November 24, 2008
Posted: November 24th, 2008 04:27 PM ET
David Frum says Barack Obama would cement his power over Hillary Clinton by putting her in his Cabinet.
David Frum says Barack Obama would cement his power over Hillary Clinton by putting her in his Cabinet.

(CNN) - The notion of President-elect Barack Obama creating a team of former rivals to be in his Cabinet has attracted a lot of attention, especially with news that Sen. Hillary Clinton reportedly is on track to be secretary of state.

CNN's Joe Johns talked with David Frum, a former speechwriter for President Bush, on Monday about the possibility of Clinton as well as a Republican serving in the new administration's Cabinet.

Watch: Obama foreign policy team could include some heavy hitters

CNN: And I guess a lot of people are wondering right now about Hillary Clinton. What do you see in this thing? What does it mean to have Hillary Clinton as the secretary of state? How will she end up there?

David Frum: Well, it means that Hillary Clinton has just moved from having an independent power base in the Senate to being in effect an employee of Barack Obama. And not just any employee, but one who has had to open her files to Barack Obama.

Just imagine the scene of the Obama people going through the Clinton files and saying, "Wow, this could be embarrassing if anybody ever found out about it. Don't worry, it's safe with us."

Full story

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Obama transition


Sean   November 24th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

Instead of Asking JUST Bush to Resign, We should ask the ENTIRE BUSH CABINET to Resign as soon as all of Obama's Cabinet Picks are made! Then we won't have to wait for Inaguration Day for "Change We Can Believe In" unless it takes UNTIL Jan 20th for ALlL of Obama's Cabinet to get into place.

bob   November 24th, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Too much expected of Obama. One man only!

LMac   November 24th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

C'Mon people, don't be blind here. While I am excited about Obama coming into office, there are two factors those who are clearly for him are leaving out or not addressing: Does it not make a good political move for Obama to have Hillary working directly for him versus in the Senate working for herself? And second, Obama has done nothing yet but win the election. He hasn't done anything for the country other than get us all excited again. Proof is in the pudding, hold your praise and accolades until after he has spent some time in office and has made actual leadership decisions. He has not led anything yet in his career but is about to step into the seat of the most powerful country in the world. We all want him to succeed, but I want to see results.

Sara from Arizona   November 24th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

I am so sick of the CLINTONS!!!!!!!

NH Mom   November 24th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

I am so sad that Sen. Clinton may give up her Senate career to be Sec. of State. She is a great advocate for so many pressing issues our nation faces. It will be a great political loss if she leaves Congress. She could have remained in the Senate her whole career fighting for the American people. Now, I'm concerned about where this will leave Clinton after she is done as Sec. of State. I hope it leads to the White House but only time will tell. What I am sure about is that we will have silenced a great Senator and an effective fighter for what's right in America (equal pay, health care, choice, civil liberties).

whats happening?   November 24th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

where is the "change" promised to me and this nation when i casted my vote nov. 4...hillary clinton does not possess any quality of "change"...this article is not disturbing in the sense that some republican is just shooting off his mouth...but addresses the reality will clinton succumb to PE Obama or will there be tension created in the white house, i think it will be the later; this was a poor choice...i voted for change, i WANT change

Anita of georgia   November 24th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

President elect Barack Obama, did'nt choose Senator Hillary Clinton to control her. She was chosen because he felt she would be the best person for the job. Obama does'nt have to compete with Hillary. He's known all over the world. Most people have the up most respect for him, and they also like him. After all, he won the election. Obama is not a controller. He's an individual that want the most knowledgeable and reliable people in his administration. He's looking for a group of people, that has the same goals he has for the betterment of our country, to bring about the change needed to end these crises.

KLEE   November 24th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Does Frum just believe in controlling women – or what? Obama and Hillary got their own thing going on and they want to do well for the country – they are on the front lines now and will take it very seriously. Hillary is an intelligent woman who happens to be a politician....she has made a decision that will broaden her horizons and give her even more political insight....and besides – everybody works for somebody sometime.......sung to the tune "everybody loves somebody sometime" (dean martin) woo hoo

Apples for sale   November 24th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

The Clintons,Bushies and Obama,all work for The Federal Reserve Bank,a private bank with unknown owners.

BlogBully   November 24th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Amazing how quickly the world changes – what Frumm says just sounds so pathetic and dated in it's attempt to be devisive and small – something that would probably have been toilerated a few weeks back. At best, it is tediously patronising to think Hiliary Clinton would walk into a position she feels that compromised on and says nothing of her sense and record of duty over the years. It just fits the bill of a Bush man to say something like this – when you couldn't deliver on one positive policy in eight years but have succesfully left a litany of failure it begs the question, why would this person still be consulted on anything, let alone anything to do with the future fo this country?

Anna, ATL   November 24th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

With Hillary presumtive SOS and on the national stage
I hope to one day hear a Hillary criticism that
a. makes sense
b. is relevant
c. is factually true and not just a jealous rant by those who arent as brave or intelligent.

