Evening Buzz: Clinton's New Role?
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/POLITICS/11/14/transition.wrap/art.clinton.gi.jpg caption="Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say."]Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
Tonight we've learned from democratic sources that President-elect Barack Obama has asked Sen. Hillary Clinton if she's interested in the post of Secretary of State.
Although, Clinton is saying much on the matter.
"I'm very happy there is so much press attention and interest in transit, especially guesses about my own," Clinton said to laughs at New York State Mass Transit Fall Convention in Albany, New York today.
"But in the off chance that you're not here for this important issue and are here for some other reason, let me just say that I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration. And I'm going to respect his process, and any inquiries should be directed to his Transition team," she added.
Now let's add this name to the mix: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
A senior Democratic source tells CNN he also has met with Obama about the possibility of becoming Secretary of State.
Both Richardson and Clinton were in the battle for the Democratic nomination, along with Obama.
Who do you think is the better pick?
Also tonight, bailout nation. Now some of America's biggest cities are asking for cash assistance from Uncle Sam. Will they get help?
Plus, a brush fire is raging in the hills near Santa Barbara, California. Up to 150 homes have been destroyed and one death may be linked to the flames. We'll have the latest tonight on AC360°
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Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
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What kind of conflict(s) of interest could President Clinton pose for Senator Clinton as Secretary of State, that he would not have posed had she won the nomination and then the presidency?
I think reguarless of who the Secretary of state is we are not addressing the issues with our economy. A bailout after bailout may not fix it and wear does it end. The government's solution is to restore confidence so we will start spending money we dont have, max out our credit cards, and purchase things we probably cant afford. The bail out is a temporary solution a band aid, but ultimately we as citizens have to change our behavior. I am guilty as any one, I have a balance on my credit card, but for the most part i live withing my means.
This is an excellent choice, a true sign of leadership and inclusiveness from Barack! I personally wanted Hillary to be the choice for Vice-President...BUT I truly understood the political ramifications of such a choice. Truly the American public wasn't ready for more years of the Clinton regime! I do believe that Hillary is extremely qualified for this position. I do wonder if she will accept the nomination for secretary of state, I certainly hope so! Great choice Barack, you consistently show your incredible leadership skills!!
Proud to Be an American Again!!
KSuzanne in San Leandro
Hillary Clinton is the best person for the job.Infact, she should be the only one for the job.Barack should beg her,woo her...infact do anything she can to get her to take the job.
She is like her husband, only better.She is strong and very diplomatic.Also, very very understanding.
Onyedinma Emeka
(Enugu, Nigeria)
Bill and Gore duo team.
This is no longer a small world, and big things can happen in two places at once.
Stop playing house with the top level administration, get real salaries in place so that Bill Clinton makes the same as if full time speaking, and the President gets paid more that that.
Both Bill and Gore must be free, but the title timeshared and with a third retired foreign world leader under the employ of this timeshare as well.
If Hillary wants it, give it to her but don't play. I read about possible conflicts of interest because of Bill's fundraising for his foundation and relationships with world leaders. It's hard for this country to separate the two of them, but it's an exceptional circumstance and with men and women being individuals as well as partners, it's time we see they have their differences too,. Isn't it the point to have many views under consideration. Obama did not really differ that much on the issues with her. Hillary is smart and clearly helped him get her voters but she will still talk power to power. A great president needs strong advisors. Frankly, I trust Hillary's passion for making this country better and restoring our reputation overseas and it impresses me that Obama is confident enough to consider the best leaders this country has if he is really offering State to Hillary. The world, not just our nation has tremendous challenges at this time and these two can do a lot to make it better. No matter where Hillary serves, she will want more of a legacy than what she had with Bill Clinton. She will want her own legacy and that does not mean she cannot help Barak Obama achieve his vision which is really the same one we all want. A healthy, prosperous, fair, free, safe nation and world for us all.
Oh No, not Hillary again, say it isn't so. I perfer Bill.
I agree with Marion's comments. I think given the State of our Economy, we need someone with experience. I do not see where both Richardson and/or Hillary offer any experience. It would only be a promotion for both of them. John Kerry might be good, but maybe we also need someone who understand the "bottom line" – the $$$. Since that is what is is really all about in this world. Maybe and astute business man that can wheel and deal and fix this mess. Businessmen are certaintly deal makers. I think he should give Hillary the Healthcare job, so we can see if she is really as committed to all of us having health care as she claims to be. Which job do you think she would choose if give the choice keeping her seat as a Senator or taking on job of fixing our healtcare system. If she was given that choice we would really see committed she was to fixing the healtcare system as I can almost bet you that she would choose the job as a Senator. He needs to test her loyalty to her cause – give her that choice and we will see her true loyalty. Whether we like it or not our very best choice is probably – Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter. We need someone who really understands the Middle East, and not just from a financial or oil standpoint. We need someone who is iinterested in bring peace to the this area and helping to maintain our financial stability around the world. We need a fixer and Bill probably could fix this mess.
