Should Hillary Accept? Not So Fast...

In an amazing turn for recent adversaries, it seems that Obama has all but offered Hillary the most prestigious post in his cabinet - Secretary of State. A surprising offer to a woman whose foreign policy experience Obama once dismissed as having tea with ambassadors. But party faithful are now falling in line. Even Bill Clinton has indicated he will clear the way or her to accept the role.

But should she take it?

That is a bit more complicated, and for Hillary requires taking both the short and long view. When evaluating any type of career decision, I always suggest that people view each decision as an investment, and evaluate each investment the way sophisticated business people do. You must understand the short term return, but you must also consider the "option value" of that decision.

Taking an example from business, let's say a company wants to build a new plant in Germany. They calculate that the plant will pay for itself over a five-year period. But the plant will also create new production capacity, and open the doors to new products or even additional geographic expansion. The company doesn't have to create new products or expand, but it has the option to, and that option has real value. Career "investments" work the same way.

So back to Hillary. Certainly accepting the role would be prestigious, almost historic. She would gain international experience and exposure. And she wouldn't have to begin campaigning shortly for a new term in the Senate - a seat she would certainly win, but a campaign nonetheless.

But what would be the impact on her future career options? Many have suggested that accepting this position may actually hurt her chances of running again in 2012, or even 2016. She would be working under the person she may aspire to unseat. Obama could manage her tightly, limiting her public exposure. He could even use this move to more tightly control husband Bill, who has a proclivity for foreign policy freelancing.

It is a gracious offer and a great opportunity, one that most would accept. But in the end, it will likely be an evaluation of the future options created or destroyed that will lead Hillary to her decision.

Comments

[irisharabamerican]

I do not know if the famous and dedicated diplomat Richard Holbrook would want the job of Secretary of State or if he is on President elect Obama's "long" list but I do know he would be my first choice. Would any one else care to second that? Senator Clinton is a fine politician and should stick to her Senate position serving the people of New York and dreaming of the presidency some day. Everyone points to William Jefferson as the one who would suck up all the oxygen in air at the State Dept. and make problems. Do you seriously think Hillary can put her own ego aside solely for our country and President Obama? She has many fine qualities and would do her best but.... She is a good and generous woman as is her husband but I think it is expecting waaaaay too much of the Clintons. Gov. Richardson is a good man. Enough said.

[XME]

I'm not thrilled with her for one reason...WAY too much drama (http://cagle.com/working/081118/matson.jpg). But if he does offer her the job, I do trust and respect Obama's judgement and will reserve judgement until she's actually DOING the job.

[Nancyann]

Se can't be trusted and as much as I would like her out of the senate as a New Yorker, I don't think she would serve him well. Band of rivals has no place in the State Dept. Also her sort of husband would be too close to the gov't. They both shoud be put out on the tundra with Palin but that's too much to hope for.

[EinChicago]

We can only hope she will take it. Despite the mouth forothing rabid hate of all thigs Clinton by the kunatic fringe of our party, the fact is no modern president has ever been as internationally popular as Bill, and with him HRC. We have a massive job ahead of us rebuilding goodwill around teh world. Nobody is better positioned or more able to do that than the Clintons.

Now, if we can just leash the rabid lunatic fringe for long enough to actually let reason prevail.

[AlexFTW]

Didn't I see you in the background of that recent Palin video?

[mater]

As Tom Friedman so clearly expressed in the New York Times yesterday, a Secretary of State has to completely and sincerely and devotely represent the President's agenda and be the nation's foreign policy representative--there can be no "grooming for future office or filling in a weak spot in her personal ambition agenda". I don't feel Mrs. Clinton would be able to represent mr. Obama as a secondary official, when she had so much critical to say about him previously, and frankly, it is exhausting and stressful to keep hearing this mess being thrashed out endlessly on tv after 2 years of electioneering just over. There ARE so many truly qualified people who would magnificently represent our new president and the United States besides this woman. Can't we please move on and leave her to her superior efforts in Congress and/or the Supreme Court?

[Insightful]

She would be the best candidate for this job but it may box her in. Should she make the possible sacrifice? I hope she makes the right decision and soon.

[Nancyann]

Se can't be trusted and as much as I would like her out of the senate as a New Yorker, I don't think she would serve him well. Band of rivals has no place in the State Dept. Also her sort of husband would be too close to the gov't. They both shoud be put out on the tundra with Palin but that's too much to hope for.

[LoveYouBack]

No she shouldnt accept she needs to stay in her Senate seat & STOP ALL THE LEAKS & DRAMA!!

[wdw102]

yeah that will happen

[yasmeen]

i'm praying she rejects. we don't have time for this. click this www.change.gov then scroll down and click contact us and tell them why she's wrong and that chuck hagel or fareed zakaria should be appointed instead. they share obama's veiws and have more knowledge.

[AlexFTW]

Been there, done that...twice lol

[steve70638]

Should Hillary accept??? She asked for this job in the famous meeting with Obama before she conceded the Democratic nomination. In her eyes this rounds her out perfectly. Gives her impeccable foreign policy credentials and "management" experience from running the state dept.

[Nancyann]

Se can't be trusted and as much as I would like her out of the senate as a New Yorker, I don't think she would serve him well. Band of rivals has no place in the State Dept. Also her sort of husband would be too close to the gov't. They both shoud be put out on the tundra with Palin but that's too much to hope for.