by Frank James
Senators tend to take care of their own and today they took care of Hillary Clinton, voting 94 to 2 to confirm her as President Obama's secretary of state.
The two Republican senators who voted against her? Sen. Jim Demint of South Carolina and David Vitter of Louisiana.
Some Republicans had questioned an appearance of conflicts of interest between Clinton's role and donations from foreign governments to former President Bill Clinton's foundation, concerns the Clintons tried to address by agreeing to disclose contributors, among other steps.
But such worries ultimately weren't enough to deny Clinton, who has many friends among Republican senators, the post as the U.S.'s top diplomat.
Clinton becomes the 67th person and the third woman to be secretary of state.
Comments
Heartening for Obama to see the vast bipartisan support for Hillary and the end to GOP obstructionism - at least for this day. Getting Geithner and Holder in the cabinet is the new priority, and don;'t be surprised if the White House is open to compromise in exchange for quick confirmations.
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Posted by: matt | January 21, 2009 6:10 PM
On top of diapers and prostitutes, I guess we can add "Wingnut obstructionist" to David Vitter's resume now.
Posted by: Juan Hernando | January 21, 2009 6:46 PM
I wonder how this is going to affect Hillary’s future in politics. No Secretary of State has gone on to become President since James Buchanan did back in the mid 1850’s. In addition, the trend (as set by Truman) has been for each administration to have at least two different Secretaries of State (except for Kennedy and Johnson who had the same SoS, and Ford, who inherited Kissinger). Thus we may actually see Hillary Clinton running again in 2012 against Barack Obama, claiming more “foreign policy” experience and her tenure as SoS to back it up. But, will she be able to break the SoS jinx?
Posted by: John W. | January 21, 2009 7:08 PM
I am glad we got Hillary and Bill, the "two-fer". Arab countries know quite well the practice of greasing the wheels to get things done, just like American corporations, so our oil rich friends will be happy. I see know problem with the foundation, Obama's Chicago pals will be on top of it. She is close to Hollywood so she can enlist her pals to placate Chavez, She has a world of experience in dealing with crisis and double speak which is important in diplomacy. The world loves the Clintons. Now, if we could do away with the loud pantsuits, I would be happy.
Posted by: Bubba Porter | January 21, 2009 7:41 PM
I don't like Sen. Cornyn but I did find his comments about Hillary on point today.
If some foreign billionaire or pasha or sultan wants to help out with HIV medication in Africa, there are plenty of other ways than giving to Bill Clinton's "Foundation".
The thing was a transparant front or blind for money for favors.
That said, we have to wish the Goldwater Girl luck.
But not too much luck.
Not enough luck not to be caught with any funny stuff with the $$$$ and being fired on the spot by her new boss.
Posted by: ornery | January 21, 2009 9:03 PM
Hillary Clinton has not one iota of foreign policy experience. She lacks basic diplomatic skills and has serious character flaws, like a legendary temper, use of foul language when angry, and berating those unfortunate enough to be in the room when she "loses it".
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In a pitiful attempt to embellish her foreign policy resume, Clinton was caught lying with claims of coming under-fire at Sarajevo in 1996- what happened to honesty and integrity as selection criteria?
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Other presidents lacking diplomantic experience have brought someone who has such a background to the State Department- but Obama doesn't feel the need, for some reason.
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Any chance of Obama controlling this loose cannon Hillary? LOL, of course not, the Clintons can't even control each-other.
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Yet, perhaps the most unsettling concern is that Hillary's judgement is warped by her blinding ambition to gain power and control- causing her to be manipulative and Machiavellian in her dealings with others.
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Is this the kind of person who should represent the United States with foreign governments?
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http://reaganiterepublicanresistance.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Reaganite Republican | January 22, 2009 4:56 AM
Wonder hoiw long Hillary will last?
Posted by: Inky | January 22, 2009 6:51 AM
Bill's campaignto get her out of the house finally succeeded.
(You don't seriously think he would travel with on all those "important trips" and shuttle missions of hers, do you?)
Posted by: ornery | January 22, 2009 6:51 AM