Comments on: Bill Clinton says wife would be 'great' secretary of state

By: David Minneapolis

David Minneapolis — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:23:23 +0000

Ignorance will not save you. So many of you are blaming Obama even before he takes office. This is the mess of the Bush administration, the Clinton years, Bush 1 and yes, Reagan for that matter, and his trickle down economics. It may take Obama more than his first administration to dig out of this hole, but as a patriotic american, which I am so sure that all of you haters are, right, you will roll up your sleeves and get to work. And you'd better pray hard every night that Obama is successful, because what is at stake is your home, your job, your kids and your grandkids futures. At this point it's not about whose right it's about what's left after this economic tsunami subsides.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:22:57 +0000

What exactly makes H. Clinton qualified to be Secretary of State?
As the Secretary of State she would be the official responsible for foreign policy, the most senior position in the president's cabinet, and the fourth in the presidential line of succession. Not to mention the Secretary of State is also, in protocol, the first cabinet member in the order of precedence, immediately preceding any former presidents and former first ladies, who are followed by the rest of the Cabinet.

Sen Obama proved he could get elected without the Clintons. Now he needs to proved he doesn't need her to have these responsibilities. Put he in charge of healthcare.

By: CanIcallyouJoe

CanIcallyouJoe — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:22:30 +0000

No. Mistake.

Hillary Clinton is the wrong person for Secretary of State. Period.

By: Helene

Helene — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:21:53 +0000

Attorney General would be much wiser.

By: Sunny

Sunny — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:19:21 +0000

What is Bill's problem? Why does he have to comment on a thing which is not eve on the table? Looks like Clintons are not only selfish but are greedy for power. These power-hungry people would jump on even a slightest hint and make it so public that Obama would look bad if he does not do it. Same way as they publicized the VP thing for Hillary.

Come on Clinton, get used to the notion of being common people fopr some time. We gave you a chance and you blew it up by getting blowed! Now, your temper is not only going to make you the worst loser who is so sore that he acts like a 8 year old kid, but it will also make you the worst ex-president of the USA.

So, please, with respect, Mr. Bill Clinton, stop poking your nose into your wife's affairs. You are doing her way more harm than justice to her efforts. She is very much capable to reach the top without you pushing from behind.

By: Mike, Syracuse NY

Mike, Syracuse NY — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:18:05 +0000

I'd love to get Hillary out of NY state. Please pick her!

By: Ron

Ron — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:17:47 +0000

Due to the Clinton ties with foreign leaders and past dealings, many financial gains with foreign dealings, I think Richardson should be put in as secretary of state. The right wingers would have a field day with Clinton and it would come back to bite Obama in 2012.

Instead, put Clinton in as attorney general.

By: Mary - Independent

Mary - Independent — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:17:46 +0000

It would be nice if Hillary would be asked to fill the position of Secratary of State – Richardson does not have as strong
qualifications of International Affairs. If Bill Clinton would just stay out,
Hillary might have a chance.

By: Stop complainning

Stop complainning — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:17:23 +0000

Just because President Obama is surrounding his self with familiar faces does not mean that he is not about change. What he is doing is bringing back some of the old players in washington that got the job done when Clinton was in office. You go with what you know works not guessing or experimenting with people lives. We have done that enough and that has gotten us to this point. If you don't like what he is doing RUN AGAINST HIM IN 2012 If not then shut up.

By: SIMP

SIMP — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:16:18 +0000

Nobody said she asked for the job Bill. You need to chill out. yes Hillary campaigned for Obama and that's great. You need to let Hillary speak for HIllary and not you. Obama will select who he wants for the job, personally the two hillary and bill richardson either is fine with me.
I would perfer Colin Powell over either one of these.

By: WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:15:31 +0000

BET OBAMA PICKS BILL RICHARDSON ANOTHER LOSER!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA SHOULD PICK HILLARY BUT HILLARY IS MUCH SMARTER THAN HE IS!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA WANTS A BUNCH OF PUPPETS ON A STRING!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:14:59 +0000

COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL AL FRANKIN THAT HE LOST AND GIVE IT UP.

IF HE SOMEHOW WINS HIS ELECTION IT WILL PROVE JUST HOW CROOKED THIS COUNTRY REALLY IS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Mohsen Emami

Mohsen Emami — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:13:12 +0000

In my humble opinion, Hillary Clinton would be the most qualified and the very best candidate for the Secretary of State position.