I did not vote for her. I was behind President Elect Obama from day one. I do not agree that she has more experience than anyone else in this area. I do not agree that she is ready on day one. I think Mr. Powell would be a better choice or Wes Clark, Condi, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, or Albright or someone with previous experience because they have already been there. and done that, and are truely ready on day one. However, given any job I think she (Hillary ) is very capable. I also think she will work very hard. She is a hard charger. I think a better choice is any of our previous Sec. of State with the exception of Donald Rumsfields.
Hillary Clinton would be an IDEAL Secretary of State. Unlike what the Republicans consider 'intelligent and bright' in their choice of a VP candidate, Hillary is genuinely INTELLIGENT, KNOWLEDGABLE and WORLDLY. I would just love to see a split screen of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin talking about world issues so viewers could actually witness what a TRULY INTELLIGENT, EDUCATED and KNOWLEDGABLE WOMAN sounds like and compare her (Hillary) to the exact opposite.
I knew that this was coming. It's a wise choice.
I hope Bill Richardson will be our next SOS. And no matter how anyone trys to spin it Hillary Clinton is not Change!!
They're nice people and all . . . .but I r-r-really don't want another Clinton anywhere near the White House.
GOBAMA!!
I think that all things considered Hillary has the name recognition, brains, tact and diplomacy to repair some and/or all (that's with a little hope measured in) of the damage the current administration has caused in regard to the American reputation. She has enough experience with foreign policy and leaders to possibly alleviate SOME of the pressures Barack will be facing with all the problems to be worked on at home as soon as he takes office. As far as the questions regarding Bill Clinton go, I'm sure she can do it alone but his respect & likeability around the world can't hurt. The more experienced people Obama fills his key positions with will help to allow his oversight but possibly not his direct and constant supervision of every single aspect of a country & world in a question mark scenario. He is very smart to surround himself with experienced and well-liked politicians (which we all know is not easy anymore) that will challenge and complement his decisions affecting all of us. Also, differences of opinions will help all Americans in the long run. Each individual and each state are looking for the answers that help themselves the most so diversity is one of the most important factors Barack has going for him. I sincerely hope that the entire county and all parties will get behind him (which means getting behind America) and help to make real CHANGE possible. GOOD LUCK TO OBAMA, HIS STAFF, EVERY AMERICAN & EVERY GLOBAL CITIZEN WHO WILL EVENTUALLY BENEFIT FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION IF WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER>
It's time for the REAL WOMAN's SHOW and not a word about that IDIOT from Alaska. HILLARY ALL THE WAY-–SHE's got LOOKS,BRAINS,and her name is CLINTON.
President-Elect Obama should nominate Gov. Bill Richardson for Secretary of State. The case for Gov. Richardson as Secretary of State can be summarized as follows.
THE MERITS
Richardson is highly qualified to be Secretary of State with both stellar diplomatic credentials and considerable executive management experience. This includes serving as former UN Ambassador and diplomatic trouble-shooter in several international hotspots, as well as serving as Secretary of Energy and currently Governor of New Mexico.
THE POLITICS
Richardson's appointment would be apt recognition of the politically risky and important contribution he made to the President-Elect’s victory by endorsing candidate Obama and stumping for him. Richardson’s actions were instrumental to securing Obama’s support among 2/3 of Latino voters over John McCain and victory over Hillary Clinton at a critical stage in the primaries. Richardson’s Obama endorsement over Hillary in the Primary most probably engendered him the eternal enmity of both Clinton’s. It would have been far more politically expedient for Richardson to endorse Hillary; just based on loyalty to a President he once served. But it took real courage and conviction to endorse Obama for what he believed to be the good of the nation, both domestically and abroad.
HISTORICAL IMPLICATIONS
Like the historical election of Barack Obama to the Presidency, President Obama has the historical opportunity to appoint an exceptionally qualified individual as the first Hispanic American Secretary of State–the cabinet position that is arguably first among equals.
I think Bill Richardson would be an excellant choice as Sec of State, he has experience and seems to have good common sense.
Hillary Clinton could be more useful to Pres. Obama and this country on issues we have at home such as health care and education.
I also think that John McCain would be a good choice as Sec of Defense. I know this wouldn't happen but if John McCain and Pres Obama truley want to stop the bickering in Washington, as both said,,,,, they would reach across party lines while running for President,,,,,, I say: prove it. Not only should Pres Obama offer that position to John McCain, McCain needs to accept the offer. That would give everyone belief that this Pres and John McCain will do as they said they would while running for President.
OBAMA is doing what he can by surrounding himself with people who are his equals instead of his minor thus eliminating this I RULE bush intimidation style of governing.
Which we should be thankful for becuase it really means that people who OBAMA places in charge of differant parts of his adminstration will hold those under them in line and have accountiblity.
Along with being able to present correct and timely information that will benifit the hard working people in this soceity. This will allow President Obama the oppourtunity he will need to make realistic, reasoniable and well informed decisions.
And starting with Mrs Clinton would be wise cuase she can go around the world and be respected and hold her ground with the best of them.
I do not trust Hillary Clinton or Gov. Richardson. I really hope President-elect Obama take a little more time to make his decision.
