Kerry Is Pick for Secretary of State, Official Says

[onehandle]

Source: New York Times



WASHINGTON — President Obama plans to nominate Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts as secretary of state, a senior administration official said, succeeding Hillary Rodham Clinton and putting in place the first member of his second-term national security team.

The appointment of Mr. Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat and his party’s former presidential nominee in 2004, has been widely expected since last week, when Susan E. Rice, the ambassador to the United Nations, asked Mr. Obama to withdraw her candidacy for the post.

Ms. Rice had come under weeks of attack from Republicans in Congress over her role in the aftermath of the deadly attack on the United States mission in Benghazi, Libya. Mr. Kerry, as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, oversaw a hearing on Benghazi on Thursday, at which the State Department came under renewed criticism for its failure to respond to requests for additional security in Libya.

The decision by Mr. Obama, expected to be announced early Friday afternoon, comes at a time when Mrs. Clinton has been recovering from a concussion suffered earlier this month. Mrs. Clinton, who has long said she would leave the post after Mr. Obama’s first term, is not expected to attend the announcement.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/us/politics/kerry-is-pick-for-secretary-of-state-official-says.html

[Eric J in MN]

1. Exactly what John McCain wanted when he bashed Susan Rice.

Now Scott Brown (R-MA) can run for Senate in a special election. Which is how he got into the Senate last time.

[FailureToCommunicate]

6. Don't worry...we'll work hard (again) to make sure that doesn't happen

Scott Brown is damaged goods. Many more in Mass. know his true colors. For example Brown only came out in favor of (some) gun control after Sandy Hook. And his whole "moderate" persona, vapid.

There are some interesting Dems who might run...

Plus, I'm guessing the Koch Bros won't be quite as eager to waste their $$ on that loser next time around

[AndyTiedye]

19. The Rapeuglicans Will Spend Millions to Take This Seat

This could cost us the Senate in 2014.

Yes we have some Democrats who might be able to beat him, maybe, if everything goes our way.

[Fearless]

44. They will spend millions in vain. We will win. Don't you worry.

The Warren organization is still warm... we have a head start. And we will build on that. Don't forget that when Kennedy died, a lot of his staff moved to Kerry. We have them too now. This will not be a problem.

[karynnj]

46. Not sure how many did - as Kerry had a strong staff himself

Many Kerry and Kennedy staff people went to work for first the Obama campaign then the administration.

[Fearless]

47. It was between 1/3 and 2/3rds

I forget the exact statistic. There was a Boston Globe article about it years ago. Can't find the thing now though.

[karynnj]

76. Thanks, I was just surprised that Kerry would have that many open slots

[Fearless]

77. It's not that he did necessarily

But the opportunity arose for people to move on and in some cases to retire. Some other MA campaigns also picked a few up, notably Deval Patrick and Barney Frank if I remember correctly.

[karynnj]

45. He has to run again in 2014, if he wins

That means that after around another year, he is up again and the SAME ARGUMENT that the control of the Senate is at stake will be used against him, just like it was in 2012.

[YOHABLO]

64. I've heard Joe Kennedy come to surface .. what do you guys think?

[GoCubsGo]

65. Not Joe.

Ted, Jr., who I think would stomp Snott into the ground.

[leftlibdem420]

78. The key word is "rape"...

Hang Scott Brown or whatever fuckwit the GOPissants run in MA with Akin and Mourdock.

[Cha]

82. That graphic is perfect.. thanks FailureToCommunicate n/m

[FailureToCommunicate]

87. Thanks. Obama's tribute to Senator Inouye was sure powerful

didn't you think?

Aloha

[Cha]

94. It was magnificent!

Aloha to you, too, FTC.

[davidwparker]

37. I knew this news was about to drop when I read on HuffPo Ben Affleck was thinking about running for

the senate. No seat would be available if Kerry wasn't sure he was going to be the nominee.

[_Liann_]

103. Obama should not appoint anybody until their replacement is ready to go.

When Obama picked Janet Napolitano to head Homeland Security, he put Jan Brewer into the governor's seat in Arizona.

There are lots of DEMOCRATS who are not holding important seats who could do the Sec of State job without turning an office over to the opposition.

