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Obama and Hillary Reunited Again

Discussion
Nov 17, 2008
by: frankb
Obama has recently had a talk with his once bitter rival, Hillary Clinton.  He has, in his spirit of unity, offered her a job as Secretary of State. 
Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration.

Hillary Clinton to accept Barack Obama's offer of secretary of state job | World news | guardian.co.uk

He has modeled this after former presidents, and is willing to have people who disagree with him in his Cabinet. 

He has cited Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Team of Rivals” as a key text for him. He says the biography of Abraham Lincoln showed how he brought in former enemies and "was confident enough to be willing to have these dissenting voices".

Obama met Hillary Clinton in Chicago - and will see McCain on Monday - Times Online

This information was originally leaked.

"This was a very deliberate leak, perhaps to test the waters and see what the reaction is.

Obama met Hillary Clinton in Chicago - and will see McCain on Monday - Times Online

Obama has said to be "No Drama Obama", and drama seems to follow the Clintons where ever they go.  There are many issues involved in this possible arrangement.  First , Obama has to bury the hatchet.  Both candidates insulted the other's foreign policy experience during their campaigns.  Obama said that Clinton had made poor decisions, specifically voting for the Iraq War.  Clinton pointed out Obama's little experience in foreign policy. 

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., said today that Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, her chief rival for the Democratic nomination, made comments that were "irresponsible and frankly naive" when he said in Monday night's debate that he would meet with leaders of rogue nations during his first year in office.

ABC News: Clinton: Obama 'Irresponsible and Naive'

Another obstacle for Obama to overcome in his selection of Hillary Clinton is Bill Clinton.  There has been tension between Bill and Obama since the campaign had started.  This became more evident when Bill Clinton supposedly accused Obama of playing the race card.  There is also the issue of Bill's secret business deals and funding for his library that he has not released.  Obama has been pushing for the release of this information. 

Obama's advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton's foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest.

Hillary Clinton to accept Barack Obama's offer of secretary of state job | World news | guardian.co.uk

Obama's advisers "have begun reviewing former President Bill Clinton's finances and activities to see whether they would preclude the appointment" Mrs. Clinton as secretary of state

USNews.com: Political Bulletin: Monday, November 17, 2008

 

Also, it has been said the Michelle Obama does not like Hillary. 

Michelle Obama, who was reported to be strongly opposed to Mrs Clinton being her husband's vice-presidential running-mate

Obama met Hillary Clinton in Chicago - and will see McCain on Monday - Times Online

Many people have speculated as to why Hillary might agree to such a position.  Some believe it is because she wants to be in the White House and part of a historic Executive coalition, this appears to be quite obvious.  But others are speculating at a more sinister and self motivated reason.  She wants to become president and this position may advance her career.

Clinton, who still harbours hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed by staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the secretary of state job.

Hillary Clinton to accept Barack Obama's offer of secretary of state job | World news | guardian.co.uk

Hopefully Obama will be able to bring in the most qualified experts from all parties to his Cabinet.  This will ideally lead to a period of moderate policies selected for the betterment of our Nation.

 

Comments

Both Sides

Submitted by megan_b on Tue, 2008-11-18 00:16.

 Great post!  The quotes were very informative, although all the breaks in your writing make it a little difficult to read.

It's great that Obama is including members of his cabinet who may not agree with him.  It is important for our president to be able to see both sides of an issue.

 

Peace

Submitted by WPereira on Tue, 2008-11-18 19:33.

It's nice to see peace in the White House between ex rivals. The qoutes you used were very good informative pieces. Good post.