by Mark Silva
They don't call Henry Kissinger a seasoned diplomat for nothing.
The former secretary of state and veteran of Republican administrations said today that Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, under consideration for secretary of state in the administration of Democratic President-elect Barack Obama, would make "an outstanding appointment'' and display "great courage'' on Obama's part.
Voice of America's correspondent in New Delhi, Steve Herman, has the word on the Nobel Peace Prize-winner's remarks (and the photo of Kissinger as well) at the World Economic Forum at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi. "To appoint a very strong personality with an independent constituency into a Cabinet position requires a lot of courage," Kissinger told his audience there.
If Clinton is appointed, Kissinger said, she would have to become a subordinate to a former rival - a "symbol of a new approach."
The Indian media also have been "rife with reports'' that Obama could name the former president, Bill Clinton, as a personal envoy in the Kashmir territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. Kissinger, 85, sparked some laughter in New Delhi when asked about this: "There is a limit to the number of Clintons you can appoint" at one time.
Comments
An endorsement from The Prince of Darkness... now there's a feather in HC's cap!
Posted by: MJ | November 16, 2008 12:37 PM
I think that Clinton is a shoe-in for the job. But maybe she would be better suited (and be more fulfilled by) tackling domestic issues (health care?) that she has already done so much work on?
Dr. Tantillo, who has a marketing and branding blog ( http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv ), argued against the notion of a joint Obama-Clinton ticket back in May:
"Because of the length of this primary fight, brand identity and loyalty to brand have become central. What this means is that a kind of brand mutual exclusivity has set in. The Obama brand stands for something that the Hillary brand does not. And vice versa!"
Tantillo's full post on Obama-Clinton joint ticket proposal: http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/05/14/marketing-101joint-ticket-makes-little-branding-sense.aspx
But at this stage--especially with all that Clinton did in the general election phase to help get Obama elected-- I think that the Clinton brand has shifted enough that it would make smart branding sense (for Obama and Clinton but especially for the Democratic Party) for Obama to give give Clinton and Clintonites a role in the new administration.
Tantillo's recent post on Obama as president-elect: http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/11/09/brand-winners-barack-obama--retail.aspx
Posted by: sloane | November 16, 2008 1:49 PM
How can Hillary, if apointed work with countries that Bill has an interest in????
Posted by: Inky | November 16, 2008 3:54 PM
Hillary is an excellent pick. She has 'experience' negotiating while dodging bullets. Another clown in Obama's cabinet but none bigger than Obama.
Posted by: MeN | November 16, 2008 4:09 PM
By the way, why does Kissinger have a bent soda straw hanging out of his right ear in this photo?
Posted by: MJ | November 16, 2008 5:06 PM
Inky,
What countries does Bill have an "interest" in?
Posted by: hadenough | November 16, 2008 5:26 PM
85 and this guy is still traveling the world. Simply amazing, really. How many folks in their 80s do you know who don't think it a big deal to travel thousands of miles from their homes? My grandparents stopped traveling even within the state by the time they were in their 80s. (I know, not related to the post, but I had to remark on this issue still). I can only hope to be as mobile as Kissinger by the time I am his age -- if I get to that age.
Posted by: kittyonice | November 16, 2008 5:29 PM
85 and this guy is still traveling the world. Simply amazing, really. How many folks in their 80s do you know who don't think it a big deal to travel thousands of miles from their homes? My grandparents stopped traveling even within the state by the time they were in their 80s. (I know, not related to the post, but I had to remark on this issue still). I can only hope to be as mobile as Kissinger by the time I am his age -- if I get to that age.
Posted by: kittyonice | November 16, 2008 6:44 PM
I do not think Bill would be an issue. Money from his speaking assignments go to the Clinton foundation which is known to purchase HIV drugs at lower cost to send to the African nation. Hillary would be making her own decisions along with Obama. And I think that she is the best candidate for the job. She deserves the top job in Obama's cabinet and she will excel. Bill Richardson and John Kerry shoud be picked for some other jobs. Hillary has travelled the world and knows world leaders. She is smart and intelligent and was the first woman on the Senate Armed Forces Committee. Hillary had the support of 18 million voters and when she did not win the nomination she went across the nation to ask her supporters to back Obama. I hope Obama offers her the job and she accepts it.
Posted by: nazirmo | November 16, 2008 7:04 PM
ditto MJ
Posted by: lochnessmonster | November 16, 2008 7:30 PM
Wheee! An endorsement from one of the most Machiavellian figures in American history. (Surpassed only by his boss.)
What was Henry Chickenkisser's* opinion of Bill Richardson??
Recall that Bill Richardson is part of that 66% of Hispanics who voted Democratic.
*As Henry the K was once called in the 60's.
Posted by: ornery | November 16, 2008 10:19 PM