Hillary + Obama = High Drama
It's too early to tell what changes Hillary Clinton will bring to Barack Obama's foreign policy, but she's already had an enormous effect on his brand. Her addition to his team has turned "No Drama Obama" into "Mo' Drama Obama."
Hillary's appointment isn't even official, but the Obama/Clinton narrative has already left the realm of politics. Its twists, turns, shadings, and complex emotions are the stuff of literature.
But who would be the best writer to do this saga justice?
Reading the New York Times' accounts (here and here) of the "awkward dance" that led to Hillary's selection by "the man who dashed her own hopes for the presidency," I thought of Henry James.
It's Portrait of a Lady Secretary of State, in which the morally compromised symbol of the Old World (1990s D.C.) meets the brash, confident, audacious young upstart from the New World. Will the lady be able to "still have her voice " while at the same time "subordinating her ambitions?" Will she be "seen as her own person?" On the other side, will his "self confidence to name a global brand as his emissary" later be unmasked as, instead, a dangerous naiveté? Of course, in James' version, not only would the answer to that last one be yes, it would also likely be the agent of his destruction. Let's hope that Obama is able to rewrite that storyline -- and that The Ambassadors won't become The Turn of the Screw.
But given the palace intrigue that always accompanies the Clintons, James may be too genteel. Consider: in the two Times stories examining the "Clinton-Obama détente," we hear from "confidants of Mrs. Clinton," "former Clinton administration officials...who admire Mrs. Clinton," "a longtime friend," "a former aide," "two advisors to Mrs. Clinton," "a longtime friend of the Clintons who broke with them," "one Clinton advisor," "lawyers on both sides," "people close to the vetting," "close aides to Mrs. Clinton," "her confidants, who insisted on anonymity," "a close associate of Mrs. Clinton," and "one Democrat who is close to both Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton."
So by taking in Hillary, Obama is getting more than just Hillary -- and more than just Hillary and Bill -- he's getting the entire Royal Court of the House of Clinton, complete with chancellors, chamberlains, and a court-jester or two.
De Laclos' Les Liaisons Dangereuses? Or the high farce of Moliere? Or, considering the gravity of the times, do we need Shakespeare?
Of course, if Henry VIII and Richard II are any guide, Shakespeare was decidedly less optimistic about the idea of a "team of rivals" working productively together than Doris Kearns Goodwin.
But, actually, the writer whose work the Obama/Clinton relationship may most resemble is considerably more modern. Let's look at the plot line: a man and a woman start out as fierce rivals, bitterly fighting over seemingly small differences. Much talking ensures -- some of it funny, some of it hurtful. Finally, just when all seems lost, they both suddenly realize they were enamored of each other all along. But they don't actually end up in each other's arms until after an extended third act tease.
It's a Nora Ephron romantic comedy. When Hillary Met Barack. Sleepless in Chappaqua. You've Got Fundraising Email.
Two intensely driven politicians cross paths, each seeking the highest office in the land -- talk about a cute meet!
Then we have the protracted primary battles, the lingering pre-convention resentment, the flirtation with making her vice president, the rejection and selection of another, the renewed post-victory courtship -- with Hillary responding by playing hard-to-get. Finally, he offers her full entrée -- to the Oval Office if not to his heart -- and she ultimately relents. They agree to give the relationship a go. Apparently.
According to Elizabeth Bumiller in the Times, the relationship began to "thaw" when Obama was struck by the passion Hillary showed during her convention speech. After all, what could be hotter to a politician than the passionate embrace of a rival?
Then it really heated up: "By this past Thursday, when Mr. Obama reassured Mrs. Clinton that as secretary of state she would have direct access to him and could select her own staff, the wooing was complete." "Direct access?" Oh, behave!
Bumiller also cites the pair's "working chemistry," and writes that Obama appreciated Hillary's "discipline." Now that's hot: bonding over the ability to stay on message!
Another tidbit: Obama once called Hillary "directly from his cellphone to hers" just to "check in." Awww. Just like Harry and Sally calling to check in with each other while watching TV.
