Kerry, Clinton Face Off at State Hearings

Back-patting abounds

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton promised a new “smart power” era of US foreign policy today, advocating a mix of diplomacy and defense, in a decidedly friendly confirmation hearing today, the AP reports. “America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America,” Clinton said. “American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted.” More»

Old rivals appear to forge durable alliance

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton was instrumental in convincing Afghan President Hamid Karzai to accept a runoff election—but it was what she didn’t do that mattered most. She didn’t interfere with erstwhile rival John Kerry’s mission. In fact, sources say, Clinton facilitated the meeting between Kerry and Karzai and then stepped away. “We had a terrific working relationship,” Kerry tells Politico. “I reached out to her, she gave me her confidence, she was completely supportive.” More»

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»

GOP's Vitter is lone dissenter in 16-1 vote

(AP) - The Senate Foreign Relations Committee today endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton as the next US secretary of State. The 16-1 vote paves way for a full Senate vote after Barack Obama takes office Tuesday. The junior senator from New York earned the near-unanimous support of her colleagues—Louisiana Republican David Vitter cast the sole opposing vote. Vitter warned that Bill Clinton's charitable fundraising overseas could pose conflicts of interest. More»

(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. More»