The following are not good examples of valid critcism:

a. sniper story-silly hyperbole to frame her speech. Hillary credited each of you to figure there would be a recorded history of a First Lady getting shot at if that were indeed true, and she wouldnt have made a joke about it.

b. all out for herself and career. She is one of the hardest working Senators and is highly well-respected. It's flat out hilarious that many of the same people who say she is just in this for her career think Bill Richardson is the best SOS choice! His own aides have said he will take SOC with hope of getting a better spot later. And Obama probably doesnt trust him anyway.
RICHARDSON = SNAKE

Seattle Sue   November 24th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

I try not to listen to anything David Frum has to say, usually it is just more spin. (lies)

ME IN FL   November 24th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

What an idiot!!!! Who cares what he says??

Q   November 24th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Please someone tell me who really cares what David Frum says? No ONE, ok that's what I thougt.

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 24th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Is he constipated or does he look like that all the time?

Texas Teacher   November 24th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Oh, blah, blah, blah...... Frum? And we need Republican losers to tell our President Elect Obama and his choice for Secretary of State Clinton what they should be thinking or doing? Really?

Bob   November 24th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

First we elect a phony conservative (Bush)....Now it's the first pop culture president...we've gone from bad to worse...

TIME TO BUILD AN ARK!!!!!

Lauren   November 24th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

If you dim wits posting here would use your brains instead of your party politics, you will see he is right. There has NEVER been a standing Secretary of State run against a stnading President for the office of President.
You do not run against your own boss. History has shown that.

So yes, by putting Hillary in as SOS, Obama is basicly protecting his own chance to run again in 4 years. He knows Hillary was his only competition this year, and does not want to try again. Mainly if he does not live up to the hype and promises, it would open the door wide for Queen Hillary.

So put her in your cabinet, lock her into a role. Keep your own butt safe by inviting your competition to work for you.

unfairness doctrine   November 24th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

Frum is a lapdog for the right just like that moron Cafferty on the left!

Reality   November 24th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Aside from Clinton, what "rivals" has Obama chosen? CNN calls Richardson, the first dem to betray Clinton to support Obama, a rival. What a crock. Obama has not chosen a single rival, a single republican, or a single moderate. All his choices are hyper-liberals.

How you feel about that is up to you, but calling it a team a rivals in a desperate attempt to create some similarity to Lincoln where none whatsoever exists is a flat out lie.

Annjell   November 24th, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Wow, this is the same guy that came to tears on C-Span, because, (boo hoo) the republicans lost not only the presidential race, but lost lots of seats (boo hoo).

Mr. Frum is a cry baby!!!!!!!!!

girrlgil, sanfrancisco   November 24th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

O David, please shut your mouth. No wonder the Canadian don't want you in their country. Go far away and don't come back.

Amy from Seattle   November 24th, 2008 7:02 pm ET

Does a Bush speechwriter has anything worthwhile to say on ay subject? Why is Frum even being called on to advise on anything? it is like going to a celibate priest for marriage counseling. And didn't this same self appointed pundit got laughed off on the Rachel Maddow show?

Jeff   November 24th, 2008 6:57 pm ET

Regarding the Pro-Palin Ads Story...

See I told you Palin supports the pro-independence Alaska movement with her husband Todd. The ads support her/ their base. After losing the election for McCain she still thinks she has the answers, however, according to her few select interviews she cleary showed she does not. Great use of $50,000+...BRAIN FREEZE ALASKA STYLE.

Now back to important matters.

Anonymous   November 24th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

I think Hillary need to go! It is Obama's time!

Gary of El Centro, Ca   November 24th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Mike: about the DOW surging........if you think it has nothing to do with the Obama picks.......what do you suppose made it surge so much at the end of the session last Friday? The Citi bailout announcement wasn't until today.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   November 24th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

It's time for all the Bush people to sit down and shut up. Do it Frum, do it now.

Proud to be American   November 24th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

Frum who? and his claim of fame is writting President Bush speeches... dang I can not remember any of his speeches ever!!!! so why does his opinion matters? it does not ......

Ron of Baltimore   November 24th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

David Frum: That loser look on your face tells your whole story. You are out of touch, see no way to get back in touch, have stepped on too many people, and you are out of favor on all sides. Been there, done that, myself. I took a year off for some physical and social restoration. And now I try to be the person I want to be, not what someone else remembers or what someone else wants.

I recommend it. Oh, I would take that "Bush speech-writer" off the resume, pronto. Say you were on sabattical or something.

Aaron from Ohio   November 24th, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Frum's bitterness is showing. "They should get democratic policies to teach them a lesson". There's a nice quote. I wonder if we've been "taught a lesson" from republican policies? The answer is a resounding yes. The past two elections show just how much of a lesson we have learned. David is trying to put the worst possible spin on the incoming administration's picks to fill the posts. Frum's one unhappy camper. He wrote speeches for a language challenged president with all the popularity of a flesh eating bacteria.

Bob   November 24th, 2008 6:24 pm ET

There you go again Barack! Bowing to the Clintons.

