Hillary Rumored for Secretary of State
November 13, 2008
by Amy Siskind
|40 Comments
- Our hero Hillary Clinton
Rumors abound today that Senator Clinton is on President-Elect Obama’s short-list for Secretary of State.
Senator Clinton inspired many of us to get involved in politics. She has spent her career, including her time before politics, courageously fighting for women and children around the world.
She is a beacon of hope for the women of this country.
What an incredible possibility to think of Hillary in a high-profile position where she could have major influence on our country’s standing in the world.
What a powerful ally for The New Agenda and other women’s rights groups to have in the White House.
Visible female leadership is what the world is yearning for. We didn’t get what we needed in the U.S., but certainly Hillary would be (is) a fantastic global female leader. In fact, perhaps she should reorganize global politics using the SOS job to deepen the network of women who want to take over and get things done.
He’s not going to pick her… only doing it to look like he’s reaching across the aisle
http://jumpinginpools.blogspot.....state.html
This is fantastic. Do you suppose this is related to the disdain that Larry Summers evoked? Is Obama finally aware that women are determined to be heard?
I think it would be very good for America if Hillary Clinton were Secretary of State.
Remember all the stories about how she was a cold, heartless manipulative operator? Those bothered me the most. I understand why she’d strike fear into the heart of a weak man, but everytime I see a picture of her or see her on tv, I just want to kiss her all over her face.
Matthew,
Welcome to The New Agenda.
Bet you $10!
I don’t want Hillary to be SoS!!! It is a powerless position, completely subject to Obama. She will not be making policy. It is a way to get her out of the way and out of congress.
I’ve been thinking for some time that SoS has bevcome a position for women and people of color. When that happens, you can be the position has no power. Albright had some power because the Clinton’s were serious about her., But Powell and Rice not.
I tend to agree with Foxx (2:35 a.m.). Hillary should be in a position where she makes policy, and where she can push forth her ideas and programs. The SOS job might have the effect of silencing her.
We’re commenting on the word empowerment over at another post, its bad connotations. I know it’s superficial, but I really dislike the word “secretary”. I don’t want Hillary to be a secretary…But if she is, she’ll get people used to seeing her in a national position of influence, and maybe she will run for president again and win this time. I think it’s good for her to not go away and to be seen as a national figure.
Has anyone else noticed how during the primaries, most of the news pictures of her made her look bad, she was portrayed as not smiling, menacing, with her eyes bulged, and now that she is not a threat anymore, and she has Obama’s approval, I have seen the most flattering and beautiful pictures of her. The kinds I was looking for during the primaries. This kinda thing makes me sad.
I think the power of that position depends on how much the President lets you have. I have read a few autobiographies of former SoS’s and some had a huge amount of influence and power and some were talking heads. There was a stink a couple of years ago about Condoleezza Rice approving things for President Bush and some high level guy didn’t like that and thought he should have an “audience” with President Bush instead. President Bush’s answer was “Condi speaks with the full power of my office, discuss your issues with her.” She said in an interview that she only had so much power because she still had some of the responsibilities of her previous job and because Bush was good at delegating. She came off as trying to be humble but she clearly admitted that she had an unusual amount of approval authority.
I also remember when Bush was encouraged to send someone else to deal with the some of the Middle East negotiations because we all know how they feel about women but he stuck with Rice.
The only problem is, with the way Obama and his people have treated Hillary in the past I can’t imagine him letting her have very much power. Also, she will be 69 in eight years so I don’t see how she can run for President again after the ugliness about McCain’s age. As much as I would like to see a woman continue in that position I’m not sure I like the idea of Hillary having to report to Obama as her boss. Something about that just makes me a little queazy.
Secretary to Obama, that’s how I read it, enacting Policy set by Obama and his trusted inner circle, fine, but maybe Patriarchy has a deeper hold than some are willing to admit or realize, that any position of power is better than none regardless of attachments and conditions and principles. Do you really think she will get much lime light? Hardly, the Obama camp had to slam her and cheat her to get the reins of power so why would they push her to the front now? There are no honorable men in politics. What is Condi going to be remembered for? Bush’s gal, that’s what, so if Hillary attaches herself to the Obama circle and he fails miserably, then she has marked herself as a willing participant to failure – that’s some heavy baggage to carry regarding any future political aspirations, plus she gives up her Senate seat. Do you really want to see her stooping and fetching for the Obama inner circle? I’m hoping she is well above and way beyond tokenism. From ball crusher to Secretary of State, what a transformation and all by the grace of Obama – endorse this and you’re doomed to failure and another 40 years before some woman gets a shot at the top rung based entirely on her own merits.