By: Canadian Girl

Canadian Girl — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:12:58 +0000

I'm Canadian, I live about 20 min from a major US city... I can't even begin to explain the overwhelming sense of RELIEF when Obama was elected...it's like a heavy blanket has been lifted from our shoulders, not only in Canada, but the WORLD! Yay! I'm proud of our neighbours for getting it right! Not only that, we are thrilled, because the Bush Adminstration decided for 8 years to isolate the States from its allies, and its BROTHER – Canada. To say that we as Canadians have NEVER felt such strain between two nations during this time is an understatement. In saying this – I think Clinton will make a wonderful addition to the White House Administration – her level of experience on the GLOBAL WORLD STAGE is great!!! Good luck all! Welcome back!

By: Niky

Niky — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:12:08 +0000

Why would Richardson feel bad if HRC gets SOS. Didnt he say, when he endorsed Obama, that he wasnt doing it for a cabinet position?!

By: Jonas

Jonas — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:11:22 +0000

Did Bill Clinton help OBAMA win the election???? Surely not in VA or IN. He couldn't bring himself to admit that OBAMA was qualified to be
commander in chief until the last minute when OBAMA' s victory was
evident. I wouldn't be surprised If Bill and Hillary secretly voted for
John McCain

By: conservative

conservative — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:10:59 +0000

What a belly laugh !

By: Bianca

Bianca — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:06:45 +0000

"Strong, tough, smart and what a poke in the eye to the misogynistic taliban sympathizers. "

As opposed to our current Sec of State whom is already a women dealing with foreign affairs in the middle east..hello! LOL

Anyways, she will do fine at this job and would be a great choice. So would Richardson.

By: Joe-Wilmington, DE

Joe-Wilmington, DE — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:06:25 +0000

Plus she would be out of the country a lot. Good for 'ole Slick Willy, eh?

By: Christian

Christian — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:05:19 +0000

I love Hillary but this would be a mistake to make one of the most internationally despised women on earth the Secretary of State.
Kudos to whomever pointed out that she threatened to "totally obliterate" Iran. Secretary of State is a position that requires for people to like you.
Tap the pudgy Mexican boy for that one. He's a charmer.

Appoint Hillary as Attorney General Instead.

By: Vic

Vic — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:02:45 +0000

I agree that Senator Clinton would be good for the position, but, Chuck Hagel would also be good.

By: Wait...What?

Wait...What? — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:15 +0000

I love how people think redistribution of wealth is a new thing. Thinking the Clinton years were more Socialist than the Bush years it makes me laugh and smile.

By: Sara Shamili

Sara Shamili — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:06 +0000

I think it would be a terrible mistake of Obama, if he gives Hillary that job. She has the opposite foreign policy of Obama. Hillary has exactly the same ideas as Republicans and no wonder all of them are supporting her. And Wolf Blitzer is campaigning very hard for her as he did for Sarah Palin.
Please, Obama don't give her that great power. You would regret it bitterly.

By: Panther1

Panther1 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Why do people keep mentioning Hillairy for 2012? Unless she abandons the Democratic Party, she won't be able to run until 2016. Also, to those who don't support Barack Obama, you lost in a huge way. The majority of Americans want the country to go in a different direction. We had to put up with 8 years of disasterous governance because small minded morons thought that it was more important to elect a president who cared about "values" than someone who could actually do the job. NOTICE TO RIGHT-WING CONSERVATIVES, NO, LET'S USE THE CORRECT WORDS, RIGHT WING CLOSE MINDED EXTREMISTS: Most people care about values, we just aren't into imposing our values on everyone else. Read the Constitution -- this country was founded on the notion of freedom of belief and expression, yet you would suppress such freedoms and call those who don't agree with you "un-American." What a joke. Do what is good for you -- crawl back into your insulated fantasy world and let thinking people fix this mess you got us into.

By: gp

gp — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:59:59 +0000

Here we are again with the question WHAT HILARY WONT???? We can not aford this narcisistic women taking stage again!!!!!!!!!! This is contraindication – when ever she involved in bysines all artention is on her and about her!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let be clear that she is such a distraction fron any real work be done.. She worked so hard during election but was only preocupied with her sel and her hurt feelings, entitelment, requests......THAT DOESN"T WOR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Obama be wise. I know you belive you can handel her and you can BUT WHY WOULD YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need you to chose how you are going to go about your energy ...........stay focyse............pick what yoou realy have to fight for and not all what you can.....Let her to Bill so they worn each other and not you............we need you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Carlos Jean-Gilles

Carlos Jean-Gilles — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:59:02 +0000

The beauty about HRC as Secretary of State is that she can pick up the phone at any time day or night and speak with Bill Clinton on foreign policy. One may like or dislike Bill Clinton. But one cannot deny that he is smart, astute, and knowledgeable. So, there you have it: no secretary of state ever has had the depth, breadth and intelligence of team Clinton. This is an outstanding choice, folks! It's not based on anything else other than what is best for the country. As to the argument that HRC does not satisfy the change agenda, tell me folks, When have we ever had both a man and a woman sharing the secretary of state job? This choice would be "freaking" brilliant, and it doesn't take the brain of a rocket scientist to see that. If HRC truly puts country first, she will not only accept the position, she will see that this platform makes her a shoe-in for president in 2016. All she has to do is make progress on the foreign policy front and improve her managerial skills, and she will be our first woman president. I'd bet my money on it!

