The Guardian: Hillary To Accept Secretary of State Nomination
by Matt at Nov 17th, 2008
The Guardian (UK) reports that Hillary will indeed accept the position of secretary of state:
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.
I have previously stated my doubts that Hillary would accept such a position… and the Guardian notes Hillary had to weigh the very issues i had recognized:
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.
If the Guardian is right, this naturally leaves us asking “Why?” I don’t see how Hillary could possibly see this as good career move.
I also find it ridiculous that the Guardian is gushing over Comrade Obama for reaching out to former rivals as part of “coalition building.” This is hardly something new or unique. And the fact remains that Obama failed to pick Hillary as his running mate, which would have been a stronger demonstration of reaching out to a former rival.
If the report is true, the question now to be asked is who will Governor Paterson appoint to replace Hillary?