Gov. Richardson is a traitor, if something goes wrong, who knows what side of the table he may turn to.
Senator Clinton would try to take over the White House and his something do not go her way she would more likely leak it so President Obama would look bad.
Also another 4 years old the Clinton in the White House, I just do not know.
I'm excited that Hillary Clinton may have a new opportunity to help our country as Secretary of State. She is smart and has much to offer. I believe she can help in the important role of renewing our image overseas.
Let's face it, Hillary really helped Bill run the country during his term. I am not knocking, I think it was great for all of us. As for Hillary being Sect. of State, I believe she would do more for this country as Sect. of State than as Pres. Obama's VP, which I had hoped for when Pres. Obama was selecting a VP. Like I have seen from a few posters, she would do her job to get our foriegn outlook as a superpower and a friend to the rest of the world, like we just to be. Lastly, to President Obama, I did vote for you, and you ROCK !!! I wish you all the best this next four year term.
Remember: We need to help the most important race, the human race.
Although Hilary has the competence to be Sec. of State, I question whether she will respect Obama's views on foreign policy,especially in regard to meeting with foreign governments with no preconditions but surely with much preparation. She has a very strong personality and did say throughout the primary that Obama was not experienced enough to deal competently with foreign policy. I do feel that he does have that competence. But I am sure that this possible choice is both political and practical. If he does choose her and she accepts, I don't feel that it would be a disastrous choice. She is a smart lady and he is a smart leader.
This bailout is the stupidest thing our government has ever done. Giving money to companies that are losing money is like throwing money in the trash can. The root problem of this crisis is that the American people are broke or on their way to being broke. Giving more credit to the people is like trying to cure a heroin addict by giving them more heroin. The Government took the money from the people by taxing them. Give the money back to the people. Didn't we once fight a war for taxation without representation. Congress needs to help the people not the rich. They got themselves into this and we the people really dont care if they join us being poor. The democrats said President Bush only helps the wealthy. Seems to me both parties are helping AIG throw big parties.
I think Hillary Clinton as Sec. Of State would be great.
She is most deff. qualified for the job
And it will be a great opportunity for Hillary.
So I think it will be a great Idea!
But if she doesn't take the job, she will still be a great Sen. of New york.
Either way she's good.
Kudos to Hillary!
And I pray for all those who have lost their houses do to the Brush Fires in Cali.
As for the Bail out.
I think if anything we should bail out the desperate home owners who need help the most.
She needs to remain in the senate. She would make an excellent 'Majority Leader", Harry Reid is waay too soft . We need Hillary Clinton to wield, bold intelligent power in the senate . An Attribute sorely lacking in the present majority leader , Harry Reid.....
Bill Richardson , might be a good choice , but I think , thinking out of the box , pres.-elect Obama , should do something unorthodox like enlisting Sen. John McCain to be his secretary of state. That would be a bold move on Obama`s part , and good for bi-partisionship
As for the hills fire, all I can say is , " God bless "......
Hillary Clinton is the best for Secretary of State by a long shot. I don't know why, but everytime I see or think of Governor Richardson, I think of a traitor. Not a good feeling.
Here in NM it's generally assumed that Richardson is going to be in the cabinet come January. Heck, we just passed a state amendment providing a contingency process to replace a lieutenant governor – just in time for January 2009?
Candy has it right. Obama is keeping those who have the energy, desire and credentials part of his team. Richardson would be fantastic.
I believe that an Obama/Clinton ticket would have been great for this country, but it did not happen. Clinton,as Secretary of State would be a asset to the Obama Administration, second only to a president/vice president combination.
I would think Hillary Clinton. she must have been terribly disappointed to have lost the Primaries, and those eighteen million supporters should have to be cheered – up. What better way than to represent them by giving her that job. By the way, of all the politicians in the world, both Clintons came to our country and knocked a few silly heads together, saving an entire country from wreck and ruin. They both should have been awarded the Nobel prize for Peace, after the great work they did here. Things were said during the primaries, sometimes they cannot be taken back, but wounds can be healed quickly, by the swift stroke of a pen. What is in the past should stay in the past.
Frankly I am sick of big companies getting big bailouts. How is this fiscally-responsible?
-I don't know how to feel about this. I just can't anticipate how Mrs.Clinton would respond to the offer.
-When are the bailouts going to end? Can I get in line for the next one.
Clearly Hillary is a better, safer choice for this all important Post, after all how can you trust someone like Richardson, who would sale his own mother, as well as his soul, for an ounce of lime-light. Obama will need every bit of help he can get in the days ahead & who better than a Clinton–after all we may have a 3am call some day & 2 heads are better than one.
Secretary of State? nah Obama should have chosed her as his right hand vice president, not Biden, who nobody voted for like Clinton.
I'm glad Hilary was asked about Secretary of State by Obama; she would make a good one. I hope he offers it to her and she takes it; she is a far better choice than Richardson or anyone else that might be on the list. Since Hilary is known, liked and respected overseas, shoring up the US in the eyes of the rest of the world would not be as hard and Obama could focus on the economy and energy, knowing there was a good hand on the wheel of foreign relations.
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL