Obama Will Run Foreign Policy, Not Hillary

In a stunning repudiation of all received wisdom, Barack Obama has, apparently, offered the State Department to his erstwhile primary opponent, Hillary Rodham Clinton. As the senior cabinet post, the Secretary of State is the director and coordinator of America's vast foreign service, the number two face, behind the President, that the rest of the world will associate with the United States, as well as fourth in line to the succession to the Presidency.

At first blush it seems counter-intuitive to appoint Clinton, whom many people, myself included, mocked for inflating her foreign policy credentials during the bitter primary fight that culminated in Obama's nomination. Tea in Ireland was somehow instrumental in the making and keeping the peace there, while who can forget her much-vaunted diplomacy committed under sniper fire?

But it is also true that the Clintons en famille remain quite popular throughout the world, and Hillary did indeed visit dozens of countries, as an ambassador of goodwill, a role embraced by many First Spouses, and as a hard-working junior Senator from New York. She is one of the more recognizable of American faces in the world, and a hark back to happier international relations during the Clinton years.

But does being an international feel-good ready her for the senior foreign policy role in the Executive Branch?

No, but then again, it doesn't necessarily have to.

Recall that throughout his campaign, Obama again and again touted his own judgment on foreign policy. He was willing to stack up his positions against the years of experience of any of his foes, including Clinton and John McCain. "That is a debate I look forward to," he stated on many occasions.

And it is a debate he won. Clinton herself made the mistake of elevating Obama's credentials as Presidential timber when she and Edwards attacked him during and after the YouTube debate for his open-door negotiating stance. They immediately raised his stature above all the other Democratic contenders at the time, and he has never looked back since.

What is clear above all else, is that Barack Obama, ably aided by Joe Biden, who chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, intends to run foreign policy from the White House. His choice of Clinton over someone -- anyone -- with more foreign policy experience, is a clear signal that the Commander-in-Chief intends to command, indeed. In this, he is like several of his predecessors. Richard Nixon, for instance, showed that same intention to lead on foreign policy by nominating William Rogers, and James Baker was hardly going to override George H. W. Bush on foreign policy expertise.

Furthermore, Obama is solidifying the Democratic Party around himself. He is rebuilding an Administration, a Congress, a DNC and a future for the party in his own image. SecState takes Hillary out of the party mix, gets her out of and marginalizes the Democratic Leadership Council, and makes her subordinate to him. It also gives New York Governor David Paterson a chance to nominate a new, young, dynamic Senator. Preferably a black woman.

But what this pick most closely resembles is a chapter from one of Obama's favorite books, Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals, about the Cabinet of the only other President elected from my home state of Illinois. Prior to becoming SecState and getting us Sarah Palin's Alaska, William Seward was most notable as Lincoln's greatest rival within his own party, who also failed to garner the nomination but was an able leader nonetheless.

Hillary Clinton is about to become the field captain for Obama's own team of rivals.

Read more reaction from HuffPost bloggers to Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election

Comments

[kellygrrrl]

I'll believe it when I see it.
I have a feeling we'll be talking about John Kerry by this time next week

[RedDogBear]

I agree. Either Kerry or Richardson, either I think would be much better for the job.

[LiberalDemIda]

I'm for Sen. Kerry.

[Cynth]

I understand your points, Chip, but I do hope that Obama chooses someone for State who will be better able to provide experienced counsel in such a senstive and critical time. Nevertheless, it's good to have you back, Chip!

[UncommonSenz]

Clinton and Obama do have different world views (unlike their domestic views which are very close). And she is certainly no wallflower, so he can expect some serious, knock down drag out debates with her (in private) over policy. That is, necessarily, what you would get with her as Sec of State.

But I personally think that is a very good thing. She would bring a strong, articulated contrast to his views, which would mean the decision making process would have to take into account more ideas. Given her ability to hammer on policy options, and Obama's ability to carefully weigh competing ideas before making a decision, I think it is a great fit. It may be bumpy at times, but in this exceptionally dangerous world, I'd rather have a vigorous debate over foreign policy where only the best ideas survive. I honestly think she could bring that to the table.

