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Picking Hillary: Pros and Cons

Pundits split on merits of Clinton as Obama's most powerful cabinet member

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2008 10:30 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama is widely reported to be considering Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, causing a storm of speculation over the pros and cons of the choice.

The case for Clinton is plain, Jake Tapper writes at ABC News. She's smart, strong, experienced, reasonably diplomatic—and she's familiar with many of the world's leaders.

The choice could be hazardous, Jackie Calmes and Helen Cooper write in the New York Times. Rivalry may still linger from the campaign, and having both Clintons traipsing the world with all that baggage could overshadow Obama's presidency.
Rivary? The post is perfect for Obama's erstwhile opponent, writes Domenico Montanaro at MSNBC. It'll get her out of the Senate, removing a potentially fierce critic on domestic policy.
Clinton would be a brilliant choice, Andrew Sullivan writes at the Atlantic. A tough Iron Lady is just what Obama needs to deal with the Iranians and the Russians.

[Quotes (1)]

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton greet supporters at the end of a rally in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 20, 2008. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Hillary Clinton speaks at a conference in Albany, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. Clinton would not comment on speculation that she may be selected to become President-elect Barack Obama's secretary of state. (AP Photo/Tim Roske)

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Obama should remember the rule that you never hire anybody you can't fire, especially as secretary of state. - John Bolton, former US ambassador to the United Nations

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Picking Hillary: Pros and Cons

Pundits split on merits of Clinton as Obama's most powerful cabinet member