James   November 24th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Republicans really can't deal with an Obama presidency. Every word I hear from republicans about Obama sounds condescending at this point. Does a republican have any good input for the new President?

California Girl   November 24th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Frum you need to go under a rock and rot. No one will listen to you and yours negative republicans. Get over it! Democrats are in control.

Ha, ha, ha

JT   November 24th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I take this commentary very seriously because it is a former speech writer, NOT!!!!!!!!

Billy J , TX-   November 24th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

I wish we could hurry up and get the new administration in there and working. Things are so messed up. I look forward to Obama's 3 and 4th years in office. I suspect we will be on track by then and things will start looking quite rosy again... (fingers crossed)

Mike, Syracuse NY   November 24th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Just curious, but can someone provide 4-5 bullets on what exactly Hillary's foreign policy experience and credentials are? You know like any foreign policy legislation she's sponsored, treaties she's negotiated, policies she's advised the President on, foreign leaders she's negotiated with (photo ops as First Lady don't count). That sort of thing. Most of Obama's other picks seem to have substantial subject matter expertise. Hillary, not so much.

james   November 24th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Wow, Frum is really taking all this really hard! Let's see...his resume reads "I wrote speaches for the worst president in U.S. history." And at a level so low, but Bush still managed to mangle every one. No call coming for you Frumboy, that's for sure! Ha Ha Ha!!!

He is the Man ... Don't Start None ... and there Won't be None   November 24th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

Obama will fire Hillary Clinton if she ACTS UP. There will be no repeat of Al Haig's, " I'm in charge here at the White House" quip.

I'd like to see Joe Biden in that Secretary of State job any way ... especially in 2012 just after the election.

Then Obama could name Kathleen Sebelius or Napolitano as his VP and when they serve out 4 years, they would be poised to run for President in 2016 against .... gasp ... Palin. And if Hillary still wanted to run then too .... which I doubt she will at age 68 ... then she could .

Gronk   November 24th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Hahaha! The republican desperation to pit Obama & Clinton against each other shines through the words of this loser. Nice job on Bush's approval rating, Frum!!!

Jay   November 24th, 2008 6:14 pm ET

People are forgetting that she is a junior senator.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 24th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Frum is player hating on Hillary. But that's okay, don't hate the player hate the game and Frum should know this already.

Vickie   November 24th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

I have seen the hateful and ignorant lies Joe Johns has written about the democratic party and Barack Obama and as far as I am concerned he (Joe Johns) would say mean and hateful things about Hillary taking the position of Secretary of State to discourage hope, confidence and a New America. I don't trust most GOP's, bottom line!

Charles Atlanta   November 24th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

No wonder Bush had problems with such idiot as the speechwriter.

francee   November 24th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Maybe, just maybe, President Obama will listen to Hillary and Hillary will listen to Obama and together they will make the decisions. Just because Bozo Bush let Cheney run everybody, doesn't mean President Obama is going to run things with the "my way or the highway" attitude that got us in this mess.

Obama Looks like Greatness   November 24th, 2008 6:05 pm ET

what a moron.

Neita Varona   November 24th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

'Re' the presumed Clinton secretary of state, "keep your enemies closer."

California Gold   November 24th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

I agree with Kathy about Hillary Clinton's voting record. She says one thing and will champion a cause for years. When the time comes to vote she flips.

Bruce Frier   November 24th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

This argument is only good by the operational practices of the Bush administration, where discourse was tightly controlled and dissent not encouraged. We have some reason to believe that the Obama administration will be more open to dissent within its ranks, so long as an overall unity is maintained.

Deb in Vegas   November 24th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Is it possible that the plan, from the day VP-elect Biden was announced as Pres-elect Obama's running mate, that Sen Clinton would be Sec of State? Sec of State has more power and more visibility than the VP (unless the VP is a bumbling idiot, of course).

Good choices or bad choices for Cabinet positions? Really hard to make that determination until everyone is seated in the new Cabinet and President-Elect is the sitting president.

Remy   November 24th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Frum is useless in Canada. I am still wondering how Bush hired him?
Who is the dumb? Frum or Bush?

Libs be dopes   November 24th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Who gets to control Bill?

Greed is not good   November 24th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Too many chiefs in the room with Hillary in the cabinet. Clinton should stay in the Senate.

60 year old white female and proud supporter of PE Obama   November 24th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

PE Obama was the world's choice for president; if you have travelled or read the world press you would realize that he is as popular as the Clintons are. Politicians abroad know who is boss !

Hillary is aware of this and perhaps, like so many of her supporters, she and her husband have come to realize that this is a time for a generational change and Obama is the one who fit the bill.

Patricia T.   November 24th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

And we care what David Frum thinks . . . why? Maybe it's just hard for Republicans to deal with an incoming president who really is going to be a uniter, not a you-know what. One who is looking for the best people for particular jobs.

And as for Senator Clinton, her intelligence speaks for itself, as does her record of public service. It's just possible that people of talent take a job in a new administration, because they believe "country first" is something more than a campaign slogan. At any rate, if we need any help, Frum is probably not the one we'll be calling on!

