mavericky about before he retires, don't you think?

At least make something good happen?

Ok, ok, I admit I am skeptical about an entrenched political class. :-)

Cheers.

[liberalpragmatist]

105. Ask people in California how well they like term limits

Term limits sound great in theory. In practice, they mean that nobody has any expertise at crafting legislation and the result is even more dysfunction.

[bertman]

10. If Barack's trying to form a coalition of rivals, he sure started with the right one. Too bad

she is a militarist and corporatist.

I was thinking she would make a great Senate Majority Leader since she has a pair and Harry does not. Oh well.

[Gullvann]

14. Militarist and a corporatist?

I am Dennis Kucinich man.

But, I do unfortunately realize that he is too far off the mainstream political map.

Who would you prefer?

[Taverner]

12. She'll do awesome

Any protege of Albright is OK in my book

[mike_c]

54. ah yes-- the other woman who likes murdering Iraqis....

:puke:

[Taverner]

57. Well, that's why we didn't elect her to the Presidency

I have news for you: none of the choices are perfect

[BREMPRO]

13. i think they are guessing to say they had the scoop, the vetting has yet to be completed

Not official. I'd like to see their source!

[Gullvann]

16. The Guardian is a major left leaning broad sheat.

It's not some silly tabloid.

Off course, they could be wrong though.

[KittyWampus]

21. they are usually good and may be right. But they have been rightwing mouthpieces from time to time

[Gullvann]

31. They do sometimes let rightwing voices into their op-ed's

Which I think is fair enough.

They come from the country of John Stuart Mill after all :-)

[Gullvann]

17. I should add that they have manc

origins.

Which does make them somewhat suspect :-P

[Botany]

15. All right Israel & Palestine (Gaza & West Bank) ......

.... Do not make me stop this car and have to "talk" to you.



Hey I wanted Richardson but Obama has shown me so much
that all I can say is "Fine by me, Mr. President."

And also she is 100% better than Condi.

[PFunk]

22. If this is true then we can kiss any chance of a Mideast peace goodbye

[DonCoquixote]

24. Hillary

I understand that half the people here are probably throwing up, and the other half are popping champagne bottles. As much as I have misgivings about her (Israel should not be our best friend), the fact is, we need a Secretary of state that is actually respected abroad, and she fits the bill. After eight years of Powell and Rice, the rest of the world wants to see someone who has a level head and who does her homework before running her mouth, again, Ms. Clinton fits that bill. She will be a familiar face to the European Union and Asia, but will be able to avoid carrying as much baggage as her husband would (though he would be a fine fit too.) Also, this victory came about because, for once, all shades of the left united, so yes, even some DLC will have some role.

HOWEVER, now that the DLC has been given some respect, it is time for Obama to appoint some cabinet posts that are NOT so far to the center. Fortunately, he has two people in the right place to do JUST THAT. Howard Dean, M.D. will be a perfect person to head up Health and Human Services. As far as treasury Secretary, he can pick Nobel Prize winner Paul Krugman. Another area where he can score big points is by appoiting Al Gore Secretary of the Interior. These appointments would show two things: One, that the DLC is NOT running the show, and Two, we will return to the days when the MOST QUALIFIED would actually be given cabinet level positions. He could do far worse than have two Nobel winners and Howard Dean.

[AllHereTruth]

37. Krugman for Sec of Treasury!

I have been waiting for this announcement. Hopefully it is the next.

*Also, John Edwards for AG!?!?

[cali]

80. John Edwards??? Some of you really do live in bizarro world.

That phony blew any chance of being in national politics. And a damned good thing that is.

[MarthaMyDear]

93. Excellent points, DonCoquixote! I wouldn't mind Hillary at all...

...I think you're right, after all the rest, she would be a breath of fresh air overseas.

Your mention of Howard Dean is right on the money...Nobel Prize winners could be a definite plus!

[superconnected]

25. The only thing clinton would do is shut up palin about the dems not putitng women in office.

It will also take away palins press and put it back to a woman holding a high office.

I am sick of seeing that tactless Alaskan in the news.

[JeanGrey]

26. And she dodged bullets on the tarmac.

Lord.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JeanGrey]

33. No kidding.

[Beausoir]

114. You just suggested that American soldiers will shoot Senator Clinton.

"If the same soldiers were to keep her safe again they may be tempted to let one fly by after she dishonored them the way that she did. I will question Obama if he does give her the SOS."


You dishonor the men and women in uniform.

[LostinVA]

118. My BIL is ex-Army Intelligence and an ardent Obama supporter

He was medicalled out because of a bad spinal injury he incurred while jumping "blind" from a plane at night while in Bosnia, of all places. Guess what HE thinks about the so-called "Snipergate"? NOTHING. He doesn't like Hillary at all, but this very decorated man thinks it's all a politician eye-rolling joke.

