Clinton’s confirmation is set for 9:30 a.m.
It’s also being described as the “culmination of a life’s work” for Senator John Kerry, as he takes the lead in the committee he sat before decades ago to make the speech of his life. Still, to say this isn’t where Kerry wanted to be is an understatement, but he’s had to deal with large disappointments. The chairmanship of the Foreign Relations committee, previously held by Biden, also isn’t a small roll: “It’s hard to sort of sit here as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, with my independence and freedom I have to get engaged on almost any issue on foreign policy, and be worried about disappointment…”
As for Clinton, she’s about to take on a role that will challenge her in a way she hasn’t experienced before, but that will also reveal something about her that her critics have never witnessed. Her innate ability to apply her own political pragmatism in a situation set up beautifully by the presidency of Barack Obama. Clinton will have a stage on the world amidst people wanting Obama to succeed across the globe, which provides Hillary the chance to not only advance America’s reputation, but also our national security in a way that Ms. Rice could not begin to accomplish. That’s because Obama has respect for the woman actually doing the job to which she’s been charged, not just using her as window dressing. Obama needs Clinton to succeed, setting the stage for what only a president can do, while Clinton knows what a president needs from his secretary of state having watched the dynamic first hand. Being Obama’s face and voice in the world, especially since the Clintons are beloved in most places, is a double edged plus for the new president. He knows it.
… Clinton, in her opening statement, will stress two themes, according to transition officials: a renewal of American leadership and a revitalization of diplomacy to promote U.S. security interests and advance U.S. values. A transition official said Clinton will emphasize the use of “smart power,” press for greater resources for the State Department and promise to work with Congress in a bipartisan manner on foreign policy.
The former first lady has long described herself as a pragmatic internationalist, someone who adapts to situations as they present themselves and does not adhere to strict formulas. She will assume her new job at a time of great economic peril and when the United States’ reputation around the globe is at a low ebb. [...]
President-elect Obama has made it clear that he won’t deal in dogmatic fashion, but is looking for ways to move dialogue forward wherever he can. With Obama’s open minded approach on diplomacy and foreign policy engagement, Clinton can also be creative. That’s when opportunities turn into breakthroughs that President Obama can maximize to our benefit.
However, what Bush-Cheney has left for Obama and his national security team is the most daunting situation we’ve faced in decades. The changing of the presidential guard is also the most dangerous of times. Considering U.S. diplomacy is at the lowest it’s been since WJC was in office, Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton has her work cut out for her. I bet she can’t wait.
I’ll always be disappointed, of course, but I’m super-confident that Hillary will do great.
Is it too much to say the world is waiting for Hillary Rodham Clinton?
I have one belief about our new Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton – She will seek peace and pursue it like no other Secretary of State has in the past. This is a woman who is totally committed to her work and her beliefs. I will miss her as my Senator. Good luck to you Madam Secretary.
Is it too much to say the world is waiting for Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Sally | 01.13.2009 – 06:45 am | #
Of course not. In fact, that’s too confining for Hillary’s prodigious talents. The entire UNIVERSE is waiting for her. And I have it on good authority that Obama has already dispatched her to resolve the Klingon-Borg dispute.
Hillary looks great!
I will never, ever regret all the blood, sweat, tears (and dollars) I put into Hillary’s presidential campaign.
I am as convinced now as I was then that this is a woman of extraordinary talent who has the drive and intellect to make this world a better, fairer and freer place.
Nice statement by her colleague from NY.
I shouldn’t be impressed with her opening statement, meaning she is very articulate in general, but if there are any doubters about her being a team player, she is laying those concerns to rest.
You are exactly correct, Benny. Hillary Clinton will serve Obama with respect and resolve. She’s been in the White House and she knows she will be the Secretary of State to President Obama, always laying the ground for him.
I’m happy and proud this day has come… We get the best of the best in Hillary… and the prospects for positive change in the world have increased countless fold.
Knock em’ dead Hillary,
No, Sally, it is not.
ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 08:41 am | #
…and you were the one bitching about what people were saying about Obama?
Your disrespect on this day is noted and not appreciated around here. But you know that and don’t seem to care.
Clinton’s reference to Obama’s mother, her deference to president-elect Obama illustrates her class and her respect for him. If you can’t appreciate what she offers please respect that this is a great day for many of us, including her boss who saw in her what people across the country have as well.
