November 17, 2008
Posted: 04:50 PM ET

From

ALT TEXT

Obama officials are looking into the former president's finances. (Getty Images)

CHICAGO (CNN) – Two Obama transition officials confirm they have begun taking a look at former President Bill Clinton’s finances and post-presidential dealings as part of the early vetting process into whether or not there’s any negative information to wave President-elect Barack Obama off from consideration of Sen. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

The officials said the transition team is seeking unspecified records from the former president to get a better handle on issues related to his foundation work and presidential library to try and deal with potential conflicts of interest if Sen. Clinton is nominated for the post.

While the officials refused to say how quickly the information is being turned over, they are refuting a Politico report suggesting transition officials are exasperated by slow cooperation from the Clintons.

“That is just not true,” said one of the Obama transition officials.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Bill Clinton


Leah from FL   November 18th, 2008 10:17 am ET

You know what? Bill and Hillary's PRIVATE bedroom life are not for public fodder any more than your PRIVATE bedroom life. He was THE BEST CEO we have ever had as a country, and in order to pull us out of another Bush's total economic failure, even worse than the first Bush, we need the best working to put the healing steps in motion – and quickly. Couldn't care less about his infidelities with women. We looked the other way with JFK and other prez, now 40+ years later we are becoming more 'saintly'? Come on Bill – work your CEO magic for us again!!

DonnieJ   November 18th, 2008 5:28 am ET

Why can't we all just put the Clintons behind us?

kim   November 18th, 2008 1:21 am ET

Idiots on the loose, hillary please tell this moron and his nasty scumbag (Jim Jones) kool-aid drinkers to go to hell and let him take judas richardson down with him.

Benz   November 17th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

I hope Obama gets this. He is smart but, too much carefulness can back fire. This vent on Hillary is not neccessary.
Too much Venting on spouse will increase divorce rate in this country soon.
We already know the Clintons for years. They are loved outside the country and will help get back American's relationship internationally.
I supported Obama from the primaries but, I think that he should be happy if Hillary accepts this job. Internationally, the Clinton's are respected despite the Monica's thing.

jack   November 17th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

Let's let Hillary stay in the Senate. As SoS she would have to worry about "what would Bill do" or is doing around the world and is any of this a conflict of interest? The best bet would be to have Bill Richardson take the position.

Sarah Smith   November 17th, 2008 9:48 pm ET

HOW is it NOT SURPRISING ???

That the CLINTONS have

created a CONFLICT OF INTERESTS ???

why does that NOT SURPRISE US ????

Willy Brown   November 17th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Obama & Clinton: Yep so much for "Change" . Boy did you all get duped again. One term and he's voted out.

Michaela   November 17th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Total conflict of interest and makes me really question Barack .

Tim E   November 17th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

So, when CNN says Bill Clinton poses a cabinet problem, would that be "on" it, "under" it, "in" it or "with" it?

Michaela   November 17th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

For all the reasons everyone has stated this is a very disappointing decision.

Betrayal anyone ?

I just feel betrayed. If it was going to be Clinton did we NEED to have 50 primaries ? Did he need 700 million ? Did it need to take 2 years ?

Never ever again will I believe in ANY politician. I have not for a long time and the first time I do, it turns he basically was not honest. NEVER EVER AGAIN.

In 4 years we can choose again and I cannot wait to NOT vote for Barack Obama. Elections and decisions have consequences yes they do.

J.C.   November 17th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

I just knew there were strings attached when the Clintons started to campaign for Obama. There is no free lunch from the Clintons. It's paytime and down with the change we had hoped for. This is a very sad day.

Had we wanted another Clinton administration, we would have voted Hillary back to the White House. Had she been intelligent enough, she would have quit earlier and not asking us to help her pay off her debt. Kissinger is too old to think straight. He said Palin was great as VP, too.

Obama brought us hope, but it has started to look hopeless. Please don't disappoint us.

Amy   November 17th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

@maynard hopkins….

GET A LIFE…THE ONLY ONE THAT IS DANGEROUS IS YOU…..PROTECT YOURSELF FROM YOURSELF…HI HATER!!!

Texas Teacher   November 17th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

geen….. come on, man! I will take some of those Bad Ole Clinton years over the hell of the past 8 years under Bush! Bill and Hillary both would be good reliable counselors for Obama! They gave us 8 good years, unlike Bush!

Obama will make changes from the bottom up instead of the top down. Trickle down economics do NOT work! Obviously! Give Obama a chance to even get in office before you try to crucify him! Seriously….. !!!