OBAMA got ONE VOTE, same as you and me. It was DEMOCRATS who elected Obama, and democrat values need to be in the top offices.

Bipartisanship is NOT WHAT WE NEED. We need one party rule because America needs democratic thinking.

[truebrit71]

2. Dammit...

Who's running things in D.C. Obama or the rethuglicans?

[pscot]

28. Do you really have to ask?

[duhneece]

3. I have such a mixed response

Kerry's service to our country earned him this honor; however, the strategy of attacking Susan Rice to 'make room' for a Repub win makes it impossible for me to celebrate. Damn.

[karynnj]

48. Obama had not necessarily made his choice - that is what he said when he was defending Rice

Not to mention, there were likely at least 10 people - many of whom I would not know the names of - that could have been nominated. Would you have felt the same if Obama would have chosen Rice and people would have said that it was BECAUSE she was attacked and the media framed it as caving if he did not pick her.

Looking just at their experience, ability to work with the Senate, and diplomatic skills, it is easier to make the case that Kerry is clearly better. It is incontestable for the last two. So, where was Rice said to be better - demographics ( how's that for the reverse racism and sexism) and the fact that she is said to be a friend of the President. On the latter, do you really want to argue for cronyism?

This is not intended to disparage Rice, she is a brilliant,very ambitious woman, who has moved up fast in foreign policy circles - which shows that she is competent and she can get get along with the people she needed to get along with. She is also quite young and has the chance to change her reputation as abrasive and to establish better relations with the Senate. She then could be a clear choice for some future Democratic President.

[blm]

54. Baloney - Rice was never Obama's first choice. Kerry was his choice in 2008 and still today.

Obama went with those who were pushing for Clinton to be SoS, but, Obama relied on Kerry to do much of the heavy lifting the last 4 years in the most volatile regions. Clinton did, too.

Those who fell for the GOPs dog and pony show can thank corporate media for making it a bigger show.

[wisteria]

67. OH, you are spot on! n/t

[BlueCaliDem]

81. Exactly. I understood why President Obama chose Hillary Clinton over John Kerry,

considering the contentious primary and very hurt feelings, but I am pretty sure John Kerry had always been President Obama's first choice for SoS. John will be an exceptional SoS, and I'm not the least afraid that his senate seat is in any danger of going Republican. Aside from the fact that Senator-Elect Warren still has her team warm and ready to go, fresh off her huge win, and the OFA is still there.

I'm sure President Obama is not going to allow Brownie to slither his way back into the Senate this time.

[blm]

101. EXACTLY - the handwringing at this point is amateur-hour, imo.

.

[BlueCaliDem]

107. I agree 100%. And yet there's a lot of it going on

days after the announcement. It just blows my mind.

[Stuckinthebush]

4. Why?

Why would he want that? WHy would he give up a Senate seat for a 4 year gig?

Why would the administration give McCain exactly what he wanted?

Kerry is great. He will be an amazing SOS. But, really? This is bad politics.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

15. This is probably his "retirement" preparation job

Unless he's planning another run at the White House, I'd guess he'll retire in four years, to try to be an "elder statesman" like Big Dog or Jimmy Carter. His wife is rich enough, he doesn't need the job.

It would be nice if he declined the job, to stay in the Senate.

[wisteria]

68. Did you ever consider that John Kerry want to serve his county in a new way?

And, in a post where he can make a difference world wide?

[Stuckinthebush]

74. I considered that

and I'm sure that is what he is telling himself but I have to believe that there are others who are as or more qualified and whose selection won't open up a senate seat.

[Beacool]

32. Why? Because Kerry wanted the job so bad that he could taste it.

Unlike Hillary who did everything she could to avoid taking the job and had to be convinced to accept it, Kerry has wanted to be SOS ever since he endorsed Obama in 2007.

Also, he's almost 70 years old and may want to retire after his SOS gig.

[Stuckinthebush]

73. Again...why?

Why would he want that job? It is probably one of the hardest civilian jobs (aside from President) in the entire US government. At 70 you'd think he'd sit back and do his job as a Senator and retire after the next term.

SOS...that could kill him.

[Beacool]

75. Ambition? Power?

Politicians are a different breed of people. Most folks who had such a long career, and as much money as he has, would probably want to chill out and enjoy the rest of their lives. Politicians are the exception. Senators usually drop dead, rather than retire.