Carlos Jean-Gilles
Saint Louis, MO

By: silas

silas — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:58:03 +0000

I believe she will be a very good fit for that position

By: TX_Women

TX_Women — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:56:48 +0000

I admire Hilliary but she lives in the shadow of Bill Clinton. Bill-C needs to come clean with everything; if Hilliary is selected. Otherwise, she could end-up being a nightmare for the Obama Administraion. You have to think - why do so many Republicans want Hilliary as SOS???????

Be cautious and seek wisdom Obama in your pick for SOS.

By: w.l. jones

w.l. jones — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:56:36 +0000

The more knowledge a person attain the sooner he learnt you have leaders and followers you can^t have both.

By: susan

susan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:56:24 +0000

The bottom line is Hillary Clinton should have been the Democratic nominee. The Superdelegates didn't want her. Besides, Obama is the least qualified person to be President of the United States in recent history. No wonder he is surrounding himself with Bill Clinton's administration. I think Hillary and Bill Clinton should stay completely out of Obama's Presidency. If he falls, he should fall hard and he should fall alone. Then he can preach his mantra of change. The Amercian people deserve who they have voted for much like they did when they voted for Geroge W Bush. If they should suffer, let them.

By: David

David — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:55:41 +0000

If I was her I won't take it because I believe her goal is to be president and being a part of Obama Admin won't get her there.

By: Blake

Blake — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:52:27 +0000

Seriously, what is this CNN campaign to elect Hillary Secretary of State?

By: B

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:52:06 +0000

Bill Clinton – I loved you, voted for you, and still in some part idolize you. You are one of the greats in my opinion! So when I say this, I do with fortitude and humbleness….

SHUT UP!!!!!!

Ditto!

By: Pam

Pam — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:51:43 +0000

Of course he's pushing for her to Secretary of State...think of how often she'd be out of the country!

By: Barry

Barry — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:51:09 +0000

I tell you some of the comments on here, people just need to grow up.
What happned to all the talk of Unity or was that just more talk and no truth to it?

Obama would be lucky to have someone like Hillary on his team.
I hope of her sake she stays in the Senate as she can do more for the US and herself in the position.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:50:40 +0000

Obama said he wants to redistribute the wealth to help everyone. Well I hope he begins with the redistribution of the wealth of Oprah, the Kennedys, all the people in Hollywood, and all the Democratic members of the House and the Senate. They were his biggest backers and supporters, so they should be the first to have their money spread around.

By: Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:50:36 +0000

Obama is smart in two ways
1) he's bringing back some key people who helped us clean up the last mess and give us an economic boom. I have no problem with that.
2) he's trying to bring in people with whom he disagreed because he knows he doesn't have ALL the answers and will want to get every angle before making decisions. Hillary has a unique perspective.
As well, she did get more than 18million votes in the primaries. That's about 30%, or a little more, than McCain's total. So, I'd like to think she's earned the right to be asked into the administration.
Oh, and let's not forget all those rallies she did for Obama.

He owes her and he knows it and is trying to repay her.
And, if everything works out, she'll be perfectly set up to get the nomination and win in 2016.

Yes, this is from a person who was furious at Clinton for months. Not so much for staying in, because I saw (especially in the end) how it maed Obama stronger as a candidate. Rather, for some of the things she said that were just flat out wrong.

But, again, she made up for it in rallying for him. So, I say go for it.

By: Ohio Citizen

Ohio Citizen — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:50:25 +0000

I will be surprised if she accepts the job. Her issues are on the domestic front. Does she forget about health care ? +

By: GA for Obama

GA for Obama — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:50:19 +0000

Charlie- Obama's barely appointed 7/8010 members..wait till ALL are appointed, then judge

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:48:22 +0000

Done. Next position.

