The State Department told CNN that Hillary Clinton has not been sidelined by her broken elbow.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Washington is a town where a sharp elbow is almost a job requirement. The ability to nudge political rivals off-balance and fight for bureaucratic turf can boost a career.

So it's easy to understand why the State Department on Thursday was quick to reject any suggestion that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been sidelined by her broken elbow.

Clinton fell and broke her elbow in the State Department basement as she was walking toward her car June 17, bound for a meeting at the White House.

Are Clinton and her international policy responsibilities being usurped by Vice President Biden? "Nonsense," State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly told CNN.

Full dialogue between reporter and Kelly after the jump

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(CNN) – A senior State Department official said Wednesday that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will not go to Moscow for President Obama's meetings with Russian officials.

A senior White House official said the reason Secretary Clinton is skipping the trip is because the intensive physical therapy sessions that she's been undergoing due to her broken elbow would have been too difficult to replicate during a grueling trip overseas. The White House official said it was unclear who will stand in for Clinton, though typically in a situation like this the Deputy Secretary of State would travel in her place. The Secretary's number two at State is James Steinberg, a former deputy national security adviser in the Clinton administration.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that the United States was working with allies to ensure deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya's safety and to get him restored as president.

Clinton told reporters the political conflict in Honduras "has evolved into a coup" and the U.S. was "considering the implications" of the move for U.S. aid.

"We think that the arrest and expulsion of a president is certainly cause for concern that has to be addressed and it's not just with respect to whether our aid continues, but whether democracy in Honduras continues," Clinton said. "It's important that we stand for the rule of law."

The military deposed Zelaya early Sunday and flew him to Costa Rica. Roberto Micheletti, president of the Congress, was named provisional president.
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Monday the Supreme Court deferred a ruling in a case involving a documentary on Hillary Clinton. The Court will rehear argument in the case in the fall.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will reargue an important campaign finance reform case dealing with a scathing documentary about former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The justices put off an expected ruling in the case, and will rehear the issues on September 9. It is unusual for the high court to return early from its summer recess to hear an appeal. The court normally begins its fall term in early October.

The justices apparently could not reach a conclusion on whether the film was subject to federal oversight regarding when and where it could be shown in an election year.

At issue was whether the 90-minute "Hillary: The Movie" — as well as television ads to promote the film — should have been subject to strict campaign finance laws on political advocacy, or was instead a constitutionally protected form of commercial speech.

It is unclear whether high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will be confirmed in time to hear the case. If not, just eight justices will hear the appeal.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — One might think the hiring of an envoy to handle outreach to the Muslim world would be something the State Department would want to tout.

Such a move was recently made, but it didn't qualify as significant news for diplomats, who failed to make the appointment public.

This week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton chose Farah Pandith for the job.

State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly confirmed the appointment on Thursday after being asked about Indian news reports that Pandith, a Kashmiri-American, had been selected for the job.

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WASHINGTON (CNN) - The Obama administration has decided to rescind invitations to Iranian diplomats for July Fourth celebrations overseas due to violent crackdowns against protesters in Iran, the White House said Wednesday.

"July Fourth allows us to celebrate the freedom and the liberty we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble peacefully, freedom of the press," White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters. "Given the events of the past many days, those invitations will no longer be extended."

The administration had decided to invite Iranians to the celebrations at overseas posts as part of the president's policy of engaging the Iranian regime.

Late last month the State Department sent a cable to its embassies and consulates worldwide telling them they could invite Iranian representative to their July Fourth celebrations.

But in a fresh cable sent to all embassies and consulates Wednesday evening, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ordered posts "to rescind all invitations that have been extended to Iranian diplomats for July 4 events.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton canceled a planned trip to Greece and Italy this week because she is still recovering from surgery to repair her fractured elbow.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton canceled a planned trip to Greece and Italy this week because she is still recovering from surgery to repair her fractured elbow.

In Trieste, Italy, Clinton planned to attend meetings with her Group of Eight counterparts on Iran, the Middle East peace process and the War in Afghanistan. She also planned to take part in a gathering of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Corfu, Greece, which was expected to focus on the tensions between Russia and Georgia.