I would like to see her be leader of the Senate. Then Obarrogant would have to work with her on an equal basis. Not to mention all the good public policy that she could lead Congress to enact…
Here’s the good news:
Hillary will be a powerful voice whatever she should choose to do.
Sarah will be a powerful voice as well.
They both suffered through terrible sexism in their respective races, but have come out to the other side and will be voices for the women of this country.
Hillary would be amazing in whatever post. But like others I am hoping and praying she does NOT accept a cabinet position. I think she would be a more effective advocate for the American people if she maintains her independence. The Senate is fine, and I think if she wants the Health committee they should give it to her, for crying out loud.
It’s tough, I think many of us are concerned the Obama presidency is not going to deliver. We realize Hillary would probably make a fabulous Sec of State, but would she be pulled down by failures of the administration? Would she become Obama’s scapegoat? IMO, Colin Powell was kind of used and then discarded by the Bush administration. I don’t want to see that for Hillary.
On the other hand, if Obama really did start making some smart choices like this, his administration might have a chance to be more successful. Put some women in charge, for real, and let them lead the way.
So there’s a lot of mixed feelings about this.
You want my personal opinion? I don’t think Obama would do it. He doesn’t want to share the spotlight with anybody. But please, surprise me, I like surprises.
Hillary can do more for this nation as a powerful Senator than as SoS for Obama. Warm, fuzzy regards from the rest of the world will do absolutely nothing for the near catastrophe our economy is in, let alone our crumbling infrastructure, health care crisis and enivronmental problems. We call all our street people homeless, I call them 3rd worlders. We call our many citizens without health care unfortunate, I call them 3rd worlders. I suspect some of Obama’s intended ‘cures’ might not fly so well with all of his Party and this is a way to further his agenda by removing potential, powerful voices of dissent. The popular vote that elected Obama was mostly of dissent, not adoration and power of his moral suasion pretty much ran its course when the last ballot was cast.
P.S. But even though I don’t want Hillary in the cabinet, I DO want Obama to appoint women and minorities to his cabinet.
My first reaction to this news was: WOW! Terrific! This was followed immediately by well, sure, it gets her out of the Senate and removes any worry Obama and his staff have about her “doing her thing” in the Senate. She’s been visible and vocal lately with continuing to speak out about healthcare and the financial crisis. She has certainly not gone quietly into the night—–and she shouldn’t and isn’t going to. I’d guess this has not gone unnoticed by those in the new administration.
I believe she will always try to find ways to work with Obama—there should be no doubt about that after this past election season. But I don’t know that she will be silenced. Being in any Cabinet level position requires loyalty without question and little, if any, ability to speak on your own. I believe it would silence her. Also, I am never going to be able to get my arms around the idea that he and his staff respect her, admire her for what she brings to the table, and really want and value her passion and commitment. In addition, naming her puts her right back in the spotlight—and keeps her there—which distracts attention from him.
No matter what, she will always have my support.
Please Hlllary “just say ‘no deal’ and stick with being the BEST and more powerful force to be reckoned with than SOS… PLEASE do not give away your talents and intelligience and be used once again by bho… keep you own VOICE we want to hear you!
Momofnycblue
I almost agree with you.
Hillary could take the lead on the New Agenda issues. If people like Hillary leave the Senate we will have a much harder time being heard.
Sec. of State would be a good way for Obama to keep her out of the real issues. We need Hillary in Washington this year,
Has the New Agenda written to her about taking a leadership roll in our agenda.? We need 2 one from each side . Democrat and Republican..
This would be a way for Obama to get from under promising the job to both Kerry and Richardson. He could say, “Sorry, guys, the wimmenz made me pick a grrl.”
I think she should stay in the Senate. I would like to see her on the Supreme Court or, she could pursue the Senate Majority Leader position and consider running for the Presidency again. I think any of these positions would hold more power than Secretary of State.
Also, congratulations! Way to put the pressure on regarding the consideration of Larry Summers for the Treasury! We’ll just keep pushing “our’ Agenda! YAY!!
I would prefer to have Hillary Clinton in a position where she serves at “the pleasure of the people” instead of at “the pleasure of the President”. That being said, I think Secretary of State Clinton would be in a stronger position to promote women’s rights as human rights than Senator Clinton would. If she’s going to risk her career by joining the Obama cabinet, State is where I would like her to be.
