McCain Staffer Crows At Idea Of Clinton In Cabinet

Over at the Weekly Standard, McCain campaign blogger Michael Goldfarb explains why Republicans should be cheered by the prospect of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

Clinton flipped on the war, but as the nomination slipped out of her reach last spring she spoke of the threats this country faces, and of the prescriptions offered by Obama, in language that would warm the hearts of neoconservatives (if we had them). She threatened to "obliterate" Iran in response to unprovoked aggression against Israel, she spoke of unconditional meetings with the leaders of rogue states as "irresponsible and, frankly, naive," and she castigated Obama's transparent saber-rattling on Pakistan ("last summer [Obama] basically threatened to bomb Pakistan, which I don't think was a particularly wise position to take."). On matters of diplomacy, Clinton's views are not so different from those held by John McCain and most Republicans -- and they are certainly well to the right of Obama.

Of course, if Clinton takes the job one expects she'll be loyal to her new boss. Though it would be extremely entertaining, we probably wouldn't see Madame Secretary working to undermine an Obama administration with recalcitrance and rogue diplomacy. But then Colin Powell was a dutiful soldier while inside the Bush administration and that still didn't prevent him from becoming a foil for the administration's opponents. It's not difficult to imagine Clinton performing a similar service for Republicans. She could be held up as the very model of a responsible Democrat, forced against her better judgment to partake in a series of reckless diplomatic escapades pursued by a more ideological president.

Clinton would be a fine Secretary of State, and she is likely to be a nuisance to Obama whether she is inside or outside of his administration, but as our top diplomat she could reprise a role that made Powell a kingmaker in this year's election. And perhaps she could even present the case for war with Iran to an insubordinate United Nations in the event that Obama's personal diplomacy somehow fails to deter the mullahs from their present course.

Read more about Hillary Clinton's Secretary of State prospects.

Comments

[indrakaran]

HC is probably amongst the few women leaders who are fit to be president. Besides having the right credentials for SOS, she is good at evaluating her position on various policies based on realities that keep changing from time to time and according come out with new strategies that are pragmatic and efficient.
In foreign relations, nations don’t have permanent friendship or enmity and the relations are subject to changing dynamics keeping in view of the national interests and HC is no doubt an internationally known figure, who knows more about keeping American interests floating given her previous experience in white house and national policy making.

[noamjunior]

Thank you

[ANewYear]

Maybe you can enlighten me about what White House experience or what national policy making Hillary did that makes her qualified for SoS.

Just like John McCain, she failed in her answers about the war, about dealing with Iran and what happened in Bosnia. Is this the experience you're touting?

[aubrey8]

Well I think or hope what we're finally looking at is a team of players who are able to contribute serious thoughts to a broad range of topics. A team of players able to get Obama's agenda accomplished and done successfully.

i really not interested in the naysayers who seem to think running a competent government is a kin to running a 7/11. Clinton would be a tremendous asset to that goal. I think people need to think about results and stop parroting the neo-con talk shows because they are to selfish to think about what is really right for the country.

[sandpiper1]

Exactly what credentials does she have, indrakaran? People keep talking about her experience and credentials, are you referring to her 8 years as first lady? I certainly hope not. Her only position in Governemnt has been as a Senator for NYC for the past 7 years. Bill Richardson is much more qualified and has the personality and charisma and diplomatic skills ie experience which Hillary lacks.

[Fabienne]

If HRC was so good at evaluating realities, why was her campaign a study in misjudgment, as was her vote for Bush's war?

[Tim303]

By the time the right figures out what Obama's up to, it'll be 2013 and he'll still be in office.

[westreal]

They're still thinking about an Iran war. Even with a Democratic president and a recessive economy. But with Clinton as SoS they have a very good chance to make it happen. Even against Obama's wishes.

[noamjunior]

as Maddow would say- really?

[DaveC19]

Is Obama an id1ot? What is he thinking putting in all of these lousy DLC neocon warmongering Republican-lite people in his cabinet?

Can we EVER get rid of the Clintons and DLC? Can we?

[noamjunior]

why hate on the Clintons?

[RDSOregon]

Where to start!!! I voted for him twice and campaigned for him, but I think he is the one of the most egotistical scumbags on the face of the earth. Do you remember,

"I did not have sex with THAT WOMAN, Monica Lewinski!!!" ???

"It depends on what you definition of "is" is." ???

"I did it because I could." ???

Forget his policies, which if you're a Republican you should actually like, HIS SELF OBSESSED BEHAVIOR helped give us 8 years of GW. It was called CLINTON FATIGUE and it reduced support for Gore simply because of association. There was a huge desire for them to just go away.