The announcement was first made by Deputy Secretary of States James Steinberg, who said he would represent the United States at the meeting in Greece, while Undersecretary of State William Burns will attend the meetings in Italy.

Clinton, who fell in the State Department garage last week, had surgery on Friday. Spokesman Ian Kelly said she was at the State Department Monday, where she made calls to the Greek and Italian foreign ministers to express her regret at having to cancel the trip.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to make a full recovery following surgery to repair her fractured right elbow, her doctors said Friday.

Clinton was at home recovering. She fractured her elbow Wednesday in a fall, a State Department spokeswoman said.

"At 7:30 a.m. this morning, Secretary Clinton underwent a two-hour surgery to successfully repair her fractured right elbow," said attorney and Chief-of-Staff Cheryl Mills.

"Her doctors at the George Washington University Hospital have advised her that they expect her to make a full recovery without lasting damage to her arm," Mills said in a statement.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes remarks at the State Department on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was working from home Thursday after fracturing her right elbow the day before during a fall, State Department officials said.

Clinton fell Wednesday afternoon at the State Department on her way to the White House and was taken to George Washington University Hospital. She was treated and released. She will have surgery to repair her elbow in coming weeks.

Clinton was with Richard Holbrooke, President Obama's special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, when she fell.

"Secretary Clinton appreciates the professionalism and kindness she received from the medical team who treated her this evening and looks forward to resuming her full schedule soon," said department spokeswoman Cheryl Mills.

Philip Crowley, an assistant secretary of state, said President Obama was one of the first people to call Clinton Wednesday night.

Clinton was at home "resting comfortably, or uncomfortably. She is working from home. She is already taking some calls, and I'm sure starting to learn the limits of movement — how well you can text with one arm in a sling," Crowley said.

–CNN's Paul Courson contributed to this report.

Updated: 4:04 p.m.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – In this clip from Sunday's State of the Union, Democratic strategist Donna Brazile and Republican strategist Alex Castellanos share their thoughts on the relationship between President Obama and his former rival Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Related: I initially refused Obama's offer, reveals Clinton

Secretary of State Clinton accompanied the president on his recent trip to the Middle East.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — When then President-elect Barack Obama first asked Hillary Clinton to be his top diplomat, she turned him down and recommended others for the job, the secretary of state said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

Speaking to ABC's "This Week," Clinton also said the president has answered the central question she raised about him when she was his chief rival for the Democratic nomination last year.

In her famous "3 a.m." ad, she questioned whether Obama was the right candidate to handle a middle-of-the-night international crisis.

"Has the president answered it for you?" host George Stephanopoulos asked.

"Absolutely," Clinton replied. "And, you know, the president, in his public actions and demeanor, and certainly in private with me and with the national security team, has been strong, thoughtful, decisive, I think he is doing a terrific job. And it's an honor to serve with him."

The former senator from New York and former first lady revealed details of how she came to accept the role.

"I never had any dream, let alone inkling, that I would end up in President Obama's cabinet," she said. "When I left the presidential race after getting some sleep and taking some deep breaths, I immediately went to work for him in the general election… And I was looking forward to going back to the Senate and, frankly, going back to my life and representing New York, which I love. And I had no idea that he had a different plan in mind."

When her name was mentioned in the media as a possible member of Obama's cabinet, Clinton said, she found the idea "absurd."

Full story

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says President Obama has answered the central question that she raised about him when she was his chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In an interview with ABC's "This Week" broadcast Sunday, Clinton was asked about her famous "3 a.m." ad last year, which questioned whether Obama was the right candidate to handle a middle-of-the-night international crisis.

"Has the president answered it for you?" host George Stephanopoulos asked.

"Absolutely," Clinton replied. "And, you know, the president, in his public actions and demeanor, and certainly in private with me and with the national security team, has been strong, thoughtful, decisive, I think he is doing a terrific job. And it's an honor to serve with him."

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged Monday to fight for gay rights and called on the world to stop discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation.

"As secretary of state, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity," Clinton said in a written statement.

President Barack Obama has proclaimed June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

Clinton's statement marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City, often considered the launch of the U.S. gay rights movement.
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In an article in an upcoming issue of New York Times Magazine, former President Clinton discusses his wife's new role as the country's top diplomat.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Bill Clinton's campaign-year resentment of President Obama is a thing of the past, according to a lengthy profile of the former president in Sunday's New York Times Magazine — but he hasn't quite come to terms with the Kennedy family's decision to back Obama over Hillary Clinton during the primary season.