Dixie AZ   November 17th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

Hillary would make a good Secretary of State. She would make a good president. But as long as she is married to Bill, I doubt she'll ever be president. With all his love affairs coming to light, and lying under oath, he made a mockery of his Presidency. A very intelligent and arrogant baboon.

Desert Storm Vet   November 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Hope and Change!!!!!
Gullible truly gullible.

Dixie AZ   November 17th, 2008 9:17 pm ET

The only issue during the Clinton administration was will he or will he not be impeeched. Other than the Monica debaucle, he had an easy smooth ride through 8 years. And we've been hearing about it every chance he gets. Haven't heard him mention Monica though.

Desert Storm Vet   November 17th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

Keep putting Clinton's team in. But watch your back Obama.

ck   November 17th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

Change?

Yet Obama might keep a Clinton around???

The Clintons are NOT CHANGE!!

Please, Clintons go away… you both had your moment in the spotlight, but IT'S OVER!!

Texas Teacher   November 17th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Barack Obama will choose the people HE feels are best qualified for the job…. and if the Republican voices don't like it…. Well, TOO BAD for YOU!!! :)

We won….. na na na na na!!! :) :) :)

lmm   November 17th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Unless money was given to Hillary or she had dealings on behalf of Bill, then why is he being vetted???? Even so –

http://www.clintonfoundation.org/

is Bill Clinton's organization that most of you are deriding. Check it out to see how thoughtless he is with his time and post-presidential endeavors.

We seem to have such short memories and ill wishes for those that succeed (in spite of the human failings that we all have), and our only wish is to make ourselves feel better by tearing them down.

BTW – his foundation is a 4 star charity (Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause.) graded by Charity Navigator.org

Russell, NC   November 17th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

Obama preached Change, Change, Change. Now, look who he is considering. ??????????

Simmy   November 17th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

To CNN:

Please send the haters' comments into cyberspace! Before President Obama won, they were all hanging out with Hannity at Fox. Now they've lost and they're bitter! They complain about everything little thing, even the color of President Obama's ties.

Let me refer you all to Dr. Hepaluza! He offers free sessions!

PL   November 17th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

I sure hope Monica dosen't pop up from under a desk during the vetting process… Lost alot of respect for the former president during the election.

Simmy   November 17th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

If there is the least potential of this post position backfiring, give it to Gov. Richardson, and let the chips fall where they may! Pres-Elect Obama has come too far for any drama!

Sara from Arizona   November 17th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Is this the Obama administration or a replay of the Clintons. Is Monica looking for a job?

Sara from Arizona   November 17th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

These Clintons won't go away. Always in the limelight. Serious Clinton fatigue here. Bill Richardson for SOS.

Marie   November 17th, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Matt why do crazies like you keeping talking about Obama's birth certificate?How do you think he got to be a senator by lying?AND FURTHER MORE HIS MOTHER WAS A UNITED STASTES CITIZEN STUPID so that would make him a citizen even if he wasn't born in the states.Where were you born and are you a citizen?Try getting a life and worry more about the economy that your republican friends have made the american people suffer for 8 long years instead of listening to false rumors as to who is a citizen and who is not or are you working with the immigration dept?I betcha not

St Louis,Fl   November 17th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Beleive it or not Bill is incontournable

bill for barack   November 17th, 2008 8:36 pm ET

This could take a while.
At least there's no hint of scandal with the Clintons.

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

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Experienced?   November 17th, 2008 8:34 pm ET

If Hillary is experienced, then Robin Givens should be heavyweight champion of the world!

Veronica Virtue   November 17th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I believe it would be a disastrous mistake for President-Elect Obama to appoint H. Clinton to the Secretary of State position. It is evident that her husband cannot be controlled and that there are a number of predictable and foreknown consequences should Obama appoint her. His fledgling presidency would be burdened from the beginning by the many questions about the former president's business and other dealings with heads of state and corporations the world around. Obama himself would become suspect by putting himself in this position.

db   November 17th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I'm sure it'll be JUST fine- Bill Clinton has never been a hinderance to his wife's political ambitions before, right?

No CHANGE   November 17th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

I reject anyone named Bush or Clinton.
Change means nothing with those 2names.