By: ndlily

ndlily — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:48:04 +0000

I just hope Obama knows what he is doing. i have read the theory that he would offer her a cabinet post just to get her out of the way. I suppose that is one way to look at it. I hate to see all the pressure on him to pick her, and I have to wonder where it is coming from. Part of me wonders if the Clinton faction hasn't blown this out of proportion just as a power play (let's push this guy, Obama, around). As for all of you who say Hillary is smart and deserving of the position and Clinton was such a great president, yes, she is a great politician (not necessarily a compliment). But she is also ruthless, competitive, and used to putting herself far above the needs of those she represents. That's not exactly a team player. As for Clinton's reign as president, things were rosier then, but it takes a lot to affect the natural rhythms of the economy and the president can only do so much. I'm not saying that Bush is not culpable in this last little economic downturn. He was starting a war while not watching things at home, which is a dangerous recipe. But I am also saying Clinton isn't entirely responsible for the "good times," and he did his share to make the White House a joke (think Monica) around the world. And, to bring it all home, Hillary didn't even have the guts to stand up to him. Or once again, she put her political aspirations above being a role model to women and to her own daughter. All in all, as I said, I really hope Obama knows what he is doing.

By: Truth Hurts

Truth Hurts — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:47:58 +0000

There are only selfish reasons why Billy Clinton is campaigning for his wife to become SOS

It is too bad the media continues to push the idea that Slick Willy was a good president, cause he wasnt. His wife wouldnt be a good president either.

By: Gerry

Gerry — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:47:49 +0000

President-elect Obama is surely approaching the appointment of Secretary of State with the same caution and emphasis on consequences as he did during the election. Senator Clinton is a very good candidate for the position because she has all of the qualifications and carries little international ‘baggage.’ However, there is one major issue and that is President Clinton. President Clinton will need to reveal much about the financial dealings of his foundation as well as his personal income sources. During the primary campaign he did not do this. I think this is the only major problem in this appointment. I hope it works out as having Senator Clinton in the tent as opposed to outside the tent of Team Obama is wise choice for the Obama Administration.

By: Anna, ATL

Anna, ATL — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:47:43 +0000

Oh geez, many people in Obamas campaign were former Clintonites.
Low tier, who decided that taking a gamble on the new guy could mean a climb up the ladder faster-thats why you see all these appointments from the Clinton days–they have been working with O since the beginning.

Where do you people think these NEW people you want are going to come from? We have serious problems right now that need to be solved.

As Joe said: no time for on the job training!

No Democrat has committed themselves more to the states, country and world they have served than the Clintons in the past thirty years.

You want solutions? Hire competence!
the best living example of that these days are they that served the Clintons.

By: Susan from Scotts Valley, CA

Susan from Scotts Valley, CA — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:46:53 +0000

I think Hillary as Secretary of Sate is an inspired idea, which tells us a lot about Obama's temperament. Even though she's a great advocate for Obama's (and her) policies in Congress, any Democrat would be and in the Senate, she'll still be the junior senator from New York and a long way from Senate Leadership. She's respected around the world and is the kind of intelligent force we need in this position. That's not to take anything away from Richardson or Kerry because they're capable, too. But I think we need something more than just capable. We need energy in all of these high-level positions,an energy which screams change. And this does this for me.

By: justobserve

justobserve — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:46:45 +0000

Of course Bill would say that: it's like him in a candy store. He had used his status as an ex-president to earn million without shame, he will have more power with a wife in the cabinet. It's just like those Banana Republic, say the Marcos, when his wife stood for presidency, or Evita of Argentina.

By: Sylvia

Sylvia — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:46:20 +0000

Why is Bill Clinton involved in every step that his wife is going to make. I think he just needs to be quiet and let his wife and Obama work this out. Clinton is so "in your face" and it's beginning to be annoying. I hope Obama sees this.

By: Annie, Atlanta

Annie, Atlanta — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:45:39 +0000

Either Senator Clinton or Governor Richardson would represent us well on the world stage.

By: Obama supporter #2

Obama supporter #2 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:45:27 +0000

All week end we have been hearing about Hillary as SoS. Please Obama make your decisions on your cabinet positions so the MSM can STFU about it. They (the MSM/GOP) are gonna scrutinize if you make the "wrong or right" decisions anyway.

By: Willa

Willa — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:44:53 +0000

Hillary Clinton, Colin Powell, John Kerry....all very well qualified. If Hillary gets the job however, the Obama team will definitely become another Clinton team, and their NAFTA agenda etc. etc. . Let's hope this time at least, that any new trade agreements will be negotiated with some semblance of intelligence, responsibility and common sense. If we keep 'giving away the store' to other countries, US will continue to bleed jobs and there will be more dire consequences for our already teetering economy.