Hillary Clinton Confirmation Hearing: Landmines Ahead

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[klondiker]

I highly doubt that there's going to be any problems. We're probably looking at an easy 70 - 80 vote confirmation for two reasons:

1. Republicans (I think) are saving their fire for Eric Holder.

2. Hillary's approval ratings have never been higher. Sure, there are people on the far left and the far right who don't like her and probably never will. But, broadly, most people in the country have a favourable opinion of her, think she's super-qualified, and want to see her as SoS. I think a poll released at time of annoucement showed that something like 70% of Americans thought she was qualified to be SoS. The Republicans don't want to mess with those kinds of numbers.

[Grunty1]

[1. Republicans (I think) are saving their fire for Eric Holder.]

Republicans don't back their ammo. They spray their shots all over the place, unable to aim properly. They will go all out against EVERY nominee.

[MacQ]

I doubt that republicans are the biggest worry. They might raise concerns about conflicts of interest (with Mr. Clinton's fundraising there are substantial concerns).

HOWEVER: according to the story, most of the concerns about her are that she was further to the right than Mr. Obama in their campaigns. Questions about that might conceivably come from those who are concerned that she'll be too "far to the right". Not the republicans.

[texastrixie]

Isn't being "further to the right than Mr. Obama," her main function as SOS? Obama is the mediator, the symbol of what this country does when it does its best. Hillary is the "right winger" that can be firm in negotiations and then Obama can ride in as individual who compromises.

[bayside]

I keep thinking if I was in one of those countries and heard Hillary say ,I would not talk to Hamas, Israel will get anything they need, ( sounds like bush) or I would wipe Iran off the face of the earth, all things she said during campaign, I might think nothing is changed..Obama seems to think because he is the president everyone will listen to him to get his vision. Is he dreaming, we shall see..My opinion, Hillary does not have the ability , just like bush ,to listen to both sides to get a solultion and that is what we have to have..Someone who really does want peace..I would prefer Hillary in another job....

[Crozier]

I agree with you completely. This administration is a coalition of neolibs and neocons. Obama truly believes that pragmatism is the belief that what works is right. A classic liberal or conservative believe in the idealism that says what is right works.

[MNmommy]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91150432

[MNmommy]

Politico? Do I really have to?

[Carnacamarna]

C'mon.... u know u wanna.

[Yurdelite]

They would do well to tread lightly. Condi Rice is the worst SoS EVER. HRC needs to practice some tough diplomacy in order to clean up their mess.

[Grunty1]

The good news is that even if she screws up terribly, she will still be an improvement on Condi.

[Changeizgood]

Just pay attention to the ones giving the questions. If it seems like a "Jerry Springer" show during cross, and not pertaining to the issues, then start the replacement of the ones causing drama during this time we need progress. The BS must stop and the solutions must happen NOW!

[truegreen]

Rethuglicans will stop at nothing to derail Obama. I hope HRC bring her armor because she's going to need it.

[StephenJK]

HRC is tough as nails. Smart as a tack and not to be trifled with.

[bygollymissmolly]

Of course the Republicans are going to give HIllary a hard time. They have nothing to work with so the Republican party has become all about scoring points against Obama. They could care less about this country, it's all about their bruised egos at this point.