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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Clinton at State Troubles Obamanauts

Trained Clinton-haters have to turn on a dime

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(Newser) – While a Hillary Clinton appointment as secretary of State has been greeted with enthusiasm worldwide, Barack Obama’s own team of believers is feeling some confusion and dissonance, reports Politico. “These guys didn't put together a campaign in order to turn the government over to the Clintons,” says a Democrat close to Obama. "I can't stand her," said another—"but I think she's a great choice."

Robert Kuttner, a Clinton critic, suggests that the upside of a Clinton pick could be more liberal Cabinet appointees, rather than more Clintonistas. And while Obama’s top staff developed a serious distaste for the Clintons that the whole campaign grew to share, the president-elect himself now appears wholly untroubled by his former rival.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., left, and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., wave to supporters as they arrive at a rally in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., left, and Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., wave to supporters as they arrive at a rally in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., points with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., at rally at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., points with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., at rally at the Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Oct. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y, speaks at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio Friday, Oct. 31, 2008.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y, speaks at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio Friday, Oct. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Richard)
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There's always a risk of a Cabinet member freelancing and that risk is enhanced by the fact that Hillary has her own public and her own celebrity and that she comes attached to Bill. - Robert Kuttner, co-editor of the
American Prospect

The other question is the old rule – never hire somebody you can't fire. What happens if her views and his views don't mesh? - Robert Kuttner, journalist

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2 comments
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petepenguin
Nov 18, 08 10:48 AM CST
I'm guessing all of his appointments will sign undated letters of resignation so he can get rid of them if they start going "solo" I believe that is common practice for a president,isn't it? Reply
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Sammy
Nov 18, 08 10:49 AM CST
These people would do well to follow our new Presidents lead and GET OVER IT!.. Hillary Clinton voters got over it and rallied to support Obama at the polls. Both Clintons, especially Hillary, went to the mat for Obama. Thank God our new President is not an idealogue. He shows ever intention of not caving to the extremes in his party and their pettiness. He is a wise man, a student of history, and will do what is best for our country. Get over it and get on with it. Reply
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Hillary at State? No! No! No! No! No!
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