And while it doesn't have the exhilarating excitement of Billy Crystal's mad dash to the New Year's party, or the exquisite tension of Tom Hanks' last-second return to the top of the Empire State Building, Obama's climactic proposal to Hillary seems to have done the trick: "She feels like she's been treated very well in the way she's been asked," said a close associate of Mrs. Clinton.
Colin Powell and George Bush never really got along. Powell was like a trophy wife, brought aboard to make Bush look good. But it was never a love match. Even when Powell gifted Bush with that sparkling vile of fake anthrax and the decisive UN speech in the run-up to the war, the love just wasn't there. And we see what that got us.
On the other hand, Condi Rice was Bush's office wife. She adored him. He put stars in her eyes and made her heart skip a beat. But that didn't help her do a single worthwhile thing as Secretary of State.
Hillary seems like she will exist somewhere in the middle. Not the celebrity figurehead at Foggy Bottom, undermined by neocon underlings (the real object of Bush's affections). And not the moon-eyed adorer, incredibly loyal yet wholly ineffective.
So how does this story end? Will Barack and Hillary be able to make peace now that they've made peace?
Click here to read more developments and analysis on Obama's cabinet picks
If you are in the St. Louis area, I will be speaking at Maryville University on Tuesday, November 25th at 8PM.
Follow Arianna Huffington on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ariannahuff
Loading comments…
Want to reply to a comment? Hint: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to
AMERICA IS BEING SET UP
The power elite and money brokers along with the Clintons have won. Only in America, can "a loser" still be in position to be number one!
We the people really voted and said "yes, we can" for "change." But now we see it's the "same old politics." That breath of fresh air, has now given way to "the old guard" of business as usual; "We are still in control. Every step the President-Elect makes we will have someone there watching and keeping us informed."
As long as the Clintons are back in The White House, we had better get ready for drama. They are not going to let the President-Elect govern this country or foreign nations according to what was promised.
Who will benefit the most? Bill Clinton and all those multinational corporations and money brokers. As long as they were not in The White House all eyes and ears were on their activities (i.e. global initiatives, funds raised, donors, etc).
The power elite and money brokers have one mission; to bankrupt and sell America off piece by piece through their global initiatives. America will have to continue to borrow money from other countries. "Who will eventually own America, if we do not bring our jobs back to America and begin to take care of America?"
I think its hilarious.......poor Obama is gonna be in for more drama than he wants. But to be honest....I think its payback time for Obama playing the 'race' card on Bill and it was planned by Bill just for this occassion. Sad the backstabbing within both political parties......where does that leave the American taxpayer while all of this schoolyard drama is unfolding?
Oh come on, Arianna! You've been involved in politics your whole life and you couldn't see the writing on the wall when it happened? Did you really think when Hillary still had half of the Democratic Vote and agreed to move aside, that she did it without a deal? (insert Hillary's "annoying cackle" here.) Considering those circumstances (that she had HALF the vote, and WAS gracious, and ALLOWED him to proceed...and then FULLY SUPPORTED him throughout the rest of his campaign...) I'd say it was a great compromise. I'll gladly take whatever whatever polish and luster Obama can bring to what Hillary and Bill had already started. Don't forget, when Hillary and Bill started out, they HAD to compromise, and bend. (and Republicans still attacked them the entire time..)I think this really will be a swift kick into action with this new Administration, and that the serious matters that face us will be handled 2000% better than it has been for the last eight years. The average American won't feel any change though, for some time to come. We're footing the bill for the Bush years.
It could just be a good working team, minus the "high drama" you find. Think its speculation like that this that drives some of the inanity and insanity into our view of leadership. We don't need to know exactly how it turns out. We elect our presidents, governors, representatives based on what we know of them. Obama wanted this presidency pretty bad and it is going to be pretty bad to even begin to govern when every day the Bush administration add further grief to the crisis. Obama will probably...., that is, PROBABLY, be glad to have Hillary's help.
In my opinion the beauty of James' writing was the descriptive narrative. He could write about the carpets or wall coverings in minute detail but you relish every agonizing minute of it because of the descriptive beauty, the nuances and attention to detail.
That is what this sounds like to me; a dissection of a minute fragment of the whole, almost like a tunnel vision. The drama and "intrigue" that exists is supplied by you, the author.
