Clinton On Track For State Department Nod

Obama Aides Say He Will Nominate His Former Rival As Secretary Of State After Thanksgiving

(CBS/ AP)  President-elect Barack Obama is on track to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state, an aide to his transition said Thursday.

CBS News has learned that Mr. Obama is likely to make the nomination official after Thanksgiving.

One week after the former primary rivals met secretly to discuss the idea of Clinton becoming the nation's top diplomat, the two sides were moving quickly toward making it a reality, barring any unforeseen problems.

The transition aide told The Associated Press that the two camps have worked out financial disclosure issues involving Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the complicated international funding of his foundation that operates in 27 countries. The aide said Mr. Obama and Hillary Clinton have had substantive conversations about the secretary of state job.

Clinton has been mulling the post for several days, but the transition aide's comments suggested that Mr. Obama's team does not feel she is inclined to turn it down.

Some Democrats and government insiders have questioned whether Clinton is too independent and politically ambitious to be an effective secretary of state. But Mr. Obama is said to admire her talents and experience, as do many other Democrats.

A senior adviser to Mr. Obama said the president-elect believes Clinton would bring instant stature and credibility to U.S. diplomatic relations and that the advantages to her serving far outweighed potential downsides.

Clinton would have to surrender her New York Senate seat, which she has held for eight years, to take the job.

Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines would not comment Thursday night, except to say that anything about Cabinet appointments is for Mr. Obama's transition team to address.

The nomination would be a remarkable union between the former first lady who was an early favorite to win the presidency and the first-term senator who upset her in the primary and cruised to a general election victory. Such a high-profile seat in the Cabinet for Clinton also would be another achievement for the most accomplished former first lady in U.S. history, who has been the first presidential spouse to serve in the Senate and run for the White House herself.

The president-elect also is likely to choose Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be secretary of homeland security, top Obama advisers and several Democrats said Thursday as the shape of Mr. Obama's Cabinet begins to emerge.

The Obama advisers cautioned that no final decision has been made on putting Napolitano in charge of the Homeland Security Department, the massive agency created by Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But the advisers said she was easily the top contender.

Thus far, Mr. Obama has informally selected Washington lawyer Eric Holder as attorney general and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as health secretary. The plans could be sidetracked by unexpected glitches in the final vetting process, officials note.

Among other Cabinet posts: Senior Democrats say there is a strong possibility that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would stay temporarily and later give way to former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig. Even so, Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island also are said to be under consideration.

Democrats also say that several people remain in the running for treasury secretary, including Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Lawrence Summers, former treasury secretary and one-time Harvard University president; and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.

Several news organizations reported Thursday that Chicago businesswoman Penny Pritzker, who was Mr. Obama's national campaign finance chairman, was his leading choice to become commerce secretary. However, Pritzker issued a statement Thursday saying she is not a contender for the post.

Officials say Laura D'Andrea Tyson, the former chair of White House Council of Economic Advisers in the Clinton administration, is in the running for the Commerce job.

The Obama advisers and Democrats discussed the Cabinet positions only on grounds of anonymity because of the private nature of the screening process.

Mr. Obama appears to be assembling a team that includes a mix of longtime aides, Washington insiders and a sprinkling of Democratic governors. Besides Napolitano, strong contenders for Cabinet posts include New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Sebelius and Napolitano, who once was Arizona's attorney general, were among the first governors to commit to Mr. Obama's candidacy. Richardson endorsed Obama after ending his own presidential bid, angering the Clintons.

As governor, Napolitano has fought to curb illegal immigration, but she has been skeptical that building a fence along the border will solve the problem. She once said, "You build a 50-foot wall, somebody will find a 51-foot ladder."

Last year, her state passed a law that requires all Arizona businesses to use the federal online database, E-Verify, to confirm that new hires have valid Social Security numbers and are eligible for employment. This has been a cornerstone of the Bush administration's immigration policy.

As governor, she has overseen wildfires and severe flooding and worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, now part of the Homeland Security Department.

I don''t see the "gamble" for Obama. Hillary as Secretary of State is an obvious choice. She has wonderful skills, a brilliant mind, tremendous energy, and a willingness to follow commands. After all, 18 million people voted for her in the primaries and exit polls from the final election showed that she probably would have won more votes than Obama did (as reported on this site after the election).

