Don't read too much into Clinton standing down in 2012.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

Before trying to interpret the fact that Hillary Clinton has announced her intention not to serve as SoS beyond 2012 as a political gesture, take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Secretaries_of_State_by_time_in_office

Secretary of state is an extraordinarily demanding job in terms of time and effort - I have heard it said that it's significantly more so than the presidency. In the last fifty years only one SoS - Shultz - has done more than four years, and he only managed six.

So whoever Obama appointed as SoS was pretty much certain to step down in 2012. It's not evidence of political dissent between Clinton and Obama, or that Clinton is thinking of quitting politics, or anything else other than that SoS is a very tiring job.

[leftofcool]

1. As well, she has other things to look forward to

The Clintons are loved all over the world. She is an asset to Bill in humanitarian work.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

3. Don't bank on it for a while

I may well be wrong, but I don't expect to see much of Hillary in public for at least a little while after 2012, especially not travelling. There's a reason she's SoSes don't tend to last longer than four years, and I doubt that the first thing she'll want will be more of the same...

[SkyDaddy7]

2. Very True! nt.

[Beacool]

4. Who said that she wanted to leave due to dissent with Obama?

I think that she has made it clear over and over that it's a very demanding job and that 4 years is enough. There's no controversy. I'm only hoping that she changes her mind about running for office again after Obama's term ends.

;)

[Jester Messiah]

5. Wouldn't be surprised if she stepped into the veep slot.

Nothing against Joe Biden, of course.

[AtomicKitten]

7. Joe Biden made it clear he's not going anywhere.

http://www.politicususa.com/en/clinton-biden-obama-2012

[elleng]

10. ...

:thumbsup:

[Raine1967]

11. Did you listen to Ms. Clinton?

It's reasons like this that I believe the OP wrote this.

[Recursion]

6. I think Cordell Hull was the last SoS to serve more than one term

It's a grueling job.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

8. George Shultz did six years. N.T.

[Recursion]

9. Ah, right. Thanks (nt)

[bornskeptic]

15. Dean Rusk lasted eight years. n/t

[bornskeptic]

16. And John Foster Dulles did six.

Most of my childhood was spent with Dulles or Rusk as SOS.

[Brother Buzz]

17. On a technicality, Dean Rusk started his two full terms just over 50 years ago

[otohara]

12. She Looks Exhausted

sounds like she wants to go home and sleep for a year!

[old mark]

13. She has done and is doing a really fine job-I am sure the commitment is wearing on

anyone who puts as much into it as she obviously does.


mark

[babylonsister]

14. Thanks for this; I agree, she's done a fine job, and it's very taxing.

Maybe she just wants a time-out. Who wouldn't?