And since Hillary chose to keep this SOB, it's a package deal. If she's a SOS, his paramours will be fodder for the media. How long do you think it will be before there's another Blue dress, and a yellow one, and a red one...and.....on and on....

Just stop for a second and consider his rational for the Monica mess - "I did it because I could." Those six words say it all. They tell the story of who he is and what can be expected from him in the future.

[Dynamohum]

What is it with Repukelicans? It is not just here at Huffpo, I am seeing it on topic discussions on other sites as well. How dumb are they? PRETTY DUMB. They are nitpicking, criticizing, undermining, plotting and fantisizing about discreditting or ruining our new president's agenda or reputation. So much for across the aisle. Where is that bi-partisan cooperation? I am really sickened by the fact that so many are actively denigrating and waiting for things to fall apart. I hope they are truly banished to the fringes from here on out.

[Dancer]

Oh, baby, if you thing REPUGS are dumping on Obama...read the leftie blogs and listen to the know it alls on leftie radio who think they singlehandedly ELECTED HIM!!! He must, he must, do it THEIR WAY...yegods...it's still THE STUPID!!!

[MNmommy]

Goldfarb? Bwah!

Just making remarks on his way to the dustbin of history.

[mcantwell]

The Repug, RedState, Rush Trolls have taken over the "Leiberman keeps Chair" commentary. They are running rampant all over HuffPo.

[rodnacious]

Here is a classic idiot - insinuating that Hillary Clinton, as Secretary of State, would have a mind of her own and go against the directions give her by the President. How stupid can you be to voice your thoughts on such an issue.

It reminds of the adage... It is better to be thought a fool then to open your mouth mouth and remove all doubt. - Confusious

[oscartucker]

This article expresses the "wishful thinking" of the Republicans. These comments are very much like those of a scorned lover who keeps playing over and over in his mind what he imagines will happen and what he will say when he sees the old flame.

[bubbuh]

Unlike Colin Powell, Hillary Clinton will never have any reason to regret becoming SOS, should she take the job if it is offered.

[bluekatz]

And what makes you so sure of that?

[noamjunior]

I dont see Obama LYING US INTO AN UNWINNABLE OCCUPATION
do you?

[aubrey8]

She will have a President with a brain who's able to think coherently and actually articulate his thoughts.

Powell didn't have that for his President, he had joke and a prayer to consult. He consulted George the joke and then he said a prayer.

[bubbuh]

I thought the answer was self-evident. seems others agree.

[ebanks84]

All I can do is hope that everything works out for the best. She might not be able to get vested, who knows? Since I cannot read Obama's mind, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. Personally, I don't and never have trusted any Clinton.

[noamjunior]

way to be prejudice against someone for no reason- you must be proud

[roshni]

Hey Goldfarb, you lost! Why don't you eat crow.........

[noamjunior]

didn't you know- being a goper means never having to admit to reality

[shela88]

Surprise! Another Republican is pushing Hillary Clinton for secretary of state...The longer the idea floats out there the more it seems like a very bad move. There is something very radioactive about The Clintons..For some they are terrific and for others they are toxic. They definitely do not represent the change we voted for and still want to believe in. I hope Obama will consider Ambassador Richard Holbrooke for secretary of state and continue to speak to Senator Kerry and Governor Richardson as well..They are all very qualified for the position and will not make anyone angry..except maybe Bill, Hillary, James Carville, Lanny Davis and a lot of Republicans.

[noamjunior]

um, who is angry about this? Who thinks this is a "very bad move"? you?
well say so then ans dont act like YOUR opinion represents other dems
And You give no reason for your irational hatred of the Clintons

[bluekatz]

It was a bad move when it when it was a THOUGHT! of course the Republicans think its a good idea she is one of them. She was just cloaking as a Democrat, waiting to change parties. Did she stand up the McCain's attacks on Obama NOPE and she would not because she like drama and she is a republican.

[noamjunior]

SO, here is the key to this argument-
"Colin Powell was a dutiful soldier while inside the Bush administration and that still didn't prevent him from becoming a foil for the administration's opponents"

well if Obama f-'s up the world as much as Bush did, I doubt there are few if any Obama supporters who would not welcome Hillary going rogue- but that is simply NOT goin to happen

Their strange enthusiasm for a Clinton sec of state is based on the premise that Obama and Bush are essentially the same

no wonder they lost on election day

[Info08]

Throwing darts is all they can really do now.

Michael Goldfarb is just another dart thrower.

[Teadye]

Wow... all this "patriotism" and "love of country" above oneself is just enough to make you gag! Thank God Obama won... sheesh! Nasty!