[diverinnl]

"She has wonderful skills, a brilliant mind, tremendous energy, and a willingness to follow commands."
Posted by sesanders1 at 11:06 PM : Nov 20, 2008

Agree to a point with the exception of "willingness to follow commands". I''ve seen no examples of this. Even as First Lady, she was hard to keep under control. As far as having wonderful skills, a brilliant mind and tremendous energy; this is true and I would like to caveat that she is shrewed, coniving and uber-ambitious. As far as her "wonderful skills", are we sure that they are the right skills?

[jamshied]

AS LONG AS SEN. CLINTON REALIZES THAT IN THIS POSITION SHE HAS TO SUBORDINATE HERSELF TO THE PRESIDENT, HIS ADMINISTRATION AND POLICIES, THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY PROBLEM OR DRAW BACK OR GAMBLE.

I AM SURE, OBAMA TRANS. TEAM HAVE BROUGHT THAT UP WITH CLINTON(S). EVEN WITHOUT DOING THAT THEY ARE SMART ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THAT VERY BASIC REQUIREMENT OF BEING A CABINET MEMBER.

[tiredofthebs]

Hillary Clinton is one of the most knowledgeable, recognizable faces in American politics and most of the comments I''ve read on this issue voices concerns about whether or not she''ll MIND HER BOSS?! I''m glad politicians are NOT as petty as everyday people.

[vincan-2009]

President Obama is selecting very intelligent and hard working people to work with him to improve the U.S. He is taking over at a terrible time in history with everything that can be wrong is wrong. Thank goodness that we will have President Obama and the wonderful people he appoints to lead the nation from the despair of the Bush presidency.

[cldmoody]

This post would be great for hillary but lets not forget they are vetting Bill too. Iwonder what they are considering him for. That''s something i''ll have to watch.

[cessna172_]

Its a great move for Hillary to become Secretary of State, get her out of the senate and keep her out .

[cessna172_]

President Obama,

Very clever idea for Hillary..........keep it going .

[lf1952]

I am really glad to see all the people who think Sen Clinton will be an excellent SECSTATE. Could someone please tell me what her qualifications (that would be like diplomatic experience, etc) are?

We have already elected someone with less experience in government than Ronald Reagan as President. At least Reagan had been the Chief Executive of California (bigger than many countries).

Wouldn''t it be nice to have him appoint a SECSTATE with some proven diplomatic competence? Hillary is another very junior Senator (like President Obama). That and being a former First Lady are her ONLY qualifications. General Powell or Bill Richardson would be much superior choices, IMHO.

The earlier comments about President Obama''s selection of mostly Washington insider''s are very valid, but remember that he KNOWS he is clueless about being President and KNOWS he needs experienced people as advisers. Before you go off, I didn''t say he was incompetent, I said he was ignorant. The man is brilliant (even if I don''t like his policies), but needs experienced people to teach him what he needs to know. I question that Senator Clinton has that experience.

[lf1952]

BTW, I believe that even Dr. Rice would admit that when dealing with the Middle East, having a male SECSTATE is far more effective. We (the US) continue to pretend that we can FORCE our culture and standards on others. We can''t..and if anyone believes that a Middle Eastern government (where no woman would be allowed to drive, much less think for themselves) will listen to a female diplomatic as they would a male needs to become educated on culture outside the US. The US is TERRIBLY weakened after the idiocy/incompetence of Bush. Failure to recognize the REALITY of other cultures, even if we find them "wrong" or "inappropriate" is to repeat the errors of Bush, et al.

[ddrbc]

Hillary, we need you in the Senate. Be your own boss, and continue to work for the people and not THE MAN!

[erasmus81]

President Obama is selecting very intelligent and hard working people to work with him to improve the U.S. He is taking over at a terrible time in history with everything that can be wrong is wrong. Thank goodness that we will have President Obama and the wonderful people he appoints to lead the nation from the despair of the Bush presidency.

Posted by Vincan at 12:27 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Yeah, now all you gotta hope for is that the American people don''t s-c-r-e-w everything up with all their racism and hatred.

[sandycat2]

erasmus81, what rascism and hatred? The American people voted in a black man for President, you dolt.

[erasmus81]

erasmus81, what rascism and hatred? The American people voted in a black man for President, you dolt.

Posted by sandycat2 at 02:38 AM : Nov 21, 2008

You''re an idiot. Do you read the posts on this website? Did you see the article the other day, stating that people were spraying stuff on cars and children were chanting "assassinate Obama"? If that isn''t racism and hatred, what is it?

