November 17, 2008
Posted: 03:01 PM ET

From
 Bill Clinton's extensive global ties could cause conflict if Hillary Clinton is appointed as secretary of state.
Bill Clinton's extensive global ties could cause conflict if Hillary Clinton is appointed as secretary of state.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton's international business dealings, global foundation and penchant for going off script could present a significant obstacle to Hillary Clinton becoming secretary of state, observers say.

On the one hand, his established relationships with world leaders could instantly make the New York senator a welcome face in embassies around the world.

On the other, his complicated global business interests could present future conflicts of interest that result in unneeded headaches for the incoming commander-in-chief.

"These are issues that I'm sure are being discussed, and they will have to be worked out, and it's legitimate to ask these questions," said James Carville, a former aide to the Clintons and CNN contributor.

Full story

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Jack   November 17th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Let me see, under Bill Clinton the country was prosperous every one had jobs,l we had a 3 trillion dollar surplus, yea who would want that again.What is the problem with having people who know how to manage the country back in the cabinet. We did really well under the Bush administration maybe he should nhave them in his inner circle. I wish you people would let Obama have a chance before decide he is another Bush

Rich   November 17th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

As long as he keeps his friend in his pants everything will be fine.

BM   November 17th, 2008 7:15 pm ET

If dodging sniper fire makes you feel safe, then I guess you can feel as snug as a bug.

Polly   November 17th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

If a woman is denied a position because of what her husband does, then I would call that discrimination.

Kim, Dallas, TX   November 17th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

Gary, when you read these posts, who exactly comes off as the angry hater? Just curious….because I felt it was your post.

rachel   November 17th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Whatever they just blowing smoke. If Obama doesnt give it to her all he wanted was to get his hands on dirt and bill's dealings. I will not be a happy camper if they offer it to her after they drag her through her husband's crap.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   November 17th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

It doesn't take the brains of a rocket scientist to know that Bill Clinton would bring problems should Hillary be named Secretary of State. This is a shame because she would serve us well. . .but . . .

Kim, Ohio   November 17th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

I knew Hilary should have gotten rid of Bill a long time ago. She has to love hime an hate him at the same time. He is holding her back.

ken   November 17th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

it always come back to Bill's problems to Hill. Why don't they just go away!

Mary   November 17th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

How many chances is this man going to get to distract from the business of the nation?

The smarter, more impressive Clinton needs to get rid of her husband!

Patrick   November 17th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

OH God…..I wish you media people would give it a rest. Vet the clintons, vet the clintons….its always a problem. IT’S NOT A PROBLEM FOLKS!!!!!! WE DON’T CARE. We love the Clintons. Bill’s been President, and Hillary came within inches of it. (She’ll be #45). So give up the “vetting problems with the Clintons” thing. We’re sick of hearing it.

notafan   November 17th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

no Clintons' in the administration or anywhere near the White House! Never, ever again!!!

Rockford   November 17th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Cool… Clintons in the whitehouse… Change we can believe in!

robert   November 17th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

there are some idiots who think all of our foreign policy should be to bomb iran. they are silly preferring war to negotiation. some like liebermann are foreign spies. let us all concentrate on the genocide in darfur and war in the congo.

Robert in raleigh   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

PLease Mr President, leave Bill alone. He my friend ,will stab you in the back. he is not sincere…………

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

@ GARY……. sir, you are seriously angry, you need help. Of course you are a Christian, since ALL the far-right-Republicans are. Have you not read the Gospel of Matthew, sir?? JESUS clearly says in Matthew 7:34 "do not judge, lest YOU be judged." Its ALL the hate, lies, division and fear the Republicans spew, and people like you spew, that cost the far-right the election! And will continue to, as long, as you people do not take a good hard look at yourselves.

The vile and evil you spew with your hateful comments will actually backfire, because as you saw during the elections, not only did President BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA WIN THE POPULAR VOTE BY A LARGE MARGIN, BUT HE WON THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE BY A LARGER MARGIN THAN DID REAGAN!

This should tell you, GARY, that Americans REJECT the politics of HATE……LIES…….FEAR…..AND……..DIVISION……..SPEWED BY THE FAR-RIGHT.

