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January 12, 2009
On the Radar: Obama’s Cabinet Nominees Face Congress
Posted: 08:12 PM ET
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Cate Vojdik
AC360° Writer

Three of President-elect Obama’s cabinet nominees – Steven Chu, Arne Duncan and Hillary Clinton — will be grilled by Congress on Tuesday. Ok, real quick, match each name to their potential post:

a) Secretary of State

b) Secretary of Education

c) Secretary of Energy

We’re confident you knew that Hillary Clinton is Obama’s secretary of state designate. We’ll cut you some slack on the other two, at least for now. Bonus points if you aced the quiz, because not all of us did (without Googling, that is).

As important as each cabinet post may be, Clinton will likely get the lion’s share of the media spotlight tomorrow, especially given the current war between Israel and Hamas and flare-ups in other foreign policy hotpots. Her confirmation hearing is expected to be generally smooth, though her husband’s foundation and international activities will likely be a focus. We’ll have full coverage of the hearing, plus a look at the challenges Clinton will face if nominated.

One of her toughest tasks may be negotiating with members of her own government. After all, she’ll be working in a crowded foreign policy kitchen. Rumor has it that Obama has asked other big names like Dennis Ross, Richard Haas and possibly Richard Holbrooke to serve as chief emissaries in his administration. And don’t forget Vice President-elect Joe Biden, with his strong background in international affairs. If you are Hillary Clinton, do all these names add up to too many cooks in the kitchen?

We’ll also be following the latest out of Gaza and Israel.

See you at 10 p.m. ET.

3 Comments
More about: 360° Radar •  Cate Vojdik
3 Comments
Annie Kate   January 12th, 2009 9:43 pm ET

What I want to know is if Hilary is not confirmed will she still be the Senator for New York or has she already resigned that position? I’d like to see her confirmed but you can’t count on anything these days.

J.V.Hodgson   January 13th, 2009 12:15 am ET

Got all three right and had not looked at list of offices.
They will all be confirmed, as all are eminently qualified.
You guys again choose the drama as opposed to reporting. HRC got 18m votes to run for President as the democratic nominee. A senate committe who rejects her faces the wrath of the electorate. Now there is a realistic and interesting drama, not the above garbage.
SOS has two meanings a cry for help and Sec Of State. Any Sec of State, who does not need the help of the great team nominated plus special advisers to resolve some extremely difficult (Mid east Intractable) and other issues, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran a century old at least in mid east case and decades old in others does not deserve the job, so I would ask HRC ” Do you believe an advise and consent methodology is the best approach on the major issues of US foreign policy within the cabinet? and that ultimate policy decisions/ direction are for the CIC and presidents perogative?”
We want them to disagree so that the most realistic approach and solution is found thereby. The media simply wants to create issues that have not yet even become a remote possibility.. You are speculating and that is bad journalism.
The real trick for Obama is to keep those internal disagreements out of the eyes of the media. Me I would make it clear when necessary if I were Obama that such leakage would cost your Job.
Regards,
Hodgson.

Ruth   January 13th, 2009 4:57 am ET

It will keep Hillary busy.

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