Hillary Clinton, Thug

Oh yeah, I forgot another reason Hillary Clinton would make an excellent Sec of State:

She's not afraid to be Obama's thug.

Everyone called her a hawk during the primary process, like that's a bad thing. A thug is just what we might need oversees, versus an army. Bill's connections through the Clinton Global Initiative and the William J. Clinton Foundation make a private sector advantage for the State department under Hillary, not a liability. The two of them could hand-write US foreign interests. I don't see how that's bad. Obama can't claim he doesn't see the wisdom of Clinton-style government consider how many former Clinton staffers he is already grabbed, and considering the success of Bill's presidency. The Washington Post claims that the Secretary of State does not "handle" ex-Presidents, and appointing Hillary would be a major break with this tradition. Although I personally doubt there is much handling going on in their marriage, it is pretty clear that Hillary has been Bill's chief handler for decades, and it was her that shut him down during the primary process when he got out of control. Bill has shown great deference to Hillary, and campaigned robustly for Obama once his wife conceded. Isn't loyalty to your spouse supposed to be a good thing? Sure, maybe the Clinton's are self-interested, but isn't everyone? And you can't call the Clinton Global Initiative anything short of nearly peerless philanthropic organization. Give me a break! Hundreds of billions of dollars raised in over 150 countries for humanitarian and world health relief. And yes, the Clinton's got rich after Bill was President. Isn't that what Americans do? Isn't this the land of opportunity?

Any claims that Hillary Clinton has not been thoroughly vetted (although apparently she is being officially vetted for SecState) are ridiculous, and hopefully the Senate will not drag out hearings over undisclosed financial records. The CGI and WJC Foundations are private-sector charities and the anonymity of donors is both traditional and acceptable. Apparently, Obama's vetting team is allowing certain non-disclosure, and no doubt Bill and Hillary are smart enough to figure out what is acceptable and what is not. In the primary process, Hillary indicated she would use Bill as a sort of free agent goodwill ambassador which was a little scary. However, under the Obama administration, with clear boundaries set on his involvement, it looks a lot sunnier. To quote the Washington Post:

"It boosts her stature, it boosts the work of the Clinton Global Initiative, it boosts the whole concept of American partnerships making a real difference on the global level," said Steve Gunderson, president of the Council on Foundations and a former Republican congressman.

"She will be able to say in many of her meetings, 'We're in a situation where I can't commit congressional foreign assistance, but let me work with the philanthropic community back in the United States to see if there are ways that they can be helpful,' " Gunderson said. [SOURCE]

The talking heads are still wagging in Hillary's favor. Additionally, the idea is being fronted that letting the Hillary pick go public, then not naming her would be very bad politics for everyone, and possibly create a fresh rift in the Democratic party. I have said many times that Hillary Clinton has a great deal of power in the Democratic Leadership Council, which is the high command for moderate / conservative Democrats, and the launching point of many political careers. Hillary can serve as the liaison to the Blue Dogs, or a staunch detractor, depending on how she is treated by Obama. It is not as simple as "appeasing a defeated opponent;" Hillary Clinton has a vast power base, uncanny for a freshman Senator, and it should be tapped and directed, which is what she desires. Arguably, she desired to use it at her own discretion, but that does not preclude it being used regardless. An aggressive Secretary of State with global philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives at her fingertips, and a rock solid independent constituency at home could bring about amazing results, and the glory can be shared all around. Obama will get the credit, Hillary would get blamed for any bungles, and America could reclaim its place as a forward thinking, democratic leader on the global stage, as Hillary spoke so eloquently about during her primary campaign. And, I wouldn't be sorry to see the post pave the road to the Oval Office for Hillary, either, something she is no doubt aware of. Historically, more Secretaries have become president than VP's or Senators. Hillary Clinton walks a careful balance between ambition and compassion, and I cannot see a better way to further both for her.