David   November 24th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWNS – next..........

Nicholas, Nigeria   November 24th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

I see a sense in what Frum has said but at the end, the ultimate goal is governance and service to the nation. Dont you think that she may have put all these variables in consideration before accepting to be vetted for the job? Stop igniting the clintons against the Obamas. It is one united state and not Obama clinton states

Saffta   November 24th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

How can anyone take this guy seriously when he wrote Bush's speeches. He most obviously is speaking from a very slanted point of view.

matchmaker   November 24th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Will you guys post anything that is posted about this idiot Obama? Or was the idiot part to much too?

deb   November 24th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I'm so sick of all the negativity from the GOP. We all need to come together as a country now! If not now, when!!? Quit being sore losers. You're already blaming Obama for everything the CURRENT administration has gotten us into! Geez, he hasn't even taken office yet!

LIP   November 24th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Hillary comes to this job with plenty of experience in "Damage Control", as it was referred to back during the Clinton years. This of course, means that she won't be working full time for Obama, due to this other pressing requirement, but she will be there enough to dodge a few bullets while accepting flowers from little girls.

Next Four Years   November 24th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

It is easy said than done. Just wait for four years, it is old old Democratic party's policy, and Jimmy Carter all over again. Let us see how an ineperienced president controls the seasoned politicians such as Clinton and Daschle within his cabinet, and deals with the seasoned leaders of Russia, North Korea, China, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cuba and Syria? Do not forget Obama took advantage of the economic crisis, and criticized Bush without mercy. How will people treat him, four years from now, only God knows?? Who is perfect, after all???

kasera   November 24th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

clinton is a free and independent woman no one will control her, but she will do what is best for america. bye to the REPUBLICANS AND GET OVER IT

TrueIndependent   November 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

How did this guy get a Visa to work in the U.S?

Have you noticed how the Republicans are all coming out and giving advice they were not asked? Another form of job hunting?

Please go back to the basement and advice your own party.

A Bush writer and Intellegence...   November 24th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

think she took it because Richardson wanted it and it's payback for his betrayal. Obama has surrounded himself with Bill Clinton's staff...as a PUMA I'm all smiles today! Richardson as SOC? LOL!!! He thought he had it in the bag when he jumped ship .. that man cannot be trusted by anyone.

What a great day for the democratic party!! Richardson - I wish I could've see your face when you didn't get the nod!!

Rick S   November 24th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

What an idiot, Mrs. Clinton needs no one to 'control' her. She knows how to handle herself.

A Bush writer and Intellegence... "I don't get it"   November 24th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I think she took it because Richardson wanted it and it's payback for his betrayal. Obama has surrounded himself with Bill Clinton's staff...as a PUMA I'm all smiles today! Richardson as SOC? LOL!!! He thought he had it in the bag when he jumped ship .. that man cannot be trusted by anyone.

What a great day for the democratic party!! Richardson - I wish I could've see your face when you didn't get the nod!!

PDX Gal   November 24th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Frum's perspective has always been a overly-simple comic-book version of the world. A pseudo-reality of spin.
He never wrote a credible speech, and he never said a credible word.
He was the perfect writer for Bush, & it fits his personality well.

zgomer   November 24th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Sure he would, that witch wants morethan sec. of state

Kathy   November 24th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I always thought that Hilary was a bright woman. Then I started watching how she voted – and from her very first vote, she seemed to vote with the "good 'ol boys" an awful lot. She was very hawkish on the war until she decided to run for president – she made a left hand turn so fast it made ya dizzy!! I think she's very ambitious and she will be happy to have "Secretary of State" behind her name. I hope all the dems will work together to try and heal the damage that has been done. I don't think we'll see a Republican in the White House for several years – especially if they run Sarah in 2012!!!! Let's encourage them to, okay?

JAbbey   November 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I am sorry but this guy is a talking parrot. Thank God this is America. He is justing speculating.

Annette   November 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Oh please!, Frum.

Bill   November 24th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Right. And I am Bill Clintons brother. The dems could not control Bill during the campaign. What makes this writer think Obama can control the Clintons?

Jeez   November 24th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

He's a Ron Popiel wannabe.

austin, tx   November 24th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

can't always be about "It's your fault political talk" Hook'em

tiredofher   November 24th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Oh Puhleeeze, a Bush former speech writer has all this to say? Big deal!

karen-phoenix   November 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I really think the media is making just way to much of this. Hillary is a team player!!!! She did over 60 camphaign rallies for Barack!!! Wish the media would stop this "bickering" about the Clintons. Obama is the best thing to happen to this country since Bill and we all had better be thankful!!! Barack is building a brilliant team that will try to the best they can for middle America not just the privileaged and rich!!! What a Change!!!

austin, tx   November 24th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

i forgot baby in my comment, I know, it sounded strange. started laughing after i read it.

Stop the nonsense   November 24th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

David Frum seems to be trying the same kind of division he created in Bush's speeches. America has had enough of those miguided politics.
United we stand.