[jamshied]

BTW, I believe that even Dr. Rice would admit that when dealing with the Middle East, having a male SECSTATE is far more effective. We (the US) continue to pretend that we can FORCE our culture and standards on others. We can''''t..and if anyone believes that a Middle Eastern government (where no woman would be allowed to drive, much less think for themselves) will listen to a female diplomatic as they would a male needs to become educated on culture outside the US. The US is TERRIBLY weakened after the idiocy/incompetence of Bush. Failure to recognize the REALITY of other cultures, even if we find them "wrong" or "inappropriate" is to repeat the errors of Bush, et al. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by lf1952 at 02:04 AM : Nov 21, 2008
---------------------------------------------------

EXCELLENT POINTS AND LOGIG. I AGREE 100%

I DON''T KNOW ABOUT CONDI RICE, BUT I REMEMBER THAT MADELYN ALBRIGHT WAS NOT WELL RECEIVED IN THE MIDDLE EAST. AND SHE IS MORE OF A DIPLOMATIC PERSON THAN A POLITICIAN. SEN. CLINTON IS A POLITICIAN.
SHE SHOULD STAY IN THE SENATE.

[spinproof]

WHAT IS THE FASCINATION OF HILLARY???

I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO STOMACH HER AS SEC. OF STATE BOTH FOR OBAMA AND US.

CAN YOU IMAGINE LISTENING TO HER AS SHE TRAVELS THE WORLD USING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE HERSELF!!!

AAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by KristianInAL at 03:56 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Obama is tapping into Clinton''s "star power", her ability to be accepted and not ignored by every "Head of State" and Clinton''s ability to speak to a Nations population over the objections of that Nations leadership if necessary! Richardson is a better choice for this Post and will get more done on a practical level but Clinton''s name recognition and "star power" wins out and she did get 18 million Votes and Richardson did not and don''t forget the added benefit of 2 for 1 Bill! Obama has also selected Diaz for HUD making Hispanics happy. The overall effect is that Hillary is the better choice.

[shanev137]

He''s going to elect her so he can fire her after a year or so to get even with her.

[airboatboy1]

Good old politics. In four years they''ll probably be bashin'' each other again.

[formrusmcsgt]

Between Hillary''s massive ego and Bill''s penchant for shooting off his yap at the wrong moment, this decision is frought with opportunity for disaster.

First Obama decision I''ve disagreed with...

[armydog2]

I honestly think richardson would be a better choice for this job. Hopefully Obama can muzzle up bill and let Hillary do the job well.

[irmcvet97]

WHAT IS THE FASCINATION OF HILLARY???

I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO STOMACH HER AS SEC. OF STATE BOTH FOR OBAMA AND US.

CAN YOU IMAGINE LISTENING TO HER AS SHE TRAVELS THE WORLD USING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE HERSELF!!!

AAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by KristianInAL at 03:56 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Can you name anyone MORE competent for the job? We had 8 years of incompetence and arrogance, it now has us in very bad shape here at home and abroad. Obama promised to change that and with Hillary he does. She is well know throughout the world and is highly qualified. Maybe you just grew to accept the failures of Bush and the Republican''s as the way it should be??

[gangesdak]

Governing is done from top down. It is the top that sets the tune of the policy. Hillary Clinton or not, Colin Powell or not, the policy will be Obama%u2019s. Just look at the US auto makers. They are in shambles because of the narrowness of view and lack of imagination of their top management. Even at the dire disaster point of their business the top management did not think twice about keeping and using their private jets. We found the same with AIG. We are all hoping that Obama would not forget his values.

[citizenusa-2009]

You people that make disparaging remarks about the Clintons are embarrassing. After 8 years with a corrupt dictator in the White House, you choose to reach back in time to an Administration that gave us PEACE and PROSPERITY, and insult the VERY PEOPLE that gave us SECURITY AND WORLD ACCEPTANCE.

5,000 of our troops have been killed. 35,000 have been maimed under this evil Republican Empire, and you have the nerve to insult the Clintons???? You have no idea how IGNORANT you sound. Pathetic!

[irmcvet97]

LET THE *** GO BANKRUPT OR REORGANIZE WITHOUT UNIONS.

Posted by demswin08 at 08:26 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Huh?? LOL So YOU think these companies can just destroy their employees Union by going Bankrupt? LOL That just ain''t going to happen... better read up on that one. The ONLY thing those employees have to do is NEGOTIATE under Bankruptcy... Their Union is the ONLY protection they have from the Big Three and it''s incompetence!

[irmcvet97]

McVet, I will come out right after you admit what rank you managed to attain during your time in the Army of the USSR???

Posted by Obama_Dkhed at 08:30 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Strange response! I asked you IF you were really proposing to continue the FAILED Policies of Bush and the Republican''s and YOU attacked Me Personally! Honestly do you folks think people can''t see through that?