Get some help.

A Woman In California For Obama   November 17th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

All I have to say is Obama it is YOUR funeral. Not mine. I hope it works for you.

Sorensen   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Of course he is a problem. For tousands of bad reasons.
All she has to do is divorce him.

Barbara, FL   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Bill, the "albatross"

Lisa   November 17th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

People keep asking "Where is the Change?" The change was getting George Bush and the Republicans out of the white. That's that change we have all been waiting for, and the change we can all believe in.

jim   November 17th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Hillary still have a court date that she is trying so hard to avoid with Peter Paul. What happen to that?

Clinton
have a lot of baggage to bring to the White House and it will not go away soon. Obama has enough to work on come January.

The young people voted for Obama because they were tired of Bush and Clinton that was all they knew. Now he is thinking about putting Hillary back in there.

It probably would not have been considered if it had not been conveniently leaked . Sound like it was done intentionally to put pressure on Obama.

Franky   November 17th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Ohhh great, where do I start? First of all, I'm pretty ill over here because I have no idea why I'm going outside and second, last time I check, Hillary is what Rush Limbaugh said about and that's a woman! Bill is just gonna be there but if ANYONE wants to attack Hillary(if shes SOS), you better watch out…

In somes way, we know BIll had his time, right? Come on, you know! LOL!! Maybe is fate letting Hillary have her time…the question is, does she deserve it? And in my opinion, let fate decide…

She can probably be as powerful as Cleopatra…considering how I made fun of Hillary about that. If she accepts it, for example, she just may be more powerful than ever before and guess what, if my boy messes up in the later future or something unfortunate happens(let's pray not), Gov Palin has no chance…that I guarantee you.

We've actually been doing the work, so you know.

petena   November 17th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Nothing that can't be worked out – geez. Hillary is an EXCELLENT choice. Gor for it Madame Secretary

Stu Padaso   November 17th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

They should pick Richardson, he looks like a foreigner and I am pretty sure he speaks some goofy foreign language.

Thomas Paine   November 17th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

The Media is hoping that's the case.

Susan   November 17th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Still pick Hillary for SOS. She is higly intelligent & could do the job!!

Come on...   November 17th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Take Richardson, not Clinton. Way too much baggage. Richardson has way more int'l experience.

SIMP   November 17th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Thia is my problem as well, Bill. Personally I think Hagan should get the positon.

tess   November 17th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

gee, clinton causing problems – who would have guessed! if hillary really wants to get anywhere without the drama and scandals she needs to unload him – but she must be too insecure to go it alone! do we really want anybody like that – i don't!!!!

Stacey   November 17th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Sorry, Will but I'm not going to feel any "safer" under Hillary than I would under anyone else. Other than being First Lady and meeting and greeting a lot of heads of state, just what is Hillary's foreign policy experience? Traveling around the world doesn't necessarily make one qualified to be Secretary of State. During the primaries, Obama put the question out there as well: What exactly consitutes Hillary Clinton's experience in foreign policy? Wouldn't Senator Kerry or Gov. Richards be better qualified to hold the position of SOS? Just curious.

joseph   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Hillary would be great as Secretary of State, but don't they need her leadership in the Senate during this time of crisis.

Has anyone given any though to offering Lieberman a cabinet post or subcabinet level post (e.g., Secretary of the Navy or Secretary of Commerce)? It would (a) serve the interest of bi-partisanship and (b) it would allow the governor of Connecticut to appoint Lieberman's replacment.

kendall   November 17th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Hillary should have dumped Bill along time ago. Yeah were on first name basis now.lol
He has really hampered her chances of moving up the political ladder

S. K. John   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

No, Senator Clinton would not be a good choice for the cabinet position. Where is the change> Already, most of his positions are from the Clinton administration = Bill would be a problem; he loves the limelight too much and would upstage Hillary every chance he got. They both bring too much baggage with them – No Way!!!!!!!

thomas   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Maybe if Bill Clinton would stop "helping" her so much, things might work out better for Hilary.