GeoT | 01.13.2009 – 10:29 am | #
Thanks for that, GeoT. It’s such a proud day.
ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 08:41 am | #
what’s that about? Never mind it’s out of place. Just remember Obama picked Hillary adding her strengths with his…this is collaborative and you’re
mocking him if you think you’re mocking her.
Again, appreciated, GeoT, really. You are exactly correct.
It’s terrific to see Chelsea again by her side. I’ve seen her over the last couple of years beside HRC. She’s quite a young woman and must be very proud today.
I loved what Chuck Schumer and Chris Dodd had to say about Hillary. I know she appreciated it. This is one fine, brilliant, hard working, passionate, woman who is going to be absolutely exceptional in this job. I am glad she spoke up about women’s rights being central to democracy growth and progess in the world. Hillary always rises to the challenge, doesn’t she? I am very proud of her and Obama for making this great decision.
GeoT | 01.13.2009 – 10:35 am | #
As the Joker would say, WHY SO SERIOUS?? I’m not mocking Hillary. I’m mocking her deification by some. But TM is right. Today of all days — her Ascension, as it were — it’s a really bad day to be poking fun. Struck a discordant note and I didn’t mean to do that. My apologies.
On a serious note, I’m sorry I missed the hearing. I hope to catch the unexpurgated version somewhere, like C-Span. I am certain that HRC will do a wonderful job as Secretary of State. She has the temparament, intellect, and stature to do it.
And, after the past eight years, it will be wonderful to have an administration where pragmatic use of power (both hard and soft) is deployed, with Justice, the White House, Defense, and State all acting in concert. Instead of at cross-purposes.
I hope this atones for my ungracious post earlier this morning. I have a satirical bent, and I can’t help myself sometimes. Again, my bad. Mea culpa.
ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 11:29 am | #
I find in the online world it’s best to telegraph my attempts at sarcasm as to avoid misunderstandings…
that’s why I use the otherwise lame :=) to make it clear when I’m joking around.
still, you’re subject to heat for “deification” and “accession”… that smacks of rhetoric aimed at Obama which I know you didn’t appreciate.
ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 11:40 am | #
You will not be disappointed if you watch any part of the hearing today.
Thanks very much for your words. Appreciated immensely.
new thread on Clinton and Obama…
Just a quick note (I’m at work) to say I really appreciate your article about Hillary, Taylor. I loved your added comments to straighten out ogenec. Funny how he/she usually doesn’t get the inappropriateness of his/her comments but calls others to task if he/she doesn’t like the tone of their comments. I do not pick up that he sincerely appreciates Hillary.
still, you’re subject to heat for “deification” and “accession”… that smacks of rhetoric
aimed at Obama which I know you didn’t appreciate.
GeoT | 01.13.2009 – 11:41 am | #
That’s where you’re wrong. I thought the people who spoke about him in mystical terms were also addled. I mean, what was that about people fainting at all his appearances? I thought that part of it was pretty silly. And as TM pointed out at the time, that’s why McCain’s rock star ads were particularly effective.
And I didn’t think I needed a smiley face to convey intent. How I could have been serious, when I referred to the Klingons and the Borg?
But I’ve already atoned for my misdeeds (I hope). Today is HRC’s day, and I don’t intend to step on it any more than I already have.
I do not pick up that he sincerely appreciates Hillary.
Velvet | 01.13.2009 – 11:51 am | #
I’m really sorry you feel that way. No snark, I’m being serious. I hope I can convince you otherwise.
I’m really sorry you feel that way. No snark, I’m being serious. I hope I can convince you
otherwise. ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 11:53 am | #
OK. I think GeoT had a good suggestion how to handle sarcasm or snark so people understand better.
And I didn’t think I needed a smiley face to convey intent. How I could have been serious,
when I referred to the Klingons and the Borg?
ogenec | 01.13.2009 – 11:51 am | #
I said that’s what I do. To avoid misunderstandings I try to telegraph my intent. I’d prefer to be overly obvious then to have “explain” 4 or 5 times how it was sarcasm… that’s just me.
I saw the painful post about Hillary on a liberal blog where people let it fly.
It was that she was Hermoione in Harry Potte
I knew the poster was trying to compliment Hillary, but I winced.
UNTIL women don’t have to blow people out of the water, we’re not close to equality.
I know you guys don’t get why I like Palin or Joe.
This is why.
It’s unfair.