In my opinion, she is a wonderful woman, and a desired ally for women in the political arena.
And also in my opinion, Hillary Clinton does what is best for the Democrat party.
Obviously HRC would be an EXCELLENT SOS.
But I agree wholeheartedly with Foxx & momofnycblue.
I’m sickened to think of HRC working for obama (again).
He’s in a win-win situation. If she accepts the post, he’s got her neutralized -plus he looks oh so pro-woman. If she doesn’t accept the post, then he’s off the hook to her and her supporters – plus he looks oh so pro-woman.
I keep thinking about his comment during the primaries about her experience amounting to serving tea to foreigner dignitaries. I’m sure that that will be about the scope of the duties of any SOS in his administration. obama listens to only a select few voices – the rest of the people around him are just for show.
I am saddened – for Hillary – should she accept this position. It seems to me like the final step in surrendering herself. She would be serving at the pleasure of BO. period. She would be following his orders. period. She would lose her voice and become BO’s puppet. She would lose her power to further the issues she has worked so hard to improve.
This bone thrown Hillary’s way does nothing to elevate BO, in my opinion. Should she accept, she will be under his thumb – and silenced. But, of course, that is exactly what his mission has been for the last two years.
For this, she quit the fight?
Sad.
Hillary as SoS seems as degrading as Hillary as VP. She won the primaries. The DNC and Obama campaign treated her as worthless, despite her decades of experience and far superior resume. The thought of her working for Obama’s admiminstration in any way seems demeaning. On some level, she demeaned herself by campaigning for him. In any case, whatever discussions Obama and Clinton might be having regarding a cabinet appointment are also not unlikely window dressing, so Obama can say he vetted her for the job, etc. It’s all so very sad and regretable. I hope she stays where she is in the Senate. At least that seems to leave her with some shred of integrity and independence.
Personally I will be none too happy if she accepts. It is the perfect position for Hillary to be thrown under the next bus. In fact why wait for the Democrats to do it – she’s literally going to lie down in the highway.
Look at what happenned to Colin Powell’s career. How has Condi Rice’s career benefited – if I’m not mistaken, she wants to return to university administration/teaching.
I don’t necessarily agree with this website but there is a great article here explaining it all
http://cannonfire.blogspot.com.....state.html
best line:
“If Hillary becomes the Secretary of State, she might as well put a sign on her desk reading “OFFICIAL SCAPEGOAT.”"
And, as someone already pointed out, it seems as if SoS is being earmarked as a dead-end “display” position for a woman or racial minority. Time to appoint someone different and let minorities and women occupy other posts.
Would be great for Hillary to remain in the Senate and advance healthcare reform.
Anna – exactly.
Secretary of State is actually the most prestigious appointment in the Cabinet.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.....y_of_State
It really isn’t a throw away position. He is offering her the top spot in the cabinet. That doesn’t mean I think she should take it but I thought everyone should know.
Cynthia – Yes, the SoS position is typically a MAJOR cabinet post. But, given what we’ve seen all year in terms of how Hillary was treated and in terms of trust level of Obama (low), it’s hard to imagine how this would prove to be a good thing for her. She stepped aside and let him and the DNC claim a win, then went out campaigning for Obama. Now that he’s the President-elect, I say, she need not align herself so closely with him. Best to stay put in the Senate and carve out her own reputation without being tethered to Obama in any way, shape or form. PLUS, it’s not as if women haven’t been appointed to cabinet positions, so this is no big gain for us. But, the way I see it, it would a be huge loss for Clinton, specifically.
Anna,
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying she should take the job if offered. At the end of the day she will have to make that decision and do what she thinks is best for her and hopefully for the country. If it were me, and I had been treated the way she was, my answer would be my middle finger. (which is why I am not in politics
) I was just pointing out that is is an important position in that it is fourth in line for the presidency etc.
Tough one…very tough. While I wish she would stay in the Senate, I would hate to have her lose out to Richardson.
I agree with Foxx, Goesh ,mjdn and samanthasmom.
As Senator from N.Y. or better yet Senate Majority Leader, Hillary Clinton would be working for the people of this great country, 18 million of which respect, love and appreciate her.
Obama has once again proven his incompetence in selecting a v.p. and cabinet. It’s all about what helps him. When he chose Joe Biden for v.p. I thought, what a waste. Here is the long time chairman of the foriegn relations committee; if we are to sacrifice his legislative skills in the senate at least make him SoS. But Obama needed him to qwell fears of his own lack of experience. Now to pull another one of our nations most important senators in respect to domestic policy, out of her position to serve a President Obama in making (God only knows) what kind of deals with foreign leaders is another attempt at image improvement for Barak Obama.
