John Kerry: Secretary Of State?

The Washington Independent reported before the election that John Kerry is a leading candidate for Barack Obama's Secretary of State:

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), the Democratic nominee for president in 2004, has emerged as a leading candidate for secretary of state -- should Sen. Barack Obama win the presidency Nov. 4.

Obama campaign advisers declined to comment on the record for this story. Nor would many Democratic foreign-policy experts who might join an Obama administration. But off the record, Obama aides made clear that Kerry's name is on a very short list of contenders to become the country's top diplomat. Another person talked up by the great mentioner is Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), a Vietnam War veteran whose foreign-policy views align surprisingly well with Obama's.

Asked about the position, Kerry has refused to say much.

"I have no job I'm looking for in the Cabinet at this point in time," Kerry told WCVB-TV just moments after he delivered his victory speech. "If the president talks to me, I'll listen to him and talk to him, but there's very little I would leave the U.S. Senate for."

Asked specifically about secretary of state, a position mentioned because of Kerry's interest in foreign affairs, the senator replied, "Well, I'd talk to the president if he called me and asked me about it. But I never heard anything. It's speculation. We don't have a president yet. Let's get down the road and see where we are."

Comments

[Indubio]

If the people of Mass want Kerry as a Senator that's fine with me but I can honestly think of many people better suited for the position of Secretary of State. I voted for Kerry in 2004 but I held my nose doing it. I don;t know what it is but I just don't care for Kerry. As for Hegel... Secretary of State? Give me a break.

[Teeninchee]

Deliver us from Kerry for Sec of State. Richardson, yes if Hagel says no. Or someone else. Kerry needs to remain in the senate where he can talk and the outcomes won't make too much difference if people don't agree with him.

[RebelPatriot]

what could go wrong with a Skull N Bonesman as Secy of State?

pathetic sheep.

[mongus]

YES !!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!! to John Kerry for Sec. of State.

[NoSillyName]

That's not the right position for Kerry, though I'm sure he has a place.

Richardson has the experience and results for that job.

[autochrome]

please no

[LisaJeanM]

Evan Bayh or Hillary Clinton.

NOT JOHN KERRY. He is USELESS.

USELESS.

[realityczech4u]

Absolutely right. He is a clown who is the very definition of elitist. A pure candyass who has lived the high life off of women his entire life. I think that Hillary Clinton would make an excellent secretary of state. She is well known, well respected around the world, and tough enough not to be intimidated.

[heal57]

She'd be better in the Supreme Count in my humble opinion.

[bolero8]

i have always thought that Bill Cinton would be an ideal Secretary of State.

[heal57]

No way!

[laurie91020]

CHUCK HAGEL.... YES!!!!!!

John Kerry.... NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He'll bore the world to death... his day is done.

[Ninox]

Not John Kerry!!!!

Top adviser, Confidant--Not Secretary of State

He lacks the charisma and thoughtful delivery essential for Sec. of State

Does not posses the appropriate mix of gravitas and charm

[RomeoinFl]

This is Bill Richardson's job

[NoSillyName]

Exactly!

[yamanin]

I'm personally of the "anyone but Holbrooke" school when it comes to Sec. State. Holbrooke is the Democratic answer to Henry Kissinger. Go back and read his memos during the Gwangju massacre in South Korea in 1980 -- it's shameful how willing he was to turn his back to the wholesale slaughter of pro-democracy protesters by a U.S. ally. Not wanting Holbrooke to be Sec State is one of the main reasons I voted against Hillary in the primary; I'll be highly disappointed if Obama picks him.

[rollingdivision]

All US troops out by May 20th 2010 no matter what, no excuses.

[harriettubman]

Please, no. Kerry just didn't seem qualified to be president to me, let alone a Senator. I couldn't even bring myself to vote for him in the last election. He had no platform whatsoever. His views changed according to what the polls said.

[TrueIndy08]

this job is for Hagel.... Kerry, sorry... the guy is a wheenie.....

I have never looked at him as a strong figure.... I think he would be horrible....

please O... please go with Hagel