[sly_64]

I really can''t stand to look at Hillary''s smug, corrupt, ugly face any longer. She is such a phoney !

[chitown4716]

So Hillary STILL hasn''''t accepted the job....I''''ll swun!

I''''m still hoping she holds out and doesn''''t touch the pinko commies'''' administration!
Posted by Rowdydfw

Well, if you read the article above, you would know that Obama intends formally offer her the job after Thanksgiving...

One side note: You keep calling Obama a Communist, but since Hillary campaigned for him as much as anyone else and is considering working in his administration, wouldnt that make her a Communist too, using your ridiculously backwards logic???

[assemblyofso]

CHANGE WE CAN BELEIVE IN?

He promised us he would change Washington and clean up the mess.

Looks like he is picking people who will only bring us the SOS.

[chitown4716]

A combination of enough hopelessly ignorant willing to get up off their lazy collective azz and vote themselves some extra "Free Government Cheese."

It has only happened three times in he past forty years.


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Posted by Obama_Dkhed

Youre RIGHT, Reagan, Bush, and the worst Bush(the son).....

[sly_64]

I really can''''''''t stand to look at Hillary''''''''s smug, corrupt, ugly face any longer. She is such a phoney !


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Posted by sly_64 at
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No Hillary is a government servant. Palin is a Phoney that only wants the spotlight no matter what the venue. Be it politics or hollywood.


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Posted by demswin08

Hillary is a power hungry , corrupt politician who will do anything to get what she wants. She can''t even service Bill, let alone the public. Palin is just an idiot.

[chitown4716]

CHANGE WE CAN BELEIVE IN?

He promised us he would change Washington and clean up the mess.

Looks like he is picking people who will only bring us the SOS.




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Posted by assemblyofso

Really??? What Secretary of State will Hillary Clinton be the same as????

A Brilliant Move. All Hail Obama.

[sly_64]

Posted by sly_64
================================
=============
Name one corrupt thing she has done.


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Posted by demswin08

FIRST FIRST LADY to come under criminal investigation

FIRST FIRST LADY to almost be indicted acccording to one of the special prosecutors

NUMBER of Hillary Clinton fundraisers convicted of, or pleading no contest to, crime: 5

NUMBER OF TIMES that Hillary Clinton, providing testimony to Congress, said that she didn''t remember, didn''t know, or something similar: 250

NUMBER OF CLOSE BUSINESS partners of Hillary Clinton who ended up in prison: 3. The Clintons'' two partners in Whitewater wereconvicted of 24 counts of fraud and conspiracy. Hillary Clinton''s partner and mentor at the Rose law firm, Webster Hubbell, pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and tax evasion charges, including defrauding former clients and former partners out of more than $480,000. Hillary Clinton was mentioned 35 times in the indictment.


Is that enough ?

[chitown4716]

And, Dumboturds only win elections when they can compile enough hopelessly ignorant willing to sell out their nation in exchange for some, "Free Government Cheese."


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Posted by Obama_Dkhed

You know, you just descibed the poor ignorant racists who are the base of the Repbulican Party.

Its Race, Religion, and Guns...that about sums up the average GOP supporters issues to cast a vote for....

The corporations and its lobbists that fund the GOP, have use wedge issues like Race, Religious beleifs, and Guns to encourage the ignorant to vote against their own personal economic interest....

[sly_64]

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Posted by demswin08

The fact that these type of things are even associated with her are enough to question her motives and credibility. Comparing one corrupt politician to another isn''t actually a defense. Both democrats and republicans are corrupt enough in their own way. Obama can chose someone who has no history of corruption or scandals.

[jckbrn-2009]

Politicians begetting politicians - -
Unemployment (private enterprise) rises daily while senators run for higher office while continuing to receive full pay for non-functioning senatorial efforts they were elected to perform - - and failing success at that, become part of the regurgitation of inability to govern (of the people, for the people, by the people?)- -
Career politicians need to be replaced (term limits) - but politicians are in charge of that effort, too.

[sly_64]

Posted by demswin08

It''s plain and simple. There are much better choices out there. Because she wasn''t indicted does not mean she wasn''t guilty in a normal person''s eyes, regardless of what the legal system does. I wouldn''t trust her one bit.

[nolalou]

The Clinton years are returning....the "Empty Suit" barry obama is doing what he know best......NOTHING!

