Obama Picks Senator Clinton for State

The worst kept secret in Washington these past few weeks has been Barack Obama's choice of Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State. His one-time rival for the presidency is now his lieutenant in foreign policy. It is a wise choice both from a political and practical standpoint. Mrs. Clinton's political career is likely to end here, and so will the Clinton dynasty.

On the face of it, Mrs. Clinton is certainly qualified for the post. While she over-sold her foreign policy credentials during the campaign for the nomination, she has traveled widely and does know the names of the actors on the global stage. Whether she can actually administer a national department like State is unclear, but she will get all the help she needs from the permanent staff. To their way of thinking, having a former First Lady as their boss puts State closer to the center of power than it has been in the last 8 years.

That said, the American Secretary of State is the weakest foreign minister in the developed world. Usually, the National Security Advisor has more pull, and Mrs. Clinton insisted that she have a direct line to the Oval Office to counter-balance this. It probably won't be enough. Does anyone remember the name of Nixon's first Secretary of State? Henry Kissinger made sure William Rodgers was superfluous to foreign affairs policy making.

Beyond America's shores, having a Clinton at Foggy Bottom does reassure the world that the country has returned to its senses. As one wag put it when confronted with a Clinton detractor, “What did you hate about the 1990s? Was it the peace or the prosperity?” Mrs. Clinton's brand, and her husband's inevitable participation in her foreign travels, will make it look like America's varsity is back in charge of foreign policy at a time when it is vital that the grown-ups run things.

At the same time, the appointment brings Mrs. Clinton's political career to an end. After her tenure at State, the duration of which will be decided by Mr. Obama, there is nothing for her. Her Senate seat will be filled, there is no hope of being Governor of New York while Mr. Patterson is around, and she can't be mayor of New York City as she doesn't live there. She will be able to write books, lecture and raise money for the party, but her career effectively ends here. The Obamaniacs are in charge of the Democratic Party now, and the Clintons are yesterday's news. This appointment proves it; she works for him.4:16 PM 12/1/2008

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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