To Excel at State, Clinton Must Forget Presidency

Former president 'neither looking for nor closed to' a role

(NEWSER) - Bill Clinton would be willing to serve in the Obama administration, CNN reports, but the former prez will remain in the background unless Obama “asks me to do something specific, which I'm neither looking for nor closed to." Clinton said in an interview that he would not unduly influence his wife in her position as secretary of State, but would be there to lend an ear. More»

Aides say he plans to do so just after Thanksgiving

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama remains "on track" to name Hillary Clinton as his secretary of state and plans to do so shortly after Thanksgiving, senior aides to the president-elect tell Politico. They said Clinton is expected to accept the offer and added that disclosure issues related to the complicated funding of Bill Clinton's foundation have been ironed out, the AP notes. More»

Obama needs 'an agent, not an author'

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton would probably do a good job as secretary of State, but giving her the post would be a mistake, writes David Broder in the Washington Post. “It’s not the best use of her talents, and it’s certainly not the best fit for this president.” Obama needs a diplomat to carry out his will, “an agent, not an author.” More»

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton will accept Barack Obama's offer to become secretary of state, the Guardian reports. The president-elect's team does not anticipate problems arising from an ongoing examination of the records of Bill Clinton's foundation, clearing the way for Obama's fiercest primary rival to embody his stated ambition to assemble a bipartisan administration. More»

Clinton Global initiative work could create conflict of interest for No. 42

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama’s lawyers are looking into Bill Clinton’s international endeavors, afraid they might create conflicts of interest if Hillary lands the secretary of state job. Clinton works closely with foreign governments and officials on philanthropic projects, and more problematically, has accepted millions in speaking fees from them. “He does good work,” said an Obama adviser. “No one wants it to stop, but a structure to avoid conflicts must be thought of.” More»