Nik   November 24th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Ever find it funny how the odd-man-out seems to have so much advice, commentary and opinions for the winner?

austin, tx   November 24th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

All i know is The University of Texas will win Thursday night, and fight for a National Championship bid. TEXAS FIGHT. HOOK'EM HORNS. Hey, its that time of the baby.

Bill in Ct.   November 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I am so sick an tired of these republicans saying that the Clintons and the Obama team is not together and Hillary is going to cost problems in the cabinet. The rethugs are just trying to create some trouble with them, but guest what you idiots, their going to make this country very proud, some thing you racist bigots,smear mongers, hate mongers, and divide and conquer party knows nothing about. My personal opinion, I truly don't believe the rethugs love America. I say that b/c we are a nation of American and they(REPUBLICANS) hate everything that doesn't look like them (white people). Just look at their party, no Hispanics, no African Americans, no Jews, just old whitemen.

Diane Panama City Fl   November 24th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

It's not surprising that a speechwriter from the G. W. Bush administration would take a "winner takes all, I've got the power now I'm going to emasculate you," interpretation of Obama's exercise of executive power through his appointments. I just completed reading Charles Homans' article in the Washington Monthly, "Last Secrets of the Bush Administration." This article presented evidence that made it quite clear that the Bush/Cheney Administration of hubris and reckless disregard for constitutional restraint tried to create the "Imperial Presidency," with an unprecedented grab for power and complete disdain for the legislative and judicial branches of government. Consequently, Frum is simply regurgitating the mindset of the demogogues that have run our country for the past eight years. That's why he was a Bush speechwriter. To be a good speechwriter, you have to think like them!

Wow   November 24th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Wow, what is with all these 'Frum' bashing comments. He was simply providing his own view of Obama choosing Hillary as his secretary of state.

wow   November 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I forgot another name Larry Elder

wow   November 24th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

There are three things that the republicans all have in common.
Hate
Illiteracy
and
Sarah Palin
Need I say more? Really I live with one right now and I see a trend with him, Giuliani, Romney, O’Reilly, Hannity and Rush. They hate and they never have anything positive to say. Never!!

Kevin   November 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

"Speech writer for Bush"

That's all you need to know.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.   November 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Frum is too heavy handed in what he's trying to say. And in the end, his attempt at getting Hillary to say no will not work.
Advantages for Obama: a skilled politician who is already known and is married to a popular former President. She'll be able to get his foreign agenda moved with decision makers in countries we need to engage with.

Advantages for Hillary: an opportunity to really burnish her foreign policy credentials at the top of the world (literally). She then resigns and becomes a player in commerce or treasury whereas she now triangulates any Dem and certainly any Rep (hello SP) who runs against her in 2016.

This set up is so sweet. Good looking out Barack and Hillary.

Conservative James, Phoenix, AZ   November 24th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Sounds like someone has a full diaper.

Frum, your GOP lost. Get over it. Join the team and work for a better America. What do your negative comments accomplish?

Oh, yeah, it keeps you in the spotlight.

gp   November 24th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Hillary's personality disorder doesn't let her ever be satisfied. She alwawys belives not to be treated well enough or not geting enough or what she is entiteled. Unfortunatelu the ssame disorder doestn let her decide what is that she wont- so no one can fullfileher wishes to her satisfaction. That terible wound and shame Bill delivered for her is so demaging and destructive that not only she will continuo to suffer BUT ALL AROUND HER HAVE TO HAVE A SHARE OF THAT SUFFERING. She is always centered on what she did not get or may loose . It must be nightmare. I am afraid Obama belives he can handel her but minimalizes efect of power of her disatisfaction how the life played on her!!!!!!!!!!!!He can not fix that, mayby only Bill can help her reestablishe her dignity after which she wont torment people around requiring more and more respect. First you have to respect self so you can recognize respect of others...Poor thing always creating so much of a drama..........

Diana Ewing NJ   November 24th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

I don't have anything to add, agree with most of what is written here... just would not have been so rude to have said it myself...

Everyone is busy talking about the drama of the Clintons... where I have not seen them do anything to date.. it is the press talking and filling up sheets of newspapers.. and air time.

Jann in Denver   November 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

I do think Obama will control Hillary. Not only will he control Hillary, but he will control Bill as well. I think she will be an excellent Secratary of State and an excellent team player.

Bill S., Commack, New York   November 24th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Wow, what an impressive speaker, lol. I now know at least one reason W usually sounded like an idiot.

G.   November 24th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Frum's snarly "spin" serves as a prime example as to why the Republicans are where they are today. They just say anything, without support of the slightest bit of rationale or any facts, in hopes that if they say it, it will be so. What an idiot.

jeff   November 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

It is terrible to see how the demicratic party will allow her and Bill to be humiliated by Obama and his supporters when the Clintons had a 8 year run in the white house that was great for the country
yet their own party hekped defeat her and now wants her to be humiliated working for Obama

FreeNLovIt   November 24th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Dear Hillary,

I'm so excited and glad to hear that you accepted the position. It's great to see the best of two political rivals fuse themselves together. This means, it's a win-win for America. I always liked the way Obama's team managed themselves and on the other hand, I have always admired the Clintons for having a track record that speaks for itself. Leader + experience = WINNING ticket

Sweetie   November 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

What a Joke!

