Kerry: "I have big heels to fill" as secretary of state

Secretary of State John Kerry speaks to State Department employees upon arrival at the State Department on February 4, 2013 in Washington, DC. Kerry, the former head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, replaced Hillary Clinton on February 1. / MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Kicking off his first day as the head of the State Department today, newly-minted Secretary of State John Kerry marked the beginning of his tenure with a short address to his new team, briefly outlining his top priorities for the department while thanking both the president and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for their commitment to him as well as their advocacy for American values on the world stage.

Play Video

Kerry's first day as Secretary of State: "I have big heels to fill"

Kerry, whose remarks were relatively brief and informal, particularly thanked Clinton and her team for having "tirelessly advocated the values of our country," and wondered, quippily, "can a man actually run the State Department? I don't know."

"The nation is grateful, the world is grateful. Thank you Hillary Clinton, and thank you, her team," Kerry said. "As the saying goes, I have big heels to fill."

• Secretary of State John Kerry gets to work
• A look at Hillary Clinton's legacy

Relaying a few anecdotes from his personal history - including the use of his first diplomatic passport, which he said showcased an 11-year-old, 4'3'' John Kerry, to ride his bike into East Berlin - the former senator said that as much as the Senate was "in his blood," the Foreign Service "is in my genes."

Play Video

"John Kerry has some fairly large Manolo Blahniks to fill," Haass tells Clinton

"I have things to learn," he said. "Some of what I've learned is how difficult life can be for people in the Foreign Service... I understand that. I also understand how critical it is that you have somebody there advocating for you. The dangers could not be more clear."

Citing the deaths of the four Americans who died in Benghazi during September 11 terrorist attacks, Kerry said, "I know everybody here still mourns that loss... I will not let their patriotism and their bravery be obscured by politics."

"Everything I do will be focused on the security and safety of our people," Kerry said. "I'm here today to ask you on behalf of the country, I need your help. President Obama needs your help. To help us to do everything we can to strengthen our nation and to carry those ideals out in the world. Here we can do the best of things that you can do in government. That's what excites me."

[easymoola]

Heels? Well, flats would work just as you appear pretty tall anyway. Take it easy on the lipstick and eyeshadow and wear just a hint of blush.

[SlimeBagObama]

You're just the woman to do it Kerry.

[unclec18017]

Yeah, big shoes (and heels) to fill, like those of George Shultz, Colin Powell, James Baker or Condi Rice...

He shouldn't worry about his predecessor the twit, Hillary Clinton, Warren Christopher or Madeleine Halfbright. They were nothings. The only one sorry to see Hillary leave is Bill. He liked being a bachelor again. The party's over, Bill!

[eroteme2]

What a guy! He may also have a big girdle to fill. Has he been another Biden kept under the surface all these years? Wonder what he will come up with next!

[lloydbest1]

John, ya don't look good in heels. Besides they are hell on the lower back. Just ask my wife....

[one4gipper]

Hillary's IQ is estimated to be over 140. Kerry's, based on his military entrance exam, is estimated to be about 117, 10 points lower than that of George W. Bush. Sorry John, you just don't have the cerebral horsepower to come close to either Clinton.

[eroteme2]

Years ago when I was drafed, 1951, served in the Army, there was a requirement for officer candidate training, an IQ of 121 or better. Kerry, if he had been drafted then would not have made it. I took the IQ test and had 119, did not qualify for officer candidate training. If the requirement is the same today I wonder if Hagel would have qualified, he like I made it to sergeant.

[murkymook]

And an even bigger girdle.

[erasmus111]

Have never liked the guy. I don't think he's capable of filling her heels.


I sure hope Hillary's "leaving" is because she's going to rest up for her run as PRESIDENT!

[tsigili]

Right.......and the reason he ALREADY went to talk to the survivors of Benghazi??????? To be sure they KNOW that there is a classified seal on what happened there, and that they are NOT permitted to discuss it with the media!

Can't have the TRUTH getting out......now can we????

[kenodenis]

Great observation. Totally agree with you.

[PourpaixPourpaix]

Kerry in heels, ..... can't wait.