Terry B.   November 17th, 2008 8:30 pm ET

Umm, color me reactionary here but if there is one guy who over "vetted" it would be Bill Clinton. Really, do you think it is minutely possible that he has any skeletons in his closet and even if he has any conflicts of interest doesn't translate to complete support from Hillary.

anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:27 pm ET

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anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

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anyonmous   November 17th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

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Ken   November 17th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

What I don't like that the team would make a decision based on Bill Clinton. It is Hillary Clinton that they are looking into to be the next Secretary of State.

If they wanted to make certain conditions with Hillary Clinton, to possible effect Bill, then they should approach Hillary Clinton with those demands and let Hillary and Bill talk it over among themselves first, then if both sides are agreeable, then name Hillary Clinton to be Obama's Secretary of State.

Montana is Obama Country   November 17th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

***********

Sorry… but I DON'T want Hillary as Sos…!!

Pick Richardson for SoSec'y for his energy focus..
Pick Hill for Health Care Sec'y
Put Kerry as head of National Security or Homeland Security..

But not HRC… as Sos…!!..

Just say NO… Barack… please….
**

The Great One   November 17th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

"Understand Obama: He will show to the American people that he wants Hillary but the truth is that during the vetting process he will find something in Bills closet about his donors and kill 2 birds with 1 stone and take the Clintons out of American politics once and for all. Smart Man Obama he truly understands how to get even."

my thoughts exactly Babs. Obama is keeping his friends close, and enemies even closer. I love it, ha ha.

Frank Meister   November 17th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

CNN please send Campbell Brown back to NBC. She clearly is out of her element on CNN and still can't seem to handle objectively moderating her talk show without her anti-Clinton mindset shaping how she interacts, questions, and closes off discussions. I am sincerely tired of seeing her trying to recast herself as objective "No Bias, No Bull" should be re-named "No Dissent, No Air time"

tina   November 17th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

Skeleton, skeleton and more skeletons!!

Larry   November 17th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

What Obama wants is personal information and is Unconstitutional,if you were to ask a potential employee the same information ,you could be sued.Is Obama already proving that he's thinks he's above the laws of the Constitution of United States ???

ABG   November 17th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Hillary Clinton will sail through confirmation hearings.

No one deserves to be Secretary of State more than Senator Clinton!

No change with the old Guard   November 17th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Just go back to the Senate. I'm done with every Bush and Clinton on the planet!

4 Hillary   November 17th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Obama can take a flyin' leap. Has OBAMA been vetted? NO. How dare he question the most successful Democratic President in 40 years.

Hillary – stay in the Senate – become Majority Leader and RUN AGAINST OBAMA IN 4 YEARS.

Nothing ever changes   November 17th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

I guess this just goes to show, you cannot please everyone, some are not happy because she was not selected as VP, now there are those not happy about her being vetted for Sec. of State. As to why they are looking at President Clinton, it will affect Senator Clintons confirmation hearing, the Republicans do not like Bill or Hillary and they will dig up as much dirt as they can.

JT from TN   November 17th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

What';s bill got to do with hillary being in the cabinet if it were me I'd welcome Bill….after all he's a former President and a popular one at that.

paul oregon   November 17th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

dont think the clintons will be a good idea. this maybe the beginning of the down fall of obama hillary called obama a terriost , then theres liberman the rat ,and having talks with mccain whom also called obama a terriost. this doesnt seem to good of a plan to me

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 17th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Oh, and while you're checking records, Mr. Obama, be sure to check Henry Hyde's revelation about his out-of-wedlock kid and then there's Newt Gingrich, who was having an affair with a woman while married to another woman….

All this during Bill Clinton's impeachment proceedings.

Oh, and Hyde and Gingrich were standing in judgement of Clinton at the time.

John   November 17th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

I don't buy that Obama would offer H. Clinton this top cabinet position because he "owes" the Clintons anything, nor do I see this as inconsistent with the Obama we elected. Rather, this would be Obama's attempt to emulate Lincoln in creating a "Team of Rivals" for his cabinet. I think it reveals this guy's amazing maturity and solidity: he's willing to include multiple voices, those of friends AND of former foes, in his arena. If you watched the "60 Minutes" interview, you saw the most intelligent, thoughtful man who's occupied the White House in anyone's memory–much deeper and wiser than a liberal idealogue or a Machiavellian politician.

rebekah   November 17th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

so tired of sources..who are they anyway??

db   November 17th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

uh oh….

Jean2   November 17th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

GARY HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT YOU MAY BE THE HATER.
LIGHTEN UP!

yen   November 17th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Please give mrs. clinton a non controversial roll. She will do great in the health insurance for field. Bill Richardson or J. Kerry will be good for that post.