Hillary is her own person and anyone who thinks she needs to be "controlled" is an insecure sexists.

Bill Uhlig   November 24th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

David Frum? Who's that? Who cares what this dead ender has to say?

jeff   November 24th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

She would be crazy to be his emplyee.
Obama will fail and fail big time.
The expectations are huge and nobody will be able to live up to what his suppoters expect. He will be a one term president like Carter.

She would be better off staying in the senate and advaning her career that way than working for him
He will break her and make her usless.
She has a real shot at 2012 or if not at least 2016. She will only be around 68 and she is in great health

Frann Altman in CA   November 24th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Wow, this guy is a real outside the box thinker; a real team player who understands that the "me" is a much greater concept than the "we" concept. Ah huh. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme.

Time for the "I, me and mine" to give way to the "we, ours and us" concept and by the way, hoarding is not the way of the future.

Posturing, positioning and clouding have brought us here. Time for transparency, global thinking and cooperation with responsibility.

Hillary can take her dynamic abilities, huddle with Team America 2009 and add to the equation. Cooperative leadership makes us stronger. It does not diminish us.

Ba-bye.

Stephanie   November 24th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Let me get this straight.

She opened her files to the Obama team.

She will have to give up her independence and political base.

She knows perfectly well that some people keep saying that Obama wants to control her.

After the story leaked, she did nothing to kill the story.

Has it occurred to anyone yet that perhaps this narrative about Hillary being the most evil, ambitious person ever is, oh, a little off base?

OMG! What if she is a real person?!!! A human being?!!! What if she actually cares about the work she does?!!!

LOL. All you Hillary haters are so gullible and paranoid. You got fed a story about her 16 years ago and you bought it. Open your eyes.

BTW, if you think Barack Obama did this to control Hillary, you should probably know that you are being fed a story about him, too. Are you going to buy that one, too?

Lost in Texas FOREVER   November 24th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Boy I bet whatever is left of PUMA is going to hate to hear THIS!!

Richard, San Francisco, CA   November 24th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Is it because conservative Republicans take no joy in governance, that their political commentary is so cynical. ENOUGH.

Or is it that the idea of a Democratic party unified and determined to serve the country and lead us out of the past eight years of Republican incompetence just scare the hell of the GOP.

Sarah Pootin Palin   November 24th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Fe Fi Fo Frum...the David is a big dumb dumb.

bernj   November 24th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Frum is a bad, and obnoxious, joke. He has no credibility whatsoever.

chelle   November 24th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Well isn't he bitter?? So much for working for the good of the country!!! Is he seriously saying that if Chuck Hagel decided to work with Obama in a cabinet or advisory position, that Hagel would be abandoned by the GOP? And people would vote for that party in two years.....why????

GOP Cretins   November 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

More hate-mongering, spin-doctoring and outright lying from the Republicans. You'd think these losers would learn to think before shoving their foot in their mouth. Frum has always been a lapdog of the GOP, but now he sounds like he's a lapdog for fools like Rush or Hannity.

Canadian POV   November 24th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

David Frum – you can keep him. Glad he left his home and native land to spew for Bush & Co. Canada is better off without divisive blowhards like him. Anybody ever stop and think maybe Obama picked Mrs. Clinton as Sec of State because she happens to be very qualified for the job? Stop digging for dirt where there isn't any. Obama seem too smart to "play" politics in such dangerous times. He is going with the best and the brightest and that includes Clinton and people with experience from the last time a Democrat was in the WH (reminder: it was a Clinton and the US was in much better shape than it is now).

S@ndr@   November 24th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

And why is it newsworthy what a Bush ex-speechwriter thinks about Obama and Clinton? I am and always will be a Hillary Fan but I hope for the best for President Elect Obama and America; but most of all, THANK GOD IT'S NOT McCAIN-PALIN.

Furthermore, for those who think he's not implementing change jsut because he's utilizing former Clinton people, America was in great shape under President Clinton, Bill did a wonderful job and I commend Obama for recognzing that.

** 57 days, why doesn't he just resign **

Clinton Supporter   November 24th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

And we really want to know what YOU think!

happy thanksgiving   November 24th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

we are probably as close to a dream team as we have ever been.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 24th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

David Frum = Idiot. Anyone from the Bush adminstration should just go sit down somewhere and be quiet. Hillary isn't stupid. She's trying to save her legacy after saying that President Obama could not get the same people who would vote for her to vote for him. I expect her to run again and I hope she wins the next time – as longas it isn't against her new boss.

Grog in Ohio   November 24th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Typical of a Republican to consider the benefit/cost analysis for personalities instead of the value it would have for the nation. Mrs. Clinton would likely be an enormously successful Sec of State that would be a huge benefit to the nation and the world cleaning up the Bush mess. I'm all for it.