...with comments of the "I will obliterate Iran..." genre, hard to see how HRC will effectively sit down and talk to world leaders she disagrees with...just imo...
.
Look Obama can do no wrong and say no wrong....so stop distracting yourself with the facts and start sipping the Kool Aide...
Shakespeare didn't write the complete works of William Shakespeare. That honor would belong to Edward de Vere, the 17the Earl of Oxford. De Vere didn't write Henry VIII, one or two of his more hackish underlings did.
It is perfectly ordinary to bring the wings of your party together. Kennedy took Johnson for VP and made Stevenson his UN Ambassador, a cabinet level post at the time. Reagan made an offer to Gerald Ford, then went with Bush.
As an African American candidate, Obama should be particularly non threatening. At that, Reagan's 11th Commandment (Thou shalt not speak ill of any [of your party]) suits Obama perfectly. Still, he knew drama. His infomercial was like Reagan's big effort in 1980. His world tour was not quite Nixon in China, but Obama touched down in the war zones and took a major star turn in Europe.
Presidents like to go international in the second term. Their lame duck status at home is just too depressing. Clinton, if she wishes to be the candidate in 2016, can resign and run for Governor of New York. This would give her an almost perfect lock on the nomination.
And, finally, Hillary is rather a boring person. Republicans pursue her which may make her life more interesting. After all, five legal teams investigated the absurd charge that she murdered Vince Foster, and the New York Times reported her impending arrest. That's drama, but it says more about her enemies than about her.
Jamey:
Sexism is not here again.... Its the Clintons, both of them - male and female. We are tired of both of them. Get it?
Thank GOD!!! For 8 long years (seemed like 300) I have listened, and rebutted and tried to talk some sense into these people. Now, I feel my job is done in the defense department... I am ready to work toward helping promote "UNITY" during this new era of democracy and freedom. You watch and see how the economy will recover with Obama! It's all based on the confidence that people have on our leadership.
Obama is putting strong people like Hillary up because he invasions America returning to it's lost stature around the world. Hillary is a great leader and is the perfect selection for Secretary of State.
I realize Obama said he will listen to the folks that did not vote for him, but when they want to just spin everything for spinsake, just change the channel. Listen, the right wing is hunting down anyone they can to blame for their devastating losses and are turning to cannibalizing each other i.e. Sarah Palin d.b.a. John McCain. Which is fine with me... I don't like the taste of flesh anyway.
I'm going to go with Obama's Judgement on this one. But I am honestly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Hopefully Hillary will surprise us and will actually work well with others and remain true to herself. Like most of do everyday. It's is up to Hillary now she's has the power what will she do with it?
She and Bill will undermine Obama every chance they get...How else can Hill run in 2012? If Obama is uccessful her Prez chances are over!
I agree. We trusted Barack to do the "worst job" in this country. We should trust his judgement on Hillary. After all, Hillary is definitely competent, unlike some woman we know, and these people are larger than their personal issues in the past. As they say in politics, there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies. Only permanent interest. We hope, it's the American people's interest.
It'll be interesting with Hill as SOS...she voted for the Iraq war...voted to name Iran as a terrorist state..both opposed by Obama....doing his bidding will be hard for Hillary, and with Bill whispering
in her ear, watch out !!
I wholeheartedly agree. All this drama from the media is putting a pall on it. Hillary has proved over and over that she is intelligent, able and a team player. First of all, I trust Obama's political judgement. I'm sure she proved herself to his satisfaction on the campaign trail, and they've had numerous conversations about all of the things that he had concerns with. Let's be happy he is appointing the best and the brightest to lead us out of this mess. He has offered an olive branch to McCain, and Robert Gates is staying on for another year for continutiy! Wow. How about that everyone?
Maybe now we can look to ourselves for a bit of healing. It was a very bitter two years, even separating families. Let's say a prayer for our new president-elect and our country as we approach the holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I have for sometiime been an admirer of Arianna Huffington's astute and frequently brilliant analysis of political events. Her article on Barack Obama and his choice of Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State is over the top. Possibly, the best article she has ever written.
Clarence B. Jones
Large number of people seem to want the hillary pick.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ricardo-rossello/secretary-of-state-hillar_b_145665.html
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or connect with