Posted by kevinkkloste

First of all, he''s not even in office yet, you think you could wait and see what he does before claiming he''s doing nothing? You may not like his decision, but I doubt very much he is going to do ''nothing''. That word, ''nothing'' does however describe what is between your ears, you moron!

[sly_64]

NO it is not enough....Once again you pull that old Recon thing of guilt by association and it holds no water at all.
I have friends in prison for drug dealing and murder that I went to high school with does that make me guilty as well.
Your logic is flawed and baseless.


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Posted by demswin08

My logic is based more on a character assement. She has no character.

[chitown4716]

The fact that these type of things are even associated with her are enough to question her motives and credibility. Comparing one corrupt politician to another isn''''t actually a defense. Both democrats and republicans are corrupt enough in their own way. Obama can chose someone who has no history of corruption or scandals.



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Posted by sly_64

Yeah, you just posted a long list of Clinton witch-hunts the GOP and its lobbists backers promoted to destroy the Clinton presidency.

But you failed to post something that Clinton HERSELF was convicted of.....

[jckbrn-2009]

Is it possible at all, that those of you who participate here in childish play ground name-calling, spitting contests could elevate your mentality for just long enough to enter into intelligent dialog for the actual benefit of exchanging ideas/thoughts - - or do you really and truly believe that all Republicans are bad, all Democrats are good, all Catholics are bad, all Baptists are good, all Russians are bad - etc -etc ???????

[antoniof123]

My logic is based more on a character assement. She has no character.
Posted by sly_64 at 09:27 AM : Nov 21, 2008

Typical of Republicans they hate so much that is all they spend their time on. They have no ideas they only say cut taxes and make government smaller. Oh wait I mean borrow and spend and reduce government and taxes for the rich.

How many of you really saw a tax cut be honest the average was less than $300 dollars a year I am an accountant so don''t try to use Hanity, O''Riley, or any other nut jub it doesn''t hold water.

The amount $300 per year breaks down to $25 dollars per month.

Hey neo cons you can take a family of 4 to McDonalds for that. But I don''t really care for McDonalds so your borrow and spend conservative can go where they belong in the bowels of history.

[sly_64]

Posted by sly_64

Yeah, you just posted a long list of Clinton witch-hunts the GOP and its lobbists backers promoted to destroy the Clinton presidency.

But you failed to post something that Clinton HERSELF was convicted of.....


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Posted by chitown4716

If she was convicted of something she wouldn''t have been in line for the presidency or the SOS post. I''m not willing to wait until she''s convicted of something while holding a high office. There are better choices out there, Obama has to make a better choice.

[sly_64]

don''''t know the lady personally well enough to vouch for her character as a person. I only know of her as a senator and first lady and I have seen nothing that would make her Character flawed. her primary tactics
I would put into question but hell who am I kidding that whole election was mean spirited from the git go.


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Posted by demswin08

Well she also moved to NY only because she couldn''t get a senate seat in her home state and she only wanted that so she could run for president. I''m not in favor of those tactics either.

[sly_64]

Now don''''t go getting in over your head here trying to talk about a subject you can only base comments on by your religious beliefs.

Contrary to your bible thumping taliban views,WOMENDO HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO WITH THEIR BODIES AS THEY SEE FIT EVEN HAVE AN ABORTION.

The government says they can so what you say does not matter.
Beside there is nothing in the bible that says abortion is taboo. and don''''t give me that commandment crapola.


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Posted by demswin08

Well, I do agree strongly with you on this issue !

[classicdoc]

Oops, I seem to wandered into a slander party. Well, just wanted to opine that Bill Richrdson has by far the better credentials. Come to think of it, he had the best credentials for President. Just not quite so smooth, not quite so slick with the political knife in the back. Geez, y''all got me doing it already.

[sly_64]

Posted by demswin08

Well, I do agree strongly with you on this issue !
Posted by sly_64 at 09:49 AM : Nov 21, 2008
================

Of course you do.

It''''s because both of you are NObama worshipping un-American suckbuddy POS.


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Posted by Obama_Dkhed

Ok, go pray to your invisible man in the sky.

[sly_64]

Ok, go pray to your invisible man in the sky.
Posted by sly_64 at 09:56 AM : Nov 21, 2008
============

Be careful....Talk like this might have you being found with a lightning bolt stuck up your azz!!


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Posted by Obama_Dkhed

Bring it on !

[anotherview2-2009]

This was a deal made before Hillary hit the campaign trail for Obama. This little dance is a political game for us that want the illusion that there was a considered process for the selection.

[sly_64]

Posted by demswin08

I guess you and I have a lot more in common than I initially thought. aside from the Hillary thing