Many consider the position of Secretary of State the top post within a President’s cabinet…it certainly is one of the most visible, and has often been used as a “reward” for top Party members who have served either the candidate or the Party well. This being said, it is not a job for the timid or unworldly, as the Secretary of State serves as the nation’s top diplomat, often meeting with world leaders under very tense circumstances. Intimate and extensive knowledge of foreign policies, world leaders, and foreign custom are prerequisites…along with a diplomatic nature and a firm spine for when the occasion calls for a more aggressive approach.
So far, we’ve heard several names batted about:
Pragmatists have tended to favor either Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) or Governor Bill Richardson (D-N.M.). Kerry is a party loyalist, nearly was President himself, and is certainly no newcomer to the world stage. Richardson has foreign policy credentials stemming from a number of successful diplomatic missions under his belt, and threw his support behind Obama at an extremely pivotal time in the campaign…and significantly before many other Democrats were willing to do so.
Those dreaming of a “Lincoln Cabinet” filled with strong personalities and voice not necessarily in lock-step with the Democratic Party or the President seem to hope for Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.). Hagel, a Republican, has an extensive senatorial resume and has often served as a “voice of reason and moderation” willing to criticize the actions of other Republicans and the Bush Administration itself.
The only dark horse candidate for the position that I have heard any amount of stir about is former Senator of Georgia, Sam Nunn. Nunn had been considered as a running mate for Kerry in 2004, specifically due to his expertise in the area of national defense.
But now we have a new name to consider: Clinton.
Andrea Mitchell of NBC has reported that Obama advisors told her that Hillary Clinton is on the list of potential candidates for the position. The Clinton camp confirms nothing…except that Hillary was in Chicago yesterday on “personal business“…following a request to meet there by Obama. When asked if Clinton would accept an offer to be Secretary, they indicated only that it was “possible.” Obama’s transition team neither confirms or denies that Clinton is being considered. The mainstream media was clearly shocked (and excited – check out all the coverage) by the idea. I was shocked by the idea.
And then I gave it more thought and realized:
1) It certainly couldn’t hurt to give a “reward” to Clinton for her service to the Party and support for Obama, post-primary. It would do a lot to display that any divisions within the party caused by the primaries are nearly mended.
2) You want a cabinet of strong voices willing to challenge the President? Clinton seems ideal. We know that in the past she voiced disagreement with Obama on how to handle certain foreign policy issues…I doubt anyone would expect her to become a shrinking violet now.
3) You get two experienced diplomats for the price of one. Both Bill and Hillary know the world’s leaders and are on great terms with most of them. They know who to speak to, what to say, what NOT to say, and how the overall game is played.
4) Her credentials merit it. Her foreign policy experience is beyond question. Besides her accomplishments and travels while First Lady, she has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and has had significant involvement in Homeland Security. The Citizens for Global Solutions gave her an “A+” regarding her foreign policy stances.
5) While, cynical…it is also good to keep in mind what First Read proposes: it keeps her from making trouble in the Senate. If left in the Senate, the media can take every decision made by Obama to her for her criticism or approval…as First Read suggests, turning her into a “one-person Roman tribunal.” And she can continue to campaign, raise money, collect political favors, and so on. However, if she is Secretary of State she will be obligated to defend Obama publicly (criticizing him in private only) and her campaigning will have to cease, as it is considered inappropriate for a member of the cabinet to “practice politics” for themselves while directly serving the President.
Taking all this into consideration…and if she will accept…it suddenly doesn’t seem so shocking at all.