Hot on Facebook

Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Clinton Gets Group Hug in Senate Clubhouse

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2009 11:42 AM CST

(Newser) – For all the press and spectators vying to squeeze into the hearing room where Hillary Clinton testified yesterday,“there was no suspense inside,” writes Dana Milbank in the Washington Post. Grilling the secretary of State nominee gave way to congratulating a colleague, as senators slathered on the compliments without bothering to swear her in. Hillary was rigorously flattered, patted on the back, and otherwise kissed up to, and she graciously returned the favor.

Rumor had it Republicans would play hardball on conflicts of interest with her husband's fundraising, “but the Senate is a club,” Milbank explains, and Hillary is a member. “We’re always glad to see when one of our own does well,” said Republican Bob Corker. Dick Lugar, the ranking Republican on the committee, mentioned his ethics objections apologetically, before saying he supports Clinton, “because your qualifications are remarkable.” Clinton smiled. “I respect you so much senator,” she oozed in return.

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (4)]

Hillary Rodham Clinton takes her seat on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, prior to testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on her nomination. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Hillary Clinton is greeted by Christopher Dodd as John Kerry looks on center, prior to the start of the committee's hearing on her nomination, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Secretary of State-designate Hillary Rodham Clinton poses with 'intern for a day' Chelsea Clinton on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Hillary Rodham Clinton gives Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. a kiss on Capitol Hill, Jan. 13, 2009, as Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, second from left, and John Kerry look on. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., hugs Secretary of State-designate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Despite the news accounts that say that I'm the one that's going to ask you the hard questions about potential conflicts of interest, I have no questions about your integrity. - Sen. Jim DeMint, R-SC

Since your father served as an intern on this committee, maybe we can make you an intern for a day — chairman's prerogative. - John Kerry to Chelsea Clinton

In Senator Clinton, President-Elect Obama has boldly chosen the epitome of a big-leaguer. - Dick Lugar, top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) sounded as if she were writing for Hallmark as she told Clinton: 'I truly appreciate all that you are poised to do and what you have done in the past.' - Dana Milbank

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Kerry, Clinton Face Off at State Hearings

Foreign Relations chair says no sour grapes on being passed over

(NEWSER) - Today's confirmation hearings for Hillary Clinton also mark John Kerry's debut as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It could be an awkward meeting as she interviews for the job he openly campaigned for—after he dumped her to back Obama in the presidential race. But Kerry's putting a game face on, and swears to the New York Times there’s no sour grapes. Kerry has built much of his reputation on work for the committee that launched his political career when it invited him, a 27-year-old Vietnam War vet, to testify. More»

Cornyn Yields; Clinton Vote Near

Confirmation of State nominee could come within hours

(NEWSER) - Republican Sen. John Cornyn removed his call for a roll-call vote in the confirmation of Hillary Clinton as secretary of State today, paving the way for a quick vote within two hours, the Hill reports. “I intend to vote for her confirmation,” Cornyn said, “but I also believe it’s very important to flesh out some of the concerns” about possible conflicts of interest. More»

Clinton, Cornyn Share Words

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton and John Cornyn shared some spirited words today after the inauguration, Politico reports. Cornyn is blocking a Senate vote today on Clinton’s confirmation as secretary of state over concerns about the transparency of Bill Clinton’s foundation. While the conversation seemed animated, a rep for Cornyn said it “appeared to be warm and cordial.” More»

'A-Student' Hillary Aces Her Senate Hearing

Forget Geithner, it's Clinton who's queen of the 'hot nerds': Dowd

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton breezed through her Senate confirmation hearing yesterday, writes Maureen Dowd, "performing as the A-student she always is" on topics from nuclear proliferation to governance in the Arctic. While Tim Geithner got caught up in controversy over back taxes, Hillary charmed the windy John Kerry and buttered the skeptical Dick Lugar. For the New York Times columnist, it looks as if Clinton, and not Geithner, could be the Obama Cabinet's real "hot nerd." More»

Clinton Says US Willing to Engage Syria, Iran

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton signaled a willingness to directly engage Iran and Syria in talks once she's secretary of state—a prospect she had denounced as "naive" during the campaign, the Wall Street Journal reports. In her confirmation hearing—she is expected to be easily approved later this week—Clinton said the US should not delay starting a dialogue with Tehran about its nuclear ambitions "if we determine that there is a genuine intent to engage." More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website