Do others feel that it is likely that Hillary will be offered the position of Secretary of State, as it has been rumored that she may be? If so, is it likely to be accepted?

My own views are as follows:

(1) From Barack Obama's standpoint, it would be a brilliant political gambit, given that it is always wise (as several pundits have noted) to "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." More specifically, even if President Obama were substantially weakened (for whatever reason or combination of reasons) by 2012, it is unlikely that someone who had helped to shape his administration's foreign policy would be in any position to oppose him for the Democratic nomination.

(2) Although I dislike Hillary for her unprincipled and Machiavellian tendencies, I do not consider her naive or dangerous. She would probably make a decent Secretary of State, in my opinion--certainly, much better than some other Democratic appointees, such as Warren Christopher and Madeline Albright.

(3) I think she will likely accept the job, if it is offered; and there is probably better than an even chance that it will be, seeing that it would appear to Hillary's supporters that she had been cavalierly dismissed again, if Obama were to overlook her for this position, after having met with her in Chicago just a few days ago.

Do others agree with this assessment?

Arnold thinks she'd be a good choice.

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A picture is worth a thousand words.

Wish Barack H. Obama good luck on 1/20/2009 (202) 456-1414
Inauguration Day Events

You mean Ah-nuld?

I am not sure what to think. When he chose Biden as his VP this became a hard post to fill. If it is no more then a political gambit Obama will be making a mistake Bush did.

Having differing views and strong personalities in the VP and SOS spots. Biden was the most qualified for the spot. There is no doubt he will play a big role in the state dept.

That being said she does just with her last name carry allot of global clout in to the job.

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Why not promote Clark Randt? How about Jon Beryle? Promote experienced, competent DIPLOMATS to these positions. Promoting political hacks and think-tank "experts" got us picks like Condie Rice and Colin Powell.

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"Bring me that horizon".

I agree with your reasoning, and I would also like to add that having Bill Clinton taking some of these trips with her will be another benefit. He is wildly popular abroad - which can work to our benefit.

I particularly like your point two - the woman has mastered both The Prince and Lao Tzu The Art of War.

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Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.
- Robertson Davies

Here is the only place where the role of first lady applies - it is primarily a diplomatic post. She definitely has experience on more than the academic level.

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Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.
- Robertson Davies

No, she spoke with other prominent women to achieve political face-time and feel-good news-clips. Promoting an ambassador to Secy of State who has worked in an area of interest for many years and actually been a functioning diplomat makes a hell of a lot more sense.

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"Bring me that horizon".

Quite.

Horse hockey - her experience is international, not in one country - and she did far more than achieve photo ops with other women. That's both condescending and ridiculous.

Educate yourself as to what diplomats do.

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Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.
- Robertson Davies