What is Barack thinking re- **Hillary as SOS**?

[Truth Teller]

She's very capable, but other choices are as well. She brings baggage (vetting her and Bill, distracting attention and energy from the other transition activities).

So what is the upside, beyond what other choices bring, that makes her worth the baggage?

One theory is to heal the primary rift. But the election is over, and she should be a fairly reliable ally if in the Senate.

Another is the Clintons' "rock star" type status in many areas of the world. I question how much benefit there is to that, and if it would overshadow President Obama's foreign policy agenda. I think there's also the possibility she'd use this to possibly be a bit rouge.

In all seriousness, what is Barack's thinking here?

[Candie Date]

1. He's probably thinking

she's the type of SOS he wants for his administration.

[TwilightGardener]

2. Not sure. Not sure why any of this would even be leaked BEFORE she

and Bill were even fully vetted--why let this play out in the media? Who is behind the leaks? Why did Obama say he wanted to take his time on cabinet appointments, and then make a snap offer (IF he made it, as some are reporting) a week later? This is all just so strange, and for such little apparent payoff in terms of actual foreign policy/diplomacy expertise (um, she has very little). Edit to add, it's "rogue", not "rouge".

[lamp_shade]

3. Rouge?

[CarlFrank]

4. Co-Opt

Here is what I think: Hillary still wants the presidency and if Obama turns out to have a stumbling presidency she is out there to challenge him in 4 years. If she is his Secretary of State, she can hardly question his presidency, much less run against him in 2012. I think he will have co-opted both her and Bill and prevented them from bad-mouthing him or challenging him. If that is his thought - it is rather brillant.

[Terran]

5. It gives her a big leg up on 2016?

This had ocurred to me: given that her main weakness is foreign policy experience, what could be better for her than being SOS for 4-8 years? A bit of long range planning and a reward for her support.

[Stuckinthebush]

6. Brilliant move

He gets a very capable SOS and he minimizes the Clinton hold on the party.

Brilliant.

[Lex]

7. He's thinking, "I'm the one who was elected President

so it's my decision."

[anndash]

8. I agree

Her "Bill Baggage" was one reason why I was glad she didn't win the primary - she would never have won the general election. Distractions are the last thing this country needs if Obama wants to have a diplomatic foreign policy. She may be okay for the job, but the right-wing and the media will crucify her every day - for every word - because of her baggage and little good will come out of it.

[RaleighNCDUer]

9. SoS is not an independent player.

She would be following Obama's lead on policy, and use her considerable talents in implementing that policy. By being in a position where she must follow HIS policy, she will not be working against him by advancing the DLC agenda.

This appointment, if it happens, would help him in two ways while at the same time increasing her own prestige, making it impossible for her to complain about it.

He's a smart guy.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. He's Thinking Intelligently As Always. She's A Great Pick!

Obama is far more intelligent, objective and strategical than 99% of the posters here, that's for damn sure. He knows exactly what he's doing and I give him huge kudos for this.

Go Hillary! GOBAMA!!!

[blm]

11. Other countries see Clintons as opposers of Bush and are likely unaware how Bill sided with Bush

and defended him VIGOROUSLY in very public ways in our media during his high profile book tour. supporting the very decisions Bush was making on terrorism and Iraq war that many around the world opposed, including our 2004 nominee.

I highly doubt many around the world knew how much Clinton used his cachet and credibility to side with Bush from 2001-2007. He was far more influential in this country than Lieberman who also shared Bill's views and protected Bush's war decisions.