John, Air Force Vet   November 17th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

This is why the GOP wants her to be SOS, so they have ammo. Better stick with Richardson-his veiws are closer to Obama's, anyway.

Carter from ATL   November 17th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Bill Clinton…still a blessing and a curse for his wife! Sad shame!

Anonymous   November 17th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

No I do not think Senator Clinton would be a good choice for Secretary of State. She is not experienced enough but, more important, her husband would be a BIG PROBLEM!!!! He likes the spotlight and would try to upstage Hillary as often as possible. Everyone knows that but few will admit it.
Give it to Bill Richardson; he deserves it!!.

Laszlo in L.A.   November 17th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Agreed, If Hillary Clinton HAS to offered a cabinet post, offer her Secretary of Labor. Her strengths are as a lawmaker, not a shuttle diplomat. Naming her Secretary of State just to appease her supporters you run the risk of having three different versions of American foriegn policy in the press, Obama's, Hillary's and Bill's.

Joyce   November 17th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I think it is a good choice even with a potential Bill problem. Hilary is known world wide. The SOS job demands respect and recognition. She is certainly qualified and up to it. Those that say she is not well how about Condi Rice? What experience did she had before being named one? Heck, Hilary could have been the President herself.

Hilary certainly is far better qualified and experienced. It'll be great. If only Bill would do his very best not to cause any more harm to his wife.

I really am not enthusiastic about Kerry nor Richardson. They don't bring as much to the table as Hilary. The only negative thing I can think off is New York will lose an incredible Senator.

60 year old, white female for Obama   November 17th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

How many times on an issue can CNN change?? First she was a shoe in with the decision left up to her; then it was more a political move on Obama's part; then came news that Richardson also met with the Pres elect; now everything depends on the vetting of Bill.

As much as I would like to see Sen. Clinton as SOS, there can be no way if there is any hint of a conflict of interest with Bill's dealings. Credibility is utlost in a post that has so many huge problems to solve. Clinton supporters need to realize this!!

Anna, ATL   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Both Hillary and Bill are internationally respected and appreciated.
It's the hateful extremes of left and right American media that have promoted false impressions of the Clintons.

I don't see Richardson standing up to Iran. He couldn't even stand up for himself when challenged about his betrayal of the Clintons last April.
"Well, I didnt mean to…" —-yuck.

Iran's President predicts our imminent doom. He is not someone we can trust….kind of like Richardson, actually.

A lot of hot air and allegations about the Clintons. No proof.

that's the big difference.

Bring on Hawk Hillary!

PATTY IN KENTUCKY   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I'M WITH "SKY"'S COMMENT. HOWEVER, SHE HAS ALREADY SAID SHE MORE EFFECTIVE TO REMAIN IN THE SENATE TO PUSH THROUGH MAJOR ISSUES. STILL THINK HE SHOULD PLACE HER A TEAM FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM.

ken   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

why are clintons acting so low??

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

OBAMA WILL WORK IT OUT AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK.

BJGT   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Obama knew all along she could not be vetted. He is a brilliant politician and she is job-hunting. NY no longer wants her either.

randy   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

freddie your dreaming she is not gonna be the next SOS if she can go through the same process that other people did.

GARY   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

THATS JUST A COP OUT FOR THE HATERS TO HATE. OBAMA HAS NOTHING BUT A FOLLOWING OF STINKEN HATERS. UNITY WHAT A CROCK OF BS. HIS SUPPORTERS ARE THE FAUGHT OF THAT. ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG MORONS.

Brian - Trinidad   November 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

That Obama is considering Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State shows what a weak and ineffective President he will be.He successfully portrayed her as lacking in judgement on the Irag war,and as Secretary of State the Iraq war will be her responsibility. It proves that his change mantra is a farce,his cabinet appears to be picked according to political celebrity status and not according to any action plan he has for the country.Not a good start for the change Messiah.Time for the media to focus on Obama and not avoid the obvious questions about what kind of leader he is by keeping th Clinton watch and Palin watch going.

JL   November 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

How about everyone WAITING and see; no one really is aware of the future so why pretend you are.

Rob   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

According to this article she is going to be chosen because of her husband's foreign dealings, not because of hers. Nice.