Jean2   November 17th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

WHY DO EVERY ONE FEEL THAT SO VERY MUCH IS "OWED" THE CLINTONS??

THERE IS NO ROYAL FAMILY IN THE USA!!

Chris From California   November 17th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Barack Obama says he is a "uniter" and I think he is demonstrating he is just that with bringing Hillary Clinton on board as SOS and with eliciting input from one of the best Presidents this country has ever known, Bill Clinton.

Harry, IL   November 17th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

Oh, Bill Clinton is in Kuwait now giving lecture to Arabs and getting paid for it. Barack Obama should know that there are lot of skeletons in the closet. Obama Show has just started.

2Nurselady   November 17th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

President-elect Obama could not make a better choice for Secretary of State than Hillary Clinton – no matter what.

Matt   November 17th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

People…this is what a real vetting process looks like.

Hillary is no different from ALL of the other candidates for positions in the new administration. Barack is too careful to "Pull a Palin". This is GOOD NEWS. Do we really want him to be picking people for their political clout instead of what they can truly bring to the table to help us, the citizens?

bertha doucet   November 17th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

obama is a good politican,he pretended like he is offering hillary for secretary Of State,but now his camp is vetting bill clinton so they can find all kinds of things about his doners and forgins sources.the clinton"s campaigned there butts off for obama.obama needs to thank his luckey stars for the Clinton"s . if hillary does't get the job I will loose respect for obama. Houston tx

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 7:33 pm ET

There is an old saying some of you, youngsters, may not know about….. "keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer."

Trust me, President-elect Obama knows what he is doing if he chooses Sen. Clinton for Sec. of State. And she has proven herself a supporter during her many days on the campaign trail for OBAMA. Let's not get so cynical, people.

CHANGE takes MANY forms, its not just getting rid of the old, but a wise leader will ALSO keep the 'old' that can benefit not only his administration but our Nation!

Hillary Clinton will be an excellent Sec. of State….. along with her husband. And yes……. he gets vetted because …….they…..are married!
Duh.

FYA   November 17th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

ems Mike – couldn't agree more!

I don't think the people in this country would know how to behave it actually got back on track, as it was under the Clinton presidency.
Knowledge is power. Kudos to Obama for knowing it, and trying to do what he can to get the collective s^*t together of a country so broken by the Bush years, it doesn't even know how to be optimistic.

geen   November 17th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

like so many of us card carrying progressives, we were led to believe that Barack, when elected (was there ever ANY doubt,after 8 years of the moron that he would be?), would, indeed, bring change…only to find that his change is going to be 'clinton redux"…he promised to be a 'liberal' and, with consideration of Clinton as Sec of State…and even Richardson for something of other…what we end up with is an administration which will be far from liberal..the same old centrist nonsense of the Clinton era…and, as a warning about Clinton…if Barack makes the mistake of appointing her to State..with her poltiical ambition (and..AND, it should be well known by now that EVERYTHING the clintons do IS political and self-serving) we could have the most dangerous sec of state since John Foster Dulles in the 50's, travelling the world, threatening everyone….I would ask Barack…"Is clinton REALLY the best you can do?"

Janice Illinois   November 17th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Why is it that Bill is being Vetted , he's not being looked at for anything? Hillary is her own woman ,it's not fair that Bill is anything to do with it. If I go for a job I expect to be looked at for my responsibilities not his. There is no one better for this job, she has earned it. If they turn her down because of her husband, THAT IS TOTAL DISCRIMINATION.

Polly   November 17th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

oohh…how about an audit of Obama's financial donations to get him into Presidency…

Left Coaster   November 17th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

So much vitriol for no reason. Pres Clinton was a great president; he and Hillary are well respected on a global level. That is a great attribute to being SOS. I hope she is the next SOS!

Mike   November 17th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

The man was impeached. Enough said.

Vic   November 17th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

This should be interesting….very interesting.
I hope Bill isn't harboring any more secrets.

Sisi   November 17th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Obama already lost he chance to make history by not choosing Hillary as his vice president. America has already had a Madame Secretary. Nonetheless Hillary is very qualified but really I don't see how it will advance her political career much.

ME IN FL   November 17th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Obama is doing a great job in selecting his cabinet members.

Hillary for SOS will be an excellent choice. This woman is smart, hard woking and does not back away from anything!!!! She is the right person for the SOS position.

ken   November 17th, 2008 7:01 pm ET

8 years of the Clintons, 8 years of Bush, now with all the cabinet positions and Hillary it looks like another 4 years of the Clintons. Chalk it up to inexperience.