57 days till the end of the Bush administration.

Warren   November 24th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Frum is a has been. Interview someone with credibility.

Pedro Penduko   November 24th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

This guy's a Repub spin doctor and a professional lair. He just wants to put a wedge in the cohesive team Obama's trying to put together. This guys is so inconsequential and irrelevant, calling hi a loser would be a compliment. Does it not show clearly on his face how much contempt and malice he has in his being? Pathetic.

Juan Xavier   November 24th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

What a bunch of crap. Obviously has a partisan agenda.

vicky   November 24th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I think Hillary Clinton must be the most powerful woman in the world. Apparently her ambitions are so threatening to the free world that she has to be "controlled". Put a leash and muzzle on that woman!

I am not accusing CNN or the Frum of being sexist. Only that whoever is choosing the title is purposely preying on people's sexist and mysogynistic views. Either that or they just want to upset people on purpose.

Brian - Trinidad   November 24th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

In Canada,David Frum is thought of as an idiot who got where he is riding the dress hem of his dear genius mother,Barbara Frum.How you Americans find his input valuable is another reason why your country is in the sorry state it is today.YOU KEEP LISTENING TO IDIOTS!

Frank   November 24th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

What a dunce!! Can any of the guys say anything intelligent?

Simmy   November 24th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Please stop the drama!
You people are overestimating Sen. Clinton! She ran against President Obama and he won, and he also won a huge victory over McCain!

You began two years ago saying he had no chance. You went from there to he is no match for Hillary. Then you horned in on the notion that he had to win certain 'key states' in order to win the presidency.

You've been wrong on every count! Give up the guessing, complaining and propaganding!

Sit back, and enjoy the ride! It may start off like a roller coaster because of you know who (GWB), but in the end it'll be smooth sailling! We're loyal to our new President!

bratte   November 24th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

David Frum is ex-bush speech writer. So you know how many lies he has told the American people in that capacity

Rudy Bellamy   November 24th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Ha! Control Hillary? Which one has lost their mind, Obama or Hillary?

Elizabeth in Lansing, IL   November 24th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Of course there's something in it for Clinton, or else she wouldn't have taken the job. And she's smart enough to know that she serves at the pleasure of the President and wouldn't try any stupid moves like a power struggle.

If she plays her cards right, in four years she could well position herself for another run at the Presidency. All she has to do is show her prowess at a high position like Secretary of State, build an even stronger international coalition (in other than her former position as First Lady), and then pray that if Obama becomes unpopular she doesn't get painted with the same brush.

Jean2   November 24th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

The Clintons are capable people without all of the manipulation by media, surrogates, and old timers.

I think the Clinton appointment was a barging chip to get the support that the Obama campaign was convinced it needed to win. To really be "CHANG", if the Clinton's chose not to be involved they should have been left alone and the Obama campaign should have taken the risk. I think they would have been surprised.
If the truth was faced, Obama started to move up with women and the working man's voters before the Clinton drama.

This has the over tones of "calling in favors".

With the push of the media and the old-timers there was no trust that the new guy was capable of doing the job.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 24th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

This is the same David Frum who has a made a career of reminding people that he crafted the speech that included the phrase "axis of evil" in describing Iraq, Iran and North Korea. Too bad he didn't say it first. Winston Churchill wrote it first and used the phrase dozens of times delivering speeches when referring to Germany, Italy and Japan during WWII!!!

And David, don't worry about Hillary's files. You wrote for a family with 24-volume set of garbage!

Rudy Bellamy   November 24th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Ha! Control Hillary? Whic one is crazier, Obama or Hillary?

Matthew   November 24th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

This guy is such a hack. Check out his interview with Rachel Maddow.

Frum   November 24th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

This is the guy that coined the stupid phrase "Axis of Evil" when they weren't an axis – they were three independent nations. As a fellow Canadian, Frum embarrases me.

FD   November 24th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Sounds like a sore member of the GOP to me. Get a life! Go fix your own party and stop trying to manipulate the democrats into a useless debate. Hiliary would not take the position if she felt that Obama was trying to manipulate her. Hillary and Obama will work very well together, he chose her because he values what she can bring to the table and is confident they can work TOGETHER.

Happybob   November 24th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

She has to open her files to Obama. No more free ride when it comes to Middle East peace plan. She better be neutral and not what Mr. David Frum would like her to be, unconditionally pro-Israel.

Molly   November 24th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

You know...I'm not a true blue democrat but its becoming annoying and predictable that anytime a Republican opens their mouth its something negative about the new administration with no alternative solution.

John A. Castro   November 24th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Divide and Conquer. They're appealing to Clinton's ego to stop Obama from creating a Democratic Dream Team Administration.

"An employee of Obama?" Please, is this all the GOP has left in their bag of tricks. Instead of helping with the transition of power, they're trying to screw it up. Why? Because they care more about their political party than their own country.

ron   November 24th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Sounds like davey boy is jealous. It is pretty obvious that he and the republicans don't want her to accept so he is making it sound like she will be his lacky. Nice try. I have heard some of his speeches. Does it really matter want this idiot has to say.