Clinton reportedly has yet to make his peace with Sen. Ted Kennedy and the Massachusetts senator's niece, Caroline, over their high-profile endorsements of Barack Obama during the primaries.

The Times, also citing unnamed sources, says Clinton harbors hard feelings toward New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who held several posts in the Clinton administration but who chose to endorse Obama instead of Hillary Clinton.

The former president has adjusted to his wife's new role on the international stage. "She used to look forward to me coming home from wherever I've been," Clinton says in the magazine article. "Now I'm afraid I'll be second fiddle to whatever world leader she's just met.

Later, he added: "… We've reversed roles."

Clinton also made clear that his vast network of global contacts and knowledge of world affairs is always available to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "'If she asks, I tell her what I think,'" the former president says in the profile. "And if there's something that's going on that I feel that I have particular knowledge of, I say that.'"

Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that Israel should halt its settlement activity.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - On the eve of President Obama's meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday that the Obama administration wants a complete halt to settlement activity by Israel, which she argued would help Washington's Mideast peace efforts.

"We think it is in the best interest of the effort that we are engaged in that settlement expansion cease," she said following a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit.

Clinton spoke hours before having dinner with Abbas, who will meet with President Obama at the White House Thursday.

Last week President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, where he pressed him to commit to the creation of a Palestinian state and halt settlement activity to create a better atmosphere for peace talks.

Netanyahu has committed to removing illegal settlement "outposts," but has pledged to continue expansion, or "natural growth"of existing settlements.

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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is calling on all sides to move toward Middle East peace.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday Israel must halt settlement activity and Arab nations must move toward peace with Israel as the Obama administration prepares to lay out its vision for the Mideast.

"It is clear that the settlement activity has to cease," Clinton said in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Her comments come on the heels of a visit to Washington this week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in advance of a visit next week by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak also was scheduled to visit Washington next week but postponed his trip Wednesday after the death of his grandson.

After the series of meetings, President Barack Obama is expected to lay out his vision for Mideast peace negotiations when he addresses the Muslim world in a speech in Cairo next month.

Clinton said that during Netanyahu's visit, she and Obama reaffirmed the administration's desire for a two-state solution and emphasized negotiations on a deal must must begin with an end to settlement activity.

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Hillary Clinton told lawmakers that new U.S. aid to Pakistan won't fund nuclear development.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Wednesday tried to reassure senators that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is secure and that U.S. aid money won't be diverted to produce even more nuclear weapons.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, raised the issue of Pakistan increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile as he chaired a hearing of a Senate Appropriations subcommittee.

"Are we just giving them money, which is after all fungible, and is going into not fighting the Taliban and al Qaeda, which are groups that are destabilizing that country more and more all the time, but rather is that money just going into the nuclear program?" Leahy asked.

"I think that there is no basis for believing that any of the money that we are providing will be diverted into the nuclear program," Clinton replied.

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Norman Hsu has been convicted on four counts of campaign fraud.

NEW YORK (CNN) – A former Democratic fund-raiser who contributed to the presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been convicted in federal court on four counts of campaign fraud — one for each year from 2004 to 2007.

Norman Hsu, 57, was indicted in 2007 after an investigation into his two investment companies. He was accused of running a massive fraud scheme.

Earlier this month, Hsu was found guilty on 10 counts of mail and wire fraud surrounding his investment practices. In convicting Hsu of campaign fraud, the same court court found that he was involved in illegal "conduit" campaign contributions from 2005 to 2007 that exceeded $25,000 — a finding that will be used to determine the length of Hsu's sentencing, which is scheduled for August 19.

Lev Dassin, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that Hsu not only swindled investors out of at least $20 million but, according to the indictment, also told some investors to make campaign contributions to the candidates he supported, and suggested that their investments could be jeopardized if they didn't do as he asked.

He "also asked victims to contribute to specific candidates for federal office, and then directly reimbursed the victims for their contributions from his fraud proceeds, in violation of federal campaign finance laws," the indictment said.

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