Jim   November 17th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Bill Clinton was one of the best president's we've ever had, the news media and their paparazzi bs journalism give's him a seriously unfair shake, he deserve's a lot more respect than he gets by the circus media, I truly hope Obama make's good use of him, it's honor to have the guy around still, don't let em go to waste because of the paparazzi bs media!

maynard hopkins wi   November 17th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

When you get done vetting good old Bill , The oval office expert,,, start to vet Obama from the word go. This guy is dangerous.

Sabreen60   November 17th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

IMO, Hillary should NOT be SOS. She's hawkish and voted for the war. Even if I forgive her all the negative comments she made about President-Elect Obama during the campaign (some of which went way over the line), I don't believe she is the CHANGE that I and many others hoped for. Hillary and Bill bring to much drama. Just look at all the controversy that has happened by simply putting her name into consideration for SOS.

flex Miami   November 17th, 2008 6:47 pm ET

Obama need to put Bill Richardson as secretary of state and Hillary Clinton in charge of health care. Simple

GARY   November 17th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

(BORED 1 ) – —YOU YOU HATER. GET A LIFE YOU SCUMBAG. ITS HATERS LIKE YOU THAT ARE GOING TO MAKE IT HARD FOR OBAMA WHEN HE GETS IN OFFICE. YOU HATERS HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO. OBAMA'S BIG THING ON UNITY IS A CROCK OF BS. ,WITH SUPPORTERS FULL OF HATE LIKE YOU YOUNG MORONS.

rm   November 17th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

The Clintons are starting to stress me out. Obama has to be careful not to put someone in his cabinet that could hurt him in 2012. If that means Hillary so be it! I like the Clintons, but this is business.

linda from South Dakota   November 17th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

check it out, and do it right,, and if theres any doubt,, boot em out,,,, barack,, we dont need any informalities nor lies from amyone,, includin the clintons,, mainly bill,,,,,

Anonymous   November 17th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

No matter what Hillary if offered in the way of an administrative job Bill will always be the problem. I see Hillary as an excellant choice for Sec. of State but you darn well be watch out for Bill. I think that there are more safer choices. By the way the leaking of information is not a good sign. There is a loss of control and it should be dealt with before who ever is doing the leaking is hired permanently.

Tiff of lithia springs   November 17th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Unless it is something that smells of treason I don't know what in the world Bill could have in closet that would shock us at this point.

And as bad as Bush has left the international stage, we should get whatever help we can. Hillary and Bill don't have the smoothest character record. But their policies on a properous America speaks for itself.

HouseDiva   November 17th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

this isn't change….

the Clintons are too dirty.

wrong move Obama…you're supposed to choose wisely!!!

Ian, Minneapolis MN   November 17th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

He would be a sec of treasury

IDU   November 17th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

Leave Bill Alone!!!

J.P.   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Gee, other than "minor" problem of lying under oath…

Mary   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Good works shouldn't be punshised. SOS HILLARY!

MLH   November 17th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

The Clintons bring too much baggage to the table, and are far too used to being in charge to work well as subordinates. He has had too many business dealings with too many countries for her to be an effective Sec. of State.

Beth   November 17th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Hillary should have this position. Bill has done a great job and they both helped Obama a great deal in getting elected. I think this is getting hyped up by the media and this is what vetting is all about. She is best for rhis job and deserves it.

babs   November 17th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Understand Obama: He will show to the American people that he wants Hillary but the truth is that during the vetting process he will find something in Bills closet about his donors and kill 2 birds with 1 stone and take the Clintons out of American politics once and for all. Smart Man Obama he truly understands how to get even.

Boered1   November 17th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

to all you idiots who say that Obama has picked a bunch of clintonites for his cabinet understand a small piece of reality before you talk in the future.
OBAMA has selected SOME clintonites to help him in his SELECTION of cabinet members, he has aNOT filled his cabinet with them. he is using the knowledge they have in the actual day to day workings of these positions to help him find the best mix, I suspect his CABINET (not tranistion team) will have some republicans in it, and some democrates maybe even a few who served during the clinton era but it WILL NOT be a duplicate of the clinton cabinet.. sorry to burst your bubble but Obama tends to think things through, to talk with others who have differing opinions and then to make his decisions.. that is already more change than we ahve seen since Lincoln! A cabinet NOT filled with yes men!

zenter   November 17th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Just give it to Hillary so all her stupid PUMA's will finally be put in the grave of irrelevance along with Joe the Plumber. And to you Hillary haters, give the woman a break. She's competent enough to do the job. She'll be scores better than Condi!

