Word has spread around the world. It's out in the wind, and it's real. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and the President-Elect met yesterday in Chicago and talked about a role in his Administration. Appropriately, Senator Clinton is deferring all comment to the Office of the President-Elect. That's how you behave when you want the job.
So let's just cut to the chase. Pros:
The Clinton brand is still respected around the world. Having her would breathe a sigh of relief into World Capitols everywhere (except maybe Moscow and Tehran).
Senator Clinton can definitely do the job.
And it always helps to have a bridge to the Big Dog.
It also makes good Political sense in that no one can accuse Obama of dissing her now. And, if you want to build a "Team of Rivals", giving your Number 1 rival prime real estate in the Cabinet is good thinking.
Cons:
Realistically, the Secretary will serve only four years, after that...what? She wouldn't go back to the Senate. That seat'll be taken. The idea of her running again in 2016 as a Former Senator and Secretary of State? Very few Cabinet Members have gone on to higher office...if any.
Politically, she's shown more of an interest in Domestic Policy than Foreign Policy. The Big Dog's more of a Foreign Policy guy.
Also, with all due deference to Senator Clinton's many skills, aren't there better people for the job?
And what about the Big Dog, and his Business and Foundation dealings? They'll come up in Confirmation Hearings, even though I expect her to easily be confirmed. (This is the Club after all, and the Club looks after its own).
UPDATE (2:12pm Pacific): According to a widely circulated report in the Huffington Post, Hillary's been offered the Job. She's asked for time to think it over, and that request has been granted.
Another pro, for the Obama side. Nothin' like neutralizing your chief rival with a big, big job. Bush did the same thing in 2000 with seemingly his top rival, Colin Powell.
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