[LostinVA]

116. You do realize what you just wrote breaks DU rules and jeopardizes the Admins

Right???

[salguine]

46. That continues to be a big problem for me. It was pretty much

debunked immediately as not only a made-up lie, but a patently ridiculous story. That she would utter a whopper so demonstrably false and so easily disproved, without the slightest hesitation, tells me that she's a fundamentally dishonest person, especially when there was really no need to do it. Ugghh.

[peace13]

53. Fundamentally dishonest person,

What a great quality in a SOS! I hope to hell Obama hasn't been joking with us.

[Whisp]

86. and she got her daughter to publicly lie about it too.

maybe she used some McCain swearwords against Chelsea to make her do it.

[Pastiche423]

28. If true...

ANOTHER DLCer.

:eyes:

[Gullvann]

39. As a foreigner who is not totally up to speed.....

What is the DLC?

[RufusTFirefly]

45. Democratic Leadership Council

They're the corporate Democrats (should be an oxymoron, but sadly, it's not). Tend to be hawkish "free-traders", who are very cozy with Big Business.

[Gullvann]

50. Sort of "republican light"

I think those are those ones Michael Moore used to talk about. That the two party system was something of an illusion.

I can see why this makes you worried then.

Why not Dennis for sos?

Is he even considered for any sort of position?

[RufusTFirefly]

61. What would be really scary is if Obama...

... appointed one of the architects of bank deregulation as one of his trusted economic advisors

Obama makes Leach, Albright available to meet G20
By Robert Schroeder
Last update: 12:12 p.m. EST Nov. 12, 2008

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- President-elect Barack Obama is making former Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright available to meet with representatives of the G20 nations on his behalf this weekend during the group's emergency financial summit. Obama asked Albright and Leach "to be available meet with and listen to our friends and allies on his behalf," said Obama senior foreign policy advisor Denis McDonough in a statement. Obama himself will not attend the meeting.


Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, also known as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, Pub.L. 106-102, 113 Stat. 1338, enacted November 12, 1999, is an Act of the United States Congress which repealed part of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, opening up competition among banks, securities companies and insurance companies. The Glass-Steagall Act prohibited a bank from offering investment, commercial banking, and insurance services.

<snip>

The bills were introduced in the U.S. Senate by Phil Gramm (R-Texas) and in the U.S. House of Representatives by Jim Leach (R-Iowa).

[Gullvann]

66. The upcoming g.20 meeting is certainly interesting.

It seems like Russia and the EU is lining up together...

[Pastiche423]

52. Google is your friend

[Gullvann]

55. I am a bit skeptical about Google's handling of

Chinese censorship. But, I do get your point :-)

Reading up on it now.

[Alexander]

63. They're a lot like the "New Labour" movement in the UK.

Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are two of a kind, really.

[Gullvann]

64. Yeah.... I think politics in the UK are getting a bit scary

New labour, new tories.... They seem to all agree about most everything....

The mushy corporate center.

[RufusTFirefly]

67. The "ew" in "New Labour" is pronounced as a long "o" n/t

[Gullvann]

74. It's interesting how you should say that....

Because, I feel labour is pretty much ignored these days.....

I long for the old style social democrats of Scandinavia.

The Labour party of Norway. Gerhardsen. I think we need such giants today. Hopefully Obama, can live up to just one iota of their heritage..

[IDemo]

30. I see no confirming report on any major news site

I'll wait for at least a second source on this before believing it.

[Cattledog]

43. This is great news.

She will be an major asset to Obama.

[DollyM]

59. agree! This is great news!

If I couldn't get my wish to have Hillary as President, this is a pretty close second. Maybe next time around . . .

[Roland99]

58. *sigh*

:(

[mirrera]

119. exactly...*sigh*

[Iggo]

60. The brits know something we don't?

Like the Senate is a "platform for life"? Since when?

Well, maybe for Stevens...and Byrd...and Helms...and Thurmond...and...okay, okay. I get it.

[IndianaGreen]

68. The British press knew there were no WMDs in Iraq, and reported it so

The Guardian and The Independent in particular, debunked every WMD claim as it was being made by the neocons.

[northernlights]

71. the single greatest foreign threat we face right now...

is not Europe. It's not Kosovo. Is not the middle east. Is not Russia.

It is Pakistan. The government is on the verge of collapse and al Qaeda is positioned to take over. That will be bin Laden with a state and with nukes.

The whole reason why * handed bin Laden's capture over to Pakistan when he was cornered was because * knew Pakistan's military would not capture him. * didn't want him captured. He wanted him loose and a threat to hold over our heads until the end of time. * knew Pakistan's military would let him go because it is filled with al Qaeda and taliban sympathisers.

Clinton is not only loved and respected around the world, both Clinton's are particularly loved by Pakistan, India and that whole neck of the woods.