Patrick   November 17th, 2008 6:07 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.

conservative   November 17th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Boy this ought to be RICH!

Joy   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

It's utterly amazing to me the amount of ill will expressed towards both Bill and Hillary Clinton. I for one hope that she is nominated for the position. I think she'd be great.I think Obama has made some smart choices and she is one of them. This is not about change for change's sake. It is about change for the right reasons, like accomplishing something for the people. Like having people in positions because they are a good fit and not a friend.

JK Ashburn, VA   November 17th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

I hope the Obama investigators are clever because the Clintons know how to hide the good stuff. Perhaps they'll stumble across the Rose Law Firm billing records, too. They're level of corruption knows no bounds. And, those of you who are critical of bloggers who are critical of the Clintons need to get your head out of your butts. They are unconvicted criminals.

james in texas   November 17th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

What will the flying monkeys do if Hillary goes to State?

rap   November 17th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Should Hillary want to keep her leverage with anyone, I strongly suggest that she keeps her seat in the senate.
The Obama still needs what Hillary has and they are desperate to take her in the wings so that shes loses her edge.
Hillary, Plese do not fall for this trap.
These people think the are the smartest since the beginning to times.
How can the man barking about change be shaping the future of the nation because he likes reading histoty.
Where's his own intellegence?

Yes Hillary..   November 17th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Obama chose her. It's now up to the Congress to approve of this choice. It's ironic that Bill Clinton destroyed Hillary's chances of winning the Democratic nomination, now he's jeopardizing her chances at Sec. of State? I would have left him after the whole Monica debacle. Her chickens are coming home to roost.

Melinda   November 17th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I thought Hillary wanted to focus on healthcare??

Nifty 60, female and white   November 17th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I think this is a real shame. I was once a Hillary supporter and threw myself fully behind Obama for Change we can Believe in. I feel cheated, not because I don't like Hillary but because so far there is NO change I can see. I am sure Obama is looking for the best possible people, but by now Bill Clinton has become to much of a liability for Hillary and should not have as prestigeous position as SoS. Either way, I am disappointed in Obamas lack for real change so far.

Truth Be Told   November 17th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I think adding Clinton to his staff defeats the "no drama Obama" thing as the republicans are just waiting for him to give them something to take shots at. I wonder why so many republicans support this idea? Hummmmmmmmm….

Don,
…good point…can you smell setup?

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 17th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

I find Obama's move to include Hillary, Bill and John fascinating.

From the book "The 48 Laws of Power", Obama knows Law Two:

"Never put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn how to use Enemies! "

JL   November 17th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

I'm glad the transition team is taking a good look at the former President's finances before choosing Hillary. The GOP seems to have demonized Bill Clinton and will continue to scruitinize every move Hillary makes because of him. Hopefully the transition team can put all of these rumors about donations to rest and we can all move on.

Feeling Blue happily   November 17th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Love Obama, but the Clintons come with way too much baggage. Loose em. John Kerry Secretary of State please…

ems Mike   November 17th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I'm outraged that so many folks here are denigrating the Clintons.

He IS the only two term Democratic POTUS in 50 years. Successful. He left our Nation in excellent shape, all to be squandered by Lil' Bush, but now the folks who support our newly elected Democrat POTUS squabble about Clinton's negatives? Because they hate Bill and Hillary?

You can admire Hillary and Bill and Obama all at the same time. Allegiance to one does not dictate constant denigration of the other two.

Bill has been working on global issues, and this is the thanks he gets? He's down in East Freakin' Ellijay GA stumping for Martin to get our Senate levels closer to the 60, and you folks are gunning for his head?

Get over it already!

Axl   November 17th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

this is just due process and bill isn't up to anything illegal. it's just that most of his library donors are wealthy foreigners and he's kept them confidential to avoid scaring them away because journalists with an agenda don't care. for example, Fox News will smear Clinton for accepting donations from Saudi donors to fight AIDS in Africa.

many activities in bill clinton's post-presidential career, though perfectly legal, could become tricky for American foreign policy and trip up his wife as secretary of state. the vetting is as useful for them as it is for obama. people want to make a big story of nothing.

there's nothing immune from stupid distortion.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 17th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

I would rather see Hillary than Bill connected in anyway with the White House. While I loved Bill when he was President, he has baggage and would be a distraction (per Repubs dragging it al up) to President Obama. Hillary, is smart and really has a clean political record (except what the Repubs drag up) and would be good in any position.

