Filed under duh; “Still, the fact that Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton had even met to discuss such a possibility [of Clinton taking Sec State position] left even some of their closest advisers and allies talking about the pros and cons of so close a…

Oh and I could not resist: someone equates Wesley Clark with Putin or Chavez? that is really bone headed.

I would replace Gates with Wesley Clark. We all know that during the campaign Obama threw Clark under the bus, when he should have thrown Schieffer instead. He can make up for this making Clark SOD.

This would then allow him to make the best American available for SOS; Colin Powell, his appointment for this cabinet post.

One of the concerns I had about McCain was his advisors who were (or had been) lobbyists for foreign governments… Myanmar and Georgia to name two. Anyway I have that same concern with Hillary…. Bill has ties to foreign governments and probably has accepted money for speaking engagements…. I honestly don't know the extent of Bill's involvement with foreign governments or if there should be any concern, but IMO that's a question to a least ask and consider. I don't want any conflicts of interests (or even the appearance of conflicts of interest) between the good of the US and other countries when it comes to this position.

While I do think Hillary is a better choice than Kerry, I'm just lukewarm about her. I can be persuaded either way…. Rare that I can be easily persuaded on something, so relish the opportunity while you have the chance!

Interestingly, the same concern I have for Bill's relationship with foreign governments is also one of the selling points (in my view) for Hillary being Sec. of State. World leaders know the Clintons and there is history between them. Because there is knowledge on both sides of the other, more may actually be accomplished because less time is spent “divining” what the other side may or may not be saying. Even if a leader doesn't necessarily like Clinton (one or both) and vice versa, at least Clinton is a mostly known quantity.

Any world leader would be wrong to think that Obama's pick of Clinton as Sec of State is an indication that Obama will follow (more or less) the Bill Clinton approach…. My read is that Obama wants someone to balance his own views.

Lastly, it would be a great opportunity for Hillary and there is nothing to say that she can't be appointed to the Supreme Court (as was mentioned during the summer) if a spot opens up. If Hillary does choose to run as prez in eight years, Sec. of State is great experience. As long as she avoids tarmac stories in war zones.