[karela]

I think that, like Lincoln, Obama welcomes a variety of ideas to be considered and he isn't afraid of debate or even conflict. And I think, that like Lincoln, after he's heard it all, he'll make a decision and that will be that. People shouldn't be afraid that this would be some kind of co-presidency, or from the other side, hope for it. Obama is a person of calm temperament, but he calls the shots. He understands very well that the American people chose HIM to be our President and it's him we'll hold responsible. No cabinet minister is going to run their area in ways that conflict with important Obama positions. Many times in the past year people have mistaken Obama for a lamb to the slaughter only to discover they had a tiger by the tail---a calm tiger, but a tiger none the less. He looks Presidential because he is Presidential.

[myskylark]

I think your article is wrong. Hillary Clinton will not accept the post as Secy of State unless she has the power and respect granted by the president to do the job. It's interesting that there is an enormous amount of approval of this choice by Obama from all quarters because Clinton is seen as the best choice for the job. One reason mentioned by almost everyone is that she has a "superior intellect" (direct quote from Henry Kissinger.) It's too bad that your idiotic anti-Clinton bias prevents you from realizing that Hillary Clinton is so much smarter than the gaffe-machine Joe Biden. Joe Biden was around for decades during whcih he chaired Judiciary and Foreign Relations. For all those decades his main experience was being a horse's ass. He is still a horse's ass. If he's your idea of a wise counselor for Obama on anything you obviously are not familiar with Biden's history.

I hope Clinton doesn't accept the post. Why should she lay herself open to jerks like you who will giver credit for nothing and blame her for everything? She has her own power base and she can make her own future. It's fascinating to me that you think Obama would take the time now to concentrate on foreign relations when his most pressing problem is the economy. He needs someone he can trust to handle State - that someone is Clinton, not pathetic Biden.

[UncommonSenz]

Bitter much?

"Why should she lay herself open to jerks like you who will giver credit for nothing and blame her for everything?"

Nobody is "blaming" her for anything. It is true that she ran a horrible campaign. But that has nothing to do with her role now. In case you hadn't noticed, the election is over. She is not the president. Nothing you say can make her the president. So either deal with that reality, or retreat to some PUMA therapy session.

As for her quals, I think she would be a good Sec of State. I think she would challenge Obama (and Biden) and present a more well-rounded debate than someone who shares his world view (like Kerry). So, looking at it from a "What is best for the country" point of view (I know that will be a strange concept for you) it makes sense to me.

The question is not "why isn't she president/vice president?". That ship has sailed. The only question is "Where can she make the strongest impact now"

As for your shrill, baseless attacks on Biden, I simply say you have not studied his career... at all. Bash him all you want, but you simply sound like a sore loser saying "If I don't get my way, I wanna take my ball and go home..." Not exactly a way for the country to move forward is it?

[wheresthebeef]

PUMA alert.

[petrifiedamber]

You hope that she doesn't accept the post? Why, because she would be serving her country instead of what you think of as her personal ambitions, power base and all? Nice. And shortsighted. She will shoot herself in the foot if she spurns Obama's offer. He'll have no further "obligation" to her after offering her this plum. She refuses at her own peril. And for what advantage, pray tell? We should all hope that Bill doesn't screw this up for her, that's what should have you worried, not whether she's going to be "granted" respect to do the job.

[Pupadup4oBama]

ok first of all, get over it - she lost.
HOWEVER, i believe she absolutely should accept the post....and Joe Biden is the perfect running mate for Obama - what makes you think he's stupid? He's a caring person, he's got bite, he's got smarts...maybe not book smarts, but he's a scrappy fellow and that is sometimes much better than being able to quote Shakespeare.

[RedDogBear]

So you think Clinton is the best person for the job but you hope that she doesn't take it because she won't get enough credit if she does? That is one of the best summations of what is wrong with so many Clinton supporters. They think this is about one person getting credit, recognition, compensation for past indignities, etc. And what does Biden have to do with handling State?

[bellecloche]

Thank you for this great article! Your posts were comforting during the primaries and this one proves you haven't lost your touch.