I have faith in Hillary’s abilities as a SoS under a more qualified president, but look, the committees HRC serves on deal mainly with important domestic issues.
Senate Armed Services Committee
Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works
Senate on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (most important)
Senate Special Committe on aging.
All of these committees are where real public policy is made for the people.
I do not trust that a President Obama would engage in the kind of foriegn policy that would be good for America, and therefore not good for the future of his SoS after four years.
Please Senator Clinton, stay in the senate and serve the people who respect you. Look at Condi Rice and Colin Powel, not a good place to be in four or (God Forbid) eight years.
It’s not your responsibility to help Obama with his image problems.
He will distroy your future. Stay in the Senate!
Obama is going to be calling her at 3AM anyway. She might as well get paid for the job.
Also, she’s female. Everything is going to be her fault anyway. Even if she turned down the job of SOS, people will blame her for getting Obama elected in the first place. She hung her hat on Obama’s admistration when she campaigned for him. At least in his cabinet she would have some power over that success or failure.
But I still don’t believe he’s smart enough to appoint her.
Geez. So many great points on all these posts. Lots to consider. And, of course, at the end of the day, Senator Clinton will do what she’s feels serves the people of the country and her own political ambitions (in which order, who can say?).
Sure, she’d be good at it….. until he fires her. As SOS, she is totally at his mercy, she serves “at his pleasure”. If I were her, I would NOT trust him.
To those who posted the sobering reminder that folks who serve in cabinet positions serve at the “pleasure of the Preisident”, i.e., can be fired at any time I would say this, if for no other reason, is why Clinton should not consider the SoS role if offered. Can you imagine if she took it, he fired her, then she has no cabinet position nor is she a Senator? Plus, I love the idea of Obama offering her the job and having her turn it down. Finally, she’d be in a position of power and could say: “No!” or, if she didn’t want to be rude: “Thanks, but no thanks.” or, if she wanted to be more politic: “I’m honored and flattered, but at this time I feel I can be of the most service to my country be remaining in the Senate and continuing to work to …….” The more I think of it, the more I hope he offers and she says no.
Just noticed the caption under the photo at the top of the thread: “our hero, Hillary Clinton.” Was thinking, if this is truly going to be a non-partisan site, perhaps naming Clinton as “our hero” slants things a bit. Most folks I know on the right can’t stand Clinton. (Also, if such a caption must be, perhaps “heroine” would be more appropo.)
Come on, it’s going to take years before Hillary had any power in the Senate. She has already been told “no” by Harry Reid when she asked to head a subcommittee on health; she’s simply a junior Senator now.
The position of Secretary of State would give her tremendous power and visibility. And she would be *terrific* at it!
I never wanted Hillary to be VP. Under his thumb when it is SHE who should be president. When he has been so disrespectful. Ditto being in the cabinet. No way!! Keep your powerbase, Hillary. Stay independent. Accumulate I-O-U’s. Build your warchest. Pick your battles.
I was startled, therefore, by my gut reaction to possible SoS. Excited. She would be splended on the global stage for which she was intended. Having an impact on all kinds of issues that affect women, environment, peace.
Yet, like so many of you, I dont trust him, his motives, his taking credit for her accomlishments, scapegoating or firing when it suits him. I agree with virtually all of the concerns posted here and elsewhere. i dont want her anywhere near him.
So why is my gut registering something unexpected? Why is part of me open to something that before I shut the door on? A sense that Hillary needs a game changer. Senate tradition and behavior of reid, kennedy et al suggest she may be going nowhere fast as junior senator from NY. Maybe she has outgrown their stodgy boy’s club. She played it safe and where did it get her? Maybe she needs to jump over them. Maybe she needs to find an alternative path.
But it’s her call, not mine or ours. I figure only Hillary knows the totality of her situation, and that she’ll place her bets accordingly. I’ll support whatever she decides. (And I do think he is going to make the offer.) I’m back to holding my breath again like before every primary.
If Hillary Clinton is ever to speak to or influence foreign countries on women’s rights as human rights, she will have to distance herself from Barak Obama or be seen as a complete hypocrite. Female Sos or not, the Obama presidency was created for the women haters by the women haters. Even after their dirty victory, they just can’t stop the degrading of women. Stay in the senate Hillary. I really wish you and President Clinton hadn’t campaigned so hard for THE ONE.
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