Picking Hillary: Pros and Cons

Pundits split on merits of Clinton as Obama's most powerful cabinet member
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 15, 2008 10:30 AM CST
Picking Hillary: Pros and Cons
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton greet supporters at the end of a rally in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 20, 2008.    (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Barack Obama is widely reported to be considering Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State, causing a storm of speculation over the pros and cons of the choice.

  • The case for Clinton is plain, Jake Tapper writes at ABC News. She's smart, strong, experienced, reasonably diplomatic—and she's familiar with many of the world's leaders.

  • The choice could be hazardous, Jackie Calmes and Helen Cooper write in the New York Times. Rivalry may still linger from the campaign, and having both Clintons traipsing the world with all that baggage could overshadow Obama's presidency.
  • Rivary? The post is perfect for Obama's erstwhile opponent, writes Domenico Montanaro at MSNBC. It'll get her out of the Senate, removing a potentially fierce critic on domestic policy.
  • Clinton would be a brilliant choice, Andrew Sullivan writes at the Atlantic. A tough Iron Lady is just what Obama needs to deal with the Iranians and the Russians.

(More President Obama stories.)

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