Why doesn't the Obama transition team consider not taking good people out of the Senate – it seems as though they are taking their majority for granted. Keep Kerry and Clinton in there. You already have Biden out of there.

Bill Richardson should be Sec. of State, his term as New Mexico governor is out in 2010. He has experience that is his own, not his spouse's.

And on the Clinton obsession, might a CNN reporter consider finding out how many times Hillary blinked this week? Perhaps doing some investigative journalism as to exactly how cold her toilet seat was this morning.

freddie   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Hillary is way past letting him anchor her down! If she really want's SOS she will get it. She won't let him stand in her way!

Matt   November 17th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

uhh you think the Clintons might be a problem? Forget the lawsuits they have pending against Hillary, her complete lack of doing anything for New York as a Senator. The questionable pardons to get her elected by Bill.

Then just imagine how it would look in 4 years when Clinton would try and run for office against Obama and be his Secretary of State.

Come on people the Clinton era of government was over 8 years ago let it die and them fade away.

She is not qualified to hold that position and having a Clinton in your cabinet How is that Change? Obama can pick Colin Powell or John McCain anyone else he would consider would be unqualified to hold that postion and lack the experience needed.

Wil   November 17th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I sincerely hope that President-Elect Obama will select Hillary Clinton to become the next secretary of state. I feel that this is the best decision for our country, and for those of us who still may have reservations about Barack Obama's foreign policy, I believe we can feel safe under Hillary.

Sandy   November 17th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Oh well. Back to the speaking engagements.

You will all probably gang up on me in this blog, too!   November 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Poor Bubba, he gets picked on no matter where he goes (for that matter, he gets picked on no matter where his wife goes too). I personally think Bill would make a better SOS but I really don't believe he would abandon his foundation for that. I would tend to think that his global undertakings regarding his foundation would be separate and apart from the job that would entail Hillary being a Secretary of State. Let Hillary be Hillary and accept whatever position in the Obama Administration that she is offered and desires to fill.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 17th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Hillary does not have THAT much experience to be SOS.

She's still a junior senator people!

Richardson or Kerry should get the post.

You will all probably gang up on me in this blog, too!   November 17th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Poor Bubba, he gets picked on no matter where he goes (for that matter, he gets picked on no matter where his wife goes too). I personally think Bill would make a better SOS but I really don't believe he would abandon his foundation for that. I would tend to think that his global undertakings regarding his foundation would be separate and apart from the job that would entail Hillary being a Secretary of State. Let Hillary be Hillary and accept whatever position in the Obama Administration that she is offered and desires to fill.

boered1   November 17th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

The Clintons have no shame, the liar hillary and the fool bill should have kept their mouths shut after they talked wiht Obama but they could not resist acting like he had already given her state.. guess they are trying to force public opinion (and those PUMAs who are easily swayed by such actions most likely will be crying for her to be "included") so that she would get the job at state.. me I think they should let the liar hillary go back to the senate and get voted out next time she runs.. end the clintons for good!

sky   November 17th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Hillary has given up too much simply because of her marriage to Bill. She is a separate individual. WHat an anchor around her neck he has become.

echeweozo   November 17th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

i dont like the idea of picking her .

Warren from TEXAS   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Where is P.U.M.A. at?

Alex   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Talk about a blessing in disguise!

Hillary has a lot to offer, but it should be under the banner of the US Senate or perhaps in the Supreme Court.

How bout someone who didn't support the illegal Iraq invasion/occupation for SoS?

MN observer   November 17th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I would be happy if it can be worked out for Hilary Clinton to take a prominent position in President elect Obama's cabinet but I sure get nervous when all the Republicans are vocally supportive of it. Is there a catch that us common folks don't see or am I overly sensitive?

JJ 123454   November 17th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

ya think?

Ed, Santa Fe, NM   November 17th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

hence NO CLINTONS in Obama's administration…. enough with the old…. WE WANT CHANGE

Lynn in NM   November 17th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

So who cares? It's a Clinton. That's all that matters.

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska   November 17th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

The problem with ol' Bill ahs always been more than a "cabinet problem".

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