Clinton Lawyers Vetting Her For Secretary Of State

CHICAGO — Associates of Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband say the former first lady is weighing whether to leave the Senate and become secretary of state, believing the job is hers if she wants it.

Obama transition officials say other candidates have been vetted for the job, but the New York senator has emerged as the leading contender and the vetting of former president Bill Clinton has been particularly intense. Associates say Hillary Clinton has been told that Obama wants her to be secretary of state, although accounts differ on how bluntly and directly Obama made the overture. They would speak only on grounds of anonymity because of the private nature of the negotiations.

Hoping to ease concerns about possible conflicts of interest, Bill Clinton has agreed to publicly disclose the names of all donors who have given more than $250 to his presidential library and foundation.

Comments

[CalliDem]

George Bush has been traveling all over the world working side by side with Clinton rasing millions of dollars ...yet there has never been a problem that his SON is President or there is a "conflict of intrest"

[BlueStateMan]

They've been raising money for CAHRITY...

WHAT "conflict of interest" are you talking about?

[nkhogan]

The concessions Bill Clinton is willing to make all sound very promising to me. I've never been a Clinton fan, but since the DNC, I'm more relaxed about them. I think the party is firmly Obama's and that Bill has passed the baton onto him. Both he and HRC have a number of productive years ahead of them. I think SoS is where Bill and the clintonian reputation do the least harm. Whilst they are a controversial brand in the US and their reputation would poison discussions on domestic issues including health care, where HRC has already alienated folks, both of them are very popular abroad.

HRC is not a foreign policy intellectual, so I think she'd be more pliable in some ways to advising Obama. And Biden is strong and will be a strong voice in Obama's cabinet.

I think HRC as SoS could be a good thing. I go back and forth on it. But, one thing is that I don't think it's the end of the world as we know it if she takes the job. She has a lot to offer and I'd like to see her in a role that really suits her where she can bring her considerable talents to bear. If she didn't get this job, I'd love to see her as the US Ambassador to the UN. She could do a ton of good there.

[thepulse33]

The Clintons will fall on their swords. They won't survive the vetting. Obama knows this. this is the way to get rid of them once and for all.

[RoXXanne]

Funny, I've been thinking the same thing.

But then again, I'm a mean b itch, but surely Obama wouldn't do such a nasty thing, now would he?

[nkhogan]

Yup, he would. It's the ole kill them with kindness approach that allows foes to h.ang themselves on their own petard. That bambi persona is disarming isn't it?

[Yermammy]

I hope "thepulse33" is right. THAT would be sooo funny, after her "inevitable" campaign.

[anndash]

Bill Clinton's past IS Hillary's baggage. Don't see how he can help her.

[Dustee]

Yep, two for the price of one.

[SpringDoc]

Ann, I tend to think BC has his own baggage and some of it may be HRCs. Hillary has her own baggage, she's created herself... no help from Bill. Regardless, both of them have TOO much baggage for this position. She's best to stay as a Senator or Sec of HHS if it must be a cabinet post. Obama should pick the people that would do best in the position selected for. Her voting record on international issues does not indicate her to be the best for SoS. Gov. Bill Richardson is far more talented and accomplished for SoS.
I was a believer in the Clintons back in '93 and through his 2 terms. Since he's left the presidency, he's gotten dirty. Yes, he's done some good things, like Heifer. But some of international involvement does not represent the Bill Clinton, I knew of as president. The Clinton's have morphed, a lot.

[munki]

We shall see... still think Hillary is a good choice... after my T-bar analysis..­.

[Topfeeder]

For T-bag analysis, Reggie Love is your man. :>)

http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/05/the_alleged_teabagging_of_reggie_love

[MIMom]

Is that really necessary? Ick.

[urbanscorpio88]

They've got too much baggage, he needs to dump them......
They're going to bring the Louis Vuitton trunks with them......­ay ay

[mcantwell]

It's rather ironic that The Enquirer has a better reputation these days then the MSM.

[Hillblogger]

Bill Clinton was a good president and remains a good former president.

The whole thing augurs well for the good old US of A!

[JamesR.]

Hands Hillblogger a shield." You're gonna need this".

[fatmex]

This is all posturing. She isn't going to take the job. Bill is pretending to be willing to release the names of all of his donors. At the end of the day she will say no to the job.

[Yermammy]

I bet you're right. Political maneuvering. They need to plunk her pantsuit down on a Supreme Court Bench.

[DanoS]

Come on. There is no way Clinton is going turn down secretary of State. No way. I''l bet the farm on it. It's the best, most powerful job next to being president.

She has no where to go in the senate.

Obama is smart. Pulling Clinton in offers so many benefits including world recogniton, someone capible, Obama being able to deligate a huge chunk of responsibility to her and even Bills coat tails. It far outweighs the risks.

If you were President where would you want Clinton and Leiberman? Outside your circle where they can cause headaches and conflict or inside where they are on your team working for you where they closely monitored.

Thats a no brainer and very smart strategy on Obamas part.

[Poldolino]

"Clinton agrees to cooperate with lawyers"

- oh boy, back to the meaning of "is"...

[MIMom]

I love Lewis Black's rant on that.

[GraceNeeded]

As much as former President Clinton is willing to do all he can to assuage fears of special interests gaining a foothold in the Obama administration if his wife is Secretary of State, I think it is equally pertinent to review BOTH of their relationships with outside figures who were once friends and are now considered foes. If there is any indication that Senator Clinton will use diplomacy well and be in tune with Pres. Elect Obama's tone for foreign affairs, you need only look to these folks who have made the mistake of disagreeing with them. Gov. Richardson has been exiled from their company, because he dared to support Senator Obama for the Democratic nominee. Granted this was controversial, but so will be many items of discussion as Secretary of State and you simply can ban others from your presence. Senator Clinton doesn't handle controversy well. She tends to take it personally, even more than former Pres. Clinton. Remember the right wing conspiracy? That was Hillary Clinton, NOT Pres. Clinton. In fact, many former friends or advisors have taken a wide berth from the Clintons if they dare to disagree and are still with us. This doesn't speak well for diplomacy !

[MNmommy]

You are incorrect about Richardson and the Clinton's.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-17-clinton-NM_N.htm

Do try to keep up.

[jdccccccc]

Since Obama started his no leak policy, have you noticed how MSM reporters stuff their microphones in their armpits when Biden walks by.

[aubrey8]

The FBI has been knocking on a lot of doors, people know what's going on. You won't do much vetting without some leaks. to many people are involved.

[mcantwell]

I see the RedState and Rush/Hannity fans have made it back to HuffPo this morning.

[lovethesinner]

Henny Youngman: "Take my wife... please!"

[Yermammy]

Ha Ha Haaaa! No thanks. Put her on the Supreme Court. Maybe she can stay out of the Enquirer there. LOL.

[dayala]

LOL!...tha­t's a good one.

[Floridaheel]

Still waiting for the first bona fide Washington outsider to be named to a top post in the new administration.

[judyc]

He never said anything about Washington outsiders.

He pledged to "change the way Washington works".

There's no time for on the job training--he needs people with experience.