Tired of being wrong?   November 24th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Not David Frum!

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 24th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Frum is a hater and a sore loser.

Terry   November 24th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Frum is such an idiot

S. Boatman Warrensburg Mo.   November 24th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

He Is Keeping Her Close To Keep An Eye On Her! I Still Think She Will Be A Good Secretary Of State!

Michael watching from Canada   November 24th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Clinton is smart enough to understand that if she accepts SoS that she will have to be loyal to her boss. She must accept his leadership and he must give her enough latitude to let her use her judgment and initiative to be an effective SoS.

earle,florida   November 24th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

No one is going to usurp Obama, when campaign strategist David Axelrod got his back!

mike   November 24th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

how much do you want to bet in about 20 minutes cnn will psot a headline that says "Dow surges on Obama picks" even though the dow was surging well before then because of the stupid citi bailout.

Luis, Seattle, WA   November 24th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Frum, is an idiot.....afterall, he wrote the Bush speeches, which amounted a no more than 4th grade level simplicity. He has no basis for a any educated opinion

Matt   November 24th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Is it just me and I am no fan of Hillary's, but that she is being suckered into the Secretary of State job. She won't be able to run for president, she can't oppose him if he screws up and gets tied to the same faliure if he does as well. And any accomplishements she might make are really Obama's accomplishments as it is his administration.

rachel   November 24th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I also think that Obama did this because Hillary has a strong personality that anything she says negative Obama will easily try and seperate it from his administration ie going rouge or you know Hillary she says things.

jonathan   November 24th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Well, too bad the Liberals aren't the Evil Entity the Republican's would
have us all believe. . . they are in fact, the Only One's who actually care about the American People and will do things to improve our Great Nation as a Whole, not just wealthy friends as we've seen for the past eight miserable years.

rachel   November 24th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I am sure that's excatly what Obama intended. I am also sure that it delights the republicans because it will shut Hillary up and when they start dogging Obama Hillary can't be her own person she will just have to say what Obama says is okay. Either way Hillary has give up something to get something so if she chooses Obama's cabinet I am sure she knows what she is getting into.

We love Sarah   November 24th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Keep stirring the pot. The rethugs will never learn.

boered1   November 24th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

President Obama (I know I should say President elect but he is acting more Presidential than the current resident) is a brilliant man!

Take the liar hillary out of the senate.. no power base there any longer.. give her the job of SoS until her husband blows it for her or she goes against his instructions, which should be about 6 months, than fire her lying butt, now she has no senate seat, no public exposure at all. This takes the liar hillary and her philandering husband out of the political scene for the rest of his term.. brilliant like I said!

Laverne   November 24th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Some people are soo supicious of others motives. This is actually a win, win situation for the both of them. I think Hillary will be a great SOS and I think Obama will be a great POTUS! Together at last!

Abby   November 24th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Thank you, cynical man, for your jaded, tired and Bushesqe analogy of the situation at hand. NOw get out! you're time is up, thank God.

Lynne   November 24th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

His paranoia is a tell-tell sign that he was part of the Bush administration. Bush was secretive and tried to be the smartest person in the room by hiring dolts and then keeping them under his thumb. Those who disagreed with him out loud were fired and replaced by "yes men". Obama is for honesty, transparency and having smart people around him that disagree and will speak their minds or challenge him into making the best decisions – that's why he chose Hillary and several others.

Unfortunately, Frum can't differentiate the two and answered this question based on what his experience working for Bush was. He has no idea what role Hillary will play, nor do the rest of us.

carol   November 24th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I guess this guy would know all about secrets, being an Ex-Bush speechwriter!!!!!!
It must be really irritating them watching Obama putting together such a formidable team and knowing what a sad bunch they had to put up with for 8 years.
I've no doubt that Hillary will definitely not be ruling the roost in the Obama cabinet....he will be in full control and making sure they know who is the President.
The whole team is going to do a great job, it's a pity they couldn't start today......Bush would not be missed at all, he's practically on vacation now and when you do see him you get the impression that "the lights are on but nobody is home"!!!!

MD, TX   November 24th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Don't think so. My guess is that within 8 months, Hillary is sitting in the Oval Office and Obama is serving snacks.

Jan   November 24th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

where was that bridge for sale? This guy is amazingly disilluisioned!

Bill Clinton   November 24th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Good luck with that.

:-)

Lynda Jones-Owings   November 24th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Why is the media going there? I think that this was a great plan for our country. Hiliary will be a great access for President -Elect and I believe if the media stays out of it they will make a great team.

Ratgurl   November 24th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Why is what an ex-Bush ANYTHING says important?

therealist   November 24th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

With 3/4's of the Clintons returning..., Obama will be nothing more than what al queda's leader discribed, a house negro.

Locutus of Borg   November 24th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

The Obama unit is very wise, and at times, thinks as an individual. Fascinating....

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