Who Will Be the Next U.S. Secretary of State?
Beltway Insiders Say Clinton or Richardson Could Be Up For Post
Nov 6, 2008
Potential Clinton Friend in High Places
According to the Associated Press, which published an article in October 2008 naming John Podesta, a White House Chief of Staff under former President Bill Clinton, as a key team member on Obama's Presidential transition crew, meetings began as early as October to form a possible cabinet for Obama.
The subtext of Podesta's place on the team is that his presence may signify an additional likelihood of a Hillary Clinton appointment. Recently, President-elect Obama told NPR that he would welcome Gen. Colin Powell as an advisor, but the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has since expressed reticence about accepting of any specific post.
Obama has yet to extend such a strong appeal for teamwork however, to Senator Clinton.
Richardson Still In the Picture
New Mexico Governor and former Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson is another name being tossed into the speculative pool. While there has been no direct comment on such an offer for Richardson originating from the Obama team, the Governor does have a strong resume to present.
In 1997, under former President Bill Clinton, RIchardson received an appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he worked closely with both the Palestinian National Authority and with the State of Israel.
While the Obama camp remains fairly mum about who may receive the next Secretary of State appointment, one key Washington insider, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, has an opinion on the subject.
When asked, during a conference call with MSNBC, if he would comment about whether or not Governor Richardson would have a place in an Obama cabinet, Senator Reid replied,"I don't think it's appropriate [to comment]. There's no one more qualified to be part of the president's cabinet than Bill Richardson and I would hope that he's under consideration." While not quite information from the horse's mouth, Reid's comments add fuel to belief that Richardson might make the eventual cut.
Like much early conjecture about Hillary Clinton's possible place in a Democratic administration should she not have won the nomination, it can be taken with a grain of salt. Yet, long after Clinton's withdrawal from the Presidential race, echoes of possibility that President-elect Barack Obama might appoint the New York Senator to a high cabinet post remain persistent. Clinton certainly has the right pedigree for consideration.
Remember John Kerry?
Another former candidate for Presidency, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusettes, is also rumored to be on the short list for a place in the Obama cabinet. While Kerry's spokeswoman, Brigid O’Rourke, has firmly denied that the Senator has ambitions in this area, she did not deny that Kerry would consider taking on the job of Secretary of State, if asked.
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