Nov 14 2008

Obama Considering Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State

Category: Politics — Tim @ 7:02 am

As Barack Obama continues to build-out his cabinet, Hillary Clinton is emerging as a candidate for Secretary of State:

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US president-elect Barack Obama is considering naming former first lady Hillary Clinton — his onetime rival for the White House — as his secretary of state, US news media reported on Friday.

Two unnamed Obama advisers told NBC News network that Clinton, now a senator for New York, “is under consideration” for the post.

According to NBC, Clinton flew to Chicago — where Obama is based — on Thursday, but an adviser said it was on personal business.

Obama sources confirmed to CNN that Clinton was being considered, but her spokesperson Philippe Reines was non-committal when asked.

If Clinton is chosen, the decision will have a major impact on foreign policy:

Her selection as top U.S. diplomat could also mean a more hawkish foreign policy than that advocated by Obama during his presidential campaign. On the campaign trail, Clinton was more reluctant than Obama to commit to a firm timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq.

But both Obama and Clinton were adamant about improving the image of the United States abroad and correcting what they considered the “failed policies” of the outgoing Bush administration.

It’s no surprise that Clinton will play a major role in the Obama Administration. Both Hillary and Bill provided significant and meaningful support in the late stages of the campaign and were a significant factor in Obama’s election. In the world of Washington politics, support comes with a price tag. Perhaps the price was one of the most coveted cabinet positions, Secretary of State.

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Oct 17 2008

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton - What If…

Category: 2008 Election, Politics — Tim @ 10:58 am

In the closing weeks of the race, many pundits are again wondering what would have happened if the Democratic ticket was Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama?

Hillary Clinton Barack Obama wave in unison

Since this is a meaningless exercise, I can ponder all the possibilities.

  1. Based on the picture here, we would obviously have the best matchy-matchy candidates in history
  2. Sarah Palin would still be in Alaska keeping an eye on the Russians
  3. John McCain would need the Top Gun/Tom Cruse “Maverick” as a running mate to have a chance
  4. With Clinton as lead, the term “first lady” would take on an entirely new meeting for Bill
  5. Bill The Plumber would still have a job
  6. Tina Fay would be less conflicted (I don’t want them to win, but if they do…$$$$ for me!)
  7. Katie Couric would not be viewed as such a tough interviewer
  8. The Democratic party would have made an historically bold move that would have forever changed the political landscape in the country.

That last one stings a bit, but least we are making progress. While I’m not sure Obama is the right candidate for the job, I love the fact that he is in the race. That’s something, but I can’t help but wonder what if…

Add you comments to this list.

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May 27 2008

Hillary Clinton RFK Comment, the Fallout Continues

Category: 2008 Election, Politics, Video — Tim @ 1:13 pm

It was a long holiday weekend and that probably helped soften the blow of the comments made by Hillary Clinton last Friday. If you missed it, she was asked why she was still staying in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton’s answer was basically the race is not over yet, but her example shocked everyone. Thanks to the wonder that is YouTube, you can judge for yourselves:

My first reaction to this was, “Are you kidding me?!?!” Why on earth would someone evoke the death of Robert Kennedy only weeks before the 40th anniversary of his assignation? Kennedy’s death was a tragedy that shocked our country again. And, just to add a little salt to the wound, Clinton made these comments about Robert Kennedy just 3 days after his brother, Senator Ted Kennedy announces he has cancer.

My second reaction was concern for Barack Obama. This type of comment is just the type of thing that can plant a seed in some wacko’s mind. Clinton quickly realized the mistake she had made and tried to explain her comments:

Do I think she intended her comments to be as threating as they sounded? No. However, in her own words, this IS the most important job in the world and you have to be mindful of what you say every time you speak.

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May 21 2008

Obama & Clinton - End Florida Boycott

Category: 2008 Election, Politics — Tim @ 3:57 am

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will be appearing in Florida on Wednesday, the first appearence in the state since last fall.

Obama is seeking to mend fences in a key general election state snubbed by the Democratic National Committee. Clinton is continuing her push to have the state’s primary count and its delegates seated at the party’s national convention in Denver in August.

“My campaign is actively working with the Clinton campaign, the Florida Democratic Party and the DNC, which is responsible for setting and enforcing these rules, to reach an agreement that will give Floridians a voice at the convention,” Obama told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Obama did not say how he wants the dispute resolved, only that it’s important to find a solution so the party can focus on winning the state in November.

I guess they figure Florida is a key state. Seems to me they played an important roll in a prior presidential election…Why have they been avoiding Florida? It seems the Florida Democratic Committee may need to get a calendar:

Both candidates signed a pledge nine months ago that kept them from campaigning here before the Jan. 29 primary. Other than a rally Clinton held after polls closed that night, neither candidate has campaigned here since the DNC stripped Florida of its delegates in September because its primary was held before Feb. 5.

Ouch. That seems like double-secret probation to me. Well, Tampa residents can hardly wait to see Obama:

Whether out of sincere belief in Barack Obama or sheer curiosity to see a historic presidential candidate, Tampa Bay area residents rushed for tickets Monday to a rally now expected to fill the St. Pete Times Forum downtown on Wednesday.

“I just want to see him in person; he’s making such an impression on America,” said Mildred Hart of North Tampa, who called The Tampa Tribune on Monday afternoon in search of a ticket after being told the party office had run out. “I’m trying desperately to find one ticket.”

I wonder what those tickets are going for on eBay. I am still amazed that this entire flap has even occured and it looks like I’m not alone:

“I still cannot believe that any political party would create a barrier between the candidate and the voters,” Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer told the AP. “It’s a slap in the face to democracy. I’m just glad he finally found out where Florida is.”

Me either.

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