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Obama Sneaks Power Back Into the Mix

Adviser who called Clinton 'monster' lands national security role

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 1:01 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Barack Obama’s national security team seems to consist entirely of people known for speaking their minds, observes Ben Smith of Politico, and none moreso than new NSC staff member Samantha Power, best known for calling Hillary Clinton “a monster.” She was booted for the incident, but that was just a “political convenience,” says Smith. “She wasn’t some political operative who had played a dirty trick, but an academic who tripped up.”

More interesting than the Clinton gaffe was a BBC interview in which the Pulitzer Prize winner made the “grave error of speaking the truth,” saying that Obama’s Iraq timetable was a “best-case scenario.” And more interesting still is that Power, like UN ambassador Susan Rice, was shaped by the failure to act in Rwanda, and is more afraid of staying silent than anything else.

Samantha Power talks about her recent book, Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World in this file photo.
Samantha Power talks about her recent book, "Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World" in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Sheila Griffin)
Samantha Power receives an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Brown University's 239th Commencement in Providence, R.I., Sunday, May 27, 2007.
Samantha Power receives an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Brown University's 239th Commencement in Providence, R.I., Sunday, May 27, 2007.   (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Samantha Power talks about her recent book, Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World in this file photo.
Samantha Power talks about her recent book, "Chasing the Flame: Sergio Vieira de Mello and the Fight to Save the World" in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Sheila Griffin)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 12:33 AM CST
I find it funny that the man is complaining about your comments KC and whenever I see him post, it rarely has anything to do with the story anymore it is vile, bile filled comments on how to garner support in his "Flag this Comment" campaign.
Newser001
Jan 31, 2009 11:51 PM CST
Every time 'Corona_king' spews his vile tantrums and insults, flag him using [flag this comment] . Its the only way we'll be rid of him and his constant berating insults. He's already been officially and formally addressed - DIRECTLY by NEWSER staff. Warned very clearly, he is to NEVER to abuse anyone. Yet he continues. It is only by your actions WE can make a difference on NEWSER. Lets end his endless arrogance, lack of respect and manors.
Newser001
Jan 31, 2009 11:03 PM CST
Feragola, respectfully - it was his mannerisms, the flagrant use of terms such as 'dumbocrat', 'commies', and the like… He might have well called us all 'niggers'. We can differ in our discourse, but there's no room for alienation, insults, and promoting intentional aggravation. If you saw nothing wrong with his speak, then you too need to look into one's self and see if you share the same blind hatred and bigotry. WE can agree to disagree, but maintain respectful discourse. 'Corona_king' has been using vile comments for a very, very long time. WE don't need that type of ignorance here nor anywhere else.

Clinton critic Power gets White House job
Newsday

Forget "monster" gaffe: Power is a world-class mind
Washington Independent

More on the "monster" incident, with a lnk to the interview Smith cites
BBC

 
national security • Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • campaign adviser • Rwanda • negative campaigning • Election 2008 • Samantha Power • Susan Rice • National Security Council

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