Mike   November 17th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Would this not have taken place when Hillary was trying to win the nomination? Could Bill's dealings have prevented Senator Clinton from her White House bid? This should be a non-issue!
Thank goodness, Hillary didn't win the nomination and then been disqualified to run for office. If Bill's dealings are found to be shady, could this be terminal for Hillary in the Senate?

Fingers crossed everybody!

Sandra Crawford   November 17th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Sandra Summerville, SC

Hillary Clinton is a brilliant woman. If she were the president elect, which could have been, I do not think all of this junk about her husband's activities would be brought up. If Obama needs to place her in a position that is under the President of the U.S., what is the problem? Go Obama and Hillary!

karen-phoenix   November 17th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Hillary would be fantastic for the job. Bill was President of the USA!!!
I do not understand all this vetting of him and it is Hillary that would get the job–not Bill. AND I do believe after watching Bill campaign for Obama and his speech at the DEM convention–Bill really, really likes Barack!!! His background and educational level are so similar. People they really are friends!!! Two highly intellegent men who care about the average people in this country!!!!

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN   November 17th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I think this is a smart move for Obama. I actually like the notion of HRC serving as Sec. of State, but I also think her husband has a lot of "issues", so I don't blame Obama for vetting President Clinton.

Jeffrey Long   November 17th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

HA!!!!! Take that Politico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rockford   November 17th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Glad to see new government moving in…
Change we can believe in…

Bill Clinton getting vetted… bet he's nervous… I do like him though.

rich   November 17th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

The Clintons have been a political duo and tied at the hips. One can argue that Hillary would not be where she is if it were not for Bill. Yet, as she has struck out on her own to make a name for herself, it may be quite an irony if Bill's financial dealings would be the anchor around Hillary's heels that kept her from surfacing for air. I hope this will not be the case, and she would get the position of Secretary of State. Should it fair, she can always stay in the Senate, and enjoy the millions she and Bill has made post 1700 Pennyslvania Ave.

don   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I think adding Clinton to his staff defeats the "no drama Obama" thing as the republicans are just waiting for him to give them something to take shots at. I wonder why so many republicans support this idea? Hummmmmmmmm….

blaising   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Way too much drama already!!! Maybe re-think this one O.

Slo Moe   November 17th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Do you think he will mention Monica?

lovable liberal   November 17th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

One side benefit of a prominent role for the Clintons: The lunatic fringe on the right has a familiar target for outrage, which takes their attention away from Obama.

Jaun   November 17th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

I think Hilary should be left just where she is now…she will be of more use there.
And then she may accept and end up eposing stuff that is better left where they are…and end up in the same boat as Sarah Palin.(if only she had known she would of never accepted McCain's offer.

Robert in raleigh   November 17th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

He will lie, Please leave them alone , They come as a pair Leave them alone….

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   November 17th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

REALITY CHECK- BILL CLINTON DOES NOT LIKE OBAMA.

EVERYTHING HE DOES IS FOR HIS WIFE AND THE DEMS.

MAYBE THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS WILL AT LEAST AGREE WITH ME ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phil-Little Rock   November 17th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

I hope they find a graveyard of skeletons in Clinton's closets and decide against offering Hillary the job.

Jason B.   November 17th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

They're looking to see if there's any negative info on Bill Clinton? They're joking right? Good grief, the guy was a decent President but he's got more skeletons in his closet than a state full of high school science labs! Questionable land deals, affairs, etc.

Reality Check   November 17th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

and this could unfortunately end Hillarys chances.

KJL   November 17th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Skeletons in Bill Clinton's closet? Surely you jest!

Purple Alaska   November 17th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Oh-ohhhhhh…..

60 year old, white female for Obama   November 17th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

The press has become the spreader of false information no matter what side of the fence they are on. Unnamed sources, supositions, a desire to be the first with the story no matter how flimsy, need to fill up air time and pundits who think they are more insightful and intelligent than the people they are reporting on.

CNN for example were way too early on the SOS stories.

ran   November 17th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

They need to let this go. Clinton does not need to be in his admin. She would do better in the Senate. Bill is just going to be a problem and HC I do not believe is the right person for SOS anyway. Maybe health and human services but they would still have to deal with Bill and he is just too controversial.