A primary goal is to resolve the Kashmir dispute, thereby stabilizing Pakistan. Either or both Clinton's may be the best option to doing so.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

98. Well said ! I am extremely concerned Pakistan is on the verge becoming a failed nation state.

It was extremely disconcerting to hear about the murder of Stephen Vance. Pakistan must be on the top ASAP list for President Obama as well as: peace between Israel and Palestine, pulling out of Iraq, Israel-Syrian relations and healing relations with Iran.
I can understand why you say what you do about *, yet I can not agree with what you say about * because it is a theory. Again, I can understand why you would say it, and there are plenty of examples that would lead one to this conclusion. I just do not know if we will ever know the full truth. The rest of what you say in this post I find very well said.

[wisteria]

77. What a shame for those more qualified for this position.

I want to know what happened to the Obama I voted for. No more Clinton's. I am just devistated if this turns out to be true.

[jefferson_dem]

82. "Those more qualified"...

Funny. That same talking point was parroted against Obama during the primaries.

[truthisfreedom]

78. If this is true, I'm disappointed in the number of DUers that aren't trusting Obama to do the right

thing. What evidence do we have that he has ever f*ed anything up? He's brilliant. If this is his choice, and if Hillary really accepted, let's see how it plays out before we second-guess the smartest man in the room.

[mollymongold]

81. if true...

GET IT GIRL!

[jenmito]

84. Meanwhile, on CNN, "Just In" reporting Bill Clinton is being scrutinized and may

get in the way of his wife being chosen for Sec. of State.

[Life Long Dem]

87. So what good would a government be,

if the media makes the decisions?

[Cali_Democrat]

89. She will make a fantastic Sec. of State

:D

[PBS Poll-435]

91. Just have one thing to say....

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[DCBob]

92. How the heck does the UK Guardian get insider information on US politics?

I believe it's true but it weird they would break the story.

[Sensitivity]

94. Where is THIS LEAK coming from?? Weird!

[ErinBerin84]

95. the Guardian?

[LittleBlue]

96. Are there any qualified people outside the ex Clinton Admin?

I was hoping for new blood. These people are all retreads who served in the same admin! :(

[PBS Poll-435]

97. You mean people other than the people that actually know how goverment works?

I welcome Obama bringing on as many Clinton people as needed to smooth the transition.

[npk]

101. Not until Obama team finishes vetting Bill Clinton

According to article on CNN:

Two officials with President-elect Barack Obama's transition team confirm to CNN that it is investigating Bill Clinton's finances and post-presidential dealings. As part of the early vetting process, the team is looking for any negative information that could throw the prospect of Hillary Clinton as secretary of state into jeopardy.

A particular issue could be the donor list of Bill Clinton's global foundation, which might show connections to international figures who push policies that might conflict with those of the new Obama administration.

Obama last week asked Clinton if she would consider being his secretary of state, multiple sources told CNN. Clinton's response is expected this week.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/17/clinton.cabinet/index.html

[TankLV]

104. Wow - all the Cliinton Haters out in force I see...DISGUSTING, isn't it!

[Erin Elizabeth]

106. Yep, that's it.

It's just a completely irrational hatred. Not based on anything substantive. Just like your worship of her is completely irrational and not based on anything substantive, either.

Now that we have that malarky out of the way, there's nothing disgusting about expressing an opinion around here, as long as it isn't pro-Republican, etc. And my opinion is that I'm sick to my back teeth of Hillary rumors and Hillary genuflecting and people acting as if Hillary is OWED something, as usual. This has gone on way too long. It's childish and it needs to stop.

FACT: this "offer" has never even been CONFIRMED. So this story that she's accepted a NON-CONFIRMED offer is bullshit.

[TankLV]

121. Well - you prove my point...and I don't EVER "worship" her..so stop putting words in my mouth, honey

your IRRATIONAL hatred of all things Clinton is DISGUSTING...

[undeterred]

107. Isn't that just like a man, to offer her a job as a secretary.

:hide:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

108. mehahaha

[OneBlueSky]

110. nothing against the Clintons, but Obama is going to regret this appointment . . .

just watch how fast the media starts reporting on the "two centers of power in the Democratic Party -- the Obama faction, and the Clinton faction" . . .

and the sad part is that the characterization may be more fact than fantasy . . .

[lonestarnot]

111. And they can ignore that shit and get down to bidness and do stuff the media will not be able to

ignore, and that would be the peoples' business. I'm ready.

[eridani]

112. Here's hoping that both Clinton and Obama realize sooner rather than later--

--that wasting trillions on attempted domination of the rest of the world by force is going to destroy our economy sooner rather than later.

[AtomicKitten]

115. I suppose the others being vetted (and silent about it as per protocol) accept too.

:eyes:

[SeaLyons]

117. I hope it's true....

she will be GREAT!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[stillcool]

123. nah...this article is from yesterday..

more speculation, more hype.