Joe Green   November 17th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Maybe Hillary could have some other job. Secretary of damage control? She has a lot of experience there…

California Gold   November 17th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

There is a potential conflict of interest matter to address. In traveling the globe I know first hand how wildly popular both the Clintons are, but our COI rules are more important than popularity.

ken   November 17th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

what is not true? Enough with the Clintons and the headline!

Joe, Yankee Lake, N.Y.   November 17th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Of course Hillary will get the job, not because she's qualified (remember the sniper fire), but, because Obama owes the Clintons.No matter how much vetting Bill gets, we will never bve told the truth about his travels overseas, or his library. Obama is owned by the Clintons. Look at his team and fture cabinet positions, all ex-Clinton people. I thought we were going to get Change we can Beleive in, not History. We are going to have a Clinton administration with a Token Obama. How sad. I feel like my vote was stolen from me.

A Woman In California For Obama   November 17th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Good luck finding ANTHING out.

Ron - Saint Louis   November 17th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

There are many qualified people that could serve as Sec. of State and Hillary Clinton with her angry husband is not one of them.

I was so excited to hear about the change that Obama was going to bring to Washington. So far, all I have seen is more of the old Washington insiders getting the the appointments so he can keep everyone happy. This is just more of the same old crap that makes me sad to see what America has become.

I'm disappointed and disenchanted.

Lisa   November 17th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Wake up America!! Obama is going to have an all star team in the white house.

Michael, Houston Texas   November 17th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Good.

Lisa   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Bill Clinton has already been vetted. I guess that means Hillary will become the next Secretary of State. GO HILLARY!!!!

Grady Mooney   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

What??? Can it be real that the democrats don't already know Bill Clinton???

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 17th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Darn it. Hillary should have turned over those library records while she was campaigning and none of this would be necessary. Hillary is a great Senator and I hope this doesn't stand in her way.

Tulsa   November 17th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Well, at least the Obama team is actually vetting the candidates….. way more than the Republican machine did.

Paul, Riverside, CA   November 17th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

He was going to find out who donated to that library one way, or another.

If Hillary is not picked after all of this vetting, you can bet there will not be happy people in Clinton-land.

Chris   November 17th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I hope this works out well. While I did not want Hillary for President, I do think she would make an excellent Secretary of State.

michael   November 17th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

of course Hillary to going to get a top spot all the other Clinton advisors are being hired might as well get the top person in there as well.

Franky   November 17th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Notice guys the X-factor here is in fact Bill!! In that case, somebody better vet his wallet!! There better be money and confidential stuff about him instead of phone numbers! You know what I'm talking about, LOL!!

Chris (SC)   November 17th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Would rather have Richardson as Sec. of State but if Obama thinks it is good, I won't argue, just would rather Clinton tackle the health care problems of this nation and not the foreign policy problems.

Molly   November 17th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

I don't like how the Obama camp has started leaking a lot lately. It looks like they've brought on some people they shouldn't have who don't know how to keep their mouths shut.

JIM...TX   November 17th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Lot's of luck with old Bill!

Matt   November 17th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

What no articles about Alan Keyes suing for Barack to produce a birth certificate before California certifies it's electoral votes on CNN? Go figure. Barack Obama has 6-8 law suits from states demanding proof of Natural Birth and no one in the media feels this is worth reporting on.

Amber   November 17th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

WOO HOO!!!

Clintons back on the world stage in an official capacity!!!

Stu Padaso   November 17th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Vetting!! does anybody remember Monica?

greeenwalk   November 17th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Say What!!!

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   November 17th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Well, if that's the case, Team Obama will have to
1) pray that there's nothing there
2) overlook what is there
3) not be able to overlook some critical issues in which case they'd have to rescind the offer.

So, as an Obama supporter, I wish they'd have gone through the process before leaking that Hillary Clinton was on the short list.
That way, they'd either not get caught bending their own rules in the event of some things are there OR looking bad for having to rescind the offer.

But, still firm supporter of Team Obama.

boered1   November 17th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

With his ties to foreign nations though his international organization bubba should put this job out the grasping hands of the liar hillary. it is a definate conflict of interest when state has to deal with a country that is dealing with a spouse on a related affair. simply put, besides being totally not qualified (serving tea for eight years does not a forgien policy diplomate make) the liar hillary and her spouse the liar bubba should be kept far from this position. me I think you leave her in the senate until the next election when the liar hillary will get voted out then they can divorce and be split and we can be done with the clintons

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