[blueclown]

5. There goes that Senate seat.

Why?

Why?

Do we want another Jan Brewer? Scott Brown?

There are many other good candidates, why choose a sitting Senator?

[ButterflyBlood]

11. What are the odds someone as awful as Coakley will get nominated again?

Not high.

[Mass]

13. And that the Democratic Party stays asleep at the bar.

[razorman]

20. I have wondered the same thing.

Why does President Obama keep raiding the senate for his cabinet picks? Sure, I understand that he was a senator, and that these people are familiar to him, but doesn't he consider the possible consequences of freeing up a senate seat held by a Dem? Granted, the odds of a Republican taking Kerry's seat in Mass. are slim, but the same thing was said when Senator Kennedy passed away. Why take the risk?

[alfredo]

40. Kerry might have been looking to retire someday soon.

[ladjf]

104. We could have found another good candidate for the SOS job and appointed him or her.

Instead we are faced with a very iffy situation in the Senate. IMO this was a very reckless move by the President. The U.S. desperately needs enough control of the Senate to get some legislation passed.

[blkirish03]

7. So much handwringing.....

Folks need to remember that Obama is playing Chess while everyone else in Washington is playing Checkers. Might this not open the door for Deval Patrick? He did have a high profile speaking assignment at the DNC which gave him a National Stage. Keep the faith, people.

[blueclown]

10. Was he playing checkers when Jan Brewer became governor?

I'm tired of the chess, checkers meme. This is a short-sighted move that may cost us a Senate seat.

[demwing]

53. Can you name someone better qualified for the SOS job?

I'm secure that Obama is selecting the best person for the job...

[blueclown]

56. I'm sure he is one of the better persons for the job.

But somebody like Samantha Power could be a good SOS and we wouldn't be at risk of losing a valuable senate seat.

[demwing]

59. If the Senate majority hung on Kerry's seat I'd agree

but it doesn't, and Kerry is the best candidate

[Wiltal]

52. Moves

I am in total agreement with you. The Prez has always been one step ahead of the Rethugs.

[Democat]

8. I understand the concern, but this is bigger than a single Senate seat

Obama needs someone he can count on and John Kerry has earned a chance at this position (he is not getting younger). I also worry about the Senate seat, but there is more to look at than just the seat.

[Eric J in MN]

29. There are also men and women who have worked at the State Dept for decades

...who earned a chance at this position.

[blm]

57. I'm surprised so many Dems are still so unaware of all the heavy lifting Kerry did for State Dept

and the WH the last 4 years.

Obama and Clinton relied heavily on Kerry this entire time, and it's amazing to me that so many who believe they are so on top of the news let the last 4 years of Kerry's quiet diplomatic leadership slip right past them.

[wisteria]

69. Obviously, their concerns are focused closer to home and are shortsighted. n/t

[Eric J in MN]

96. John Kerry got to be a US Senator and a presidential candidate

...and the husband of a millionaire.

He doesn't need more as a reward.

[blm]

100. Why on earth would 'reward' be the requirement for the JOB of SoS, Eric?

Why would YOU believe he's being rewarded and not being tapped for his proven skills and effectiveness needed to perform a monumental task for the nation and the world?

I would say you have an odd view of the actual JOB.

[karynnj]

102. None of those things were "given" to him

He was not the media or party candidate when he ran his races for lt Governor or the first Senate run. (The same is true for the Presidential nomination) In all those races, he won by winning over voters one by one - convincing them that he was the best choice.

As to marrying a millionaire, he himself is a millionaire, while Teresa is likely a billionaire. It is great - for both of these two brilliant, purposeful people - that they found each other and married.

However, the SOS job is not a "gift" or a "reward". The reason he was considered is that there is no one - in either party - with the length of experience in foreign policy, vision and diplomatic temperament that he has. I note that you did not speak of "reward" when others spoke of Rice. It is hard to argue that she had the diplomatic temperament or the ability to work the Senate she did.

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. He will be easily (perhaps unanimously) confirmed

[Mass]

12. Good choice. As a MA resident, I would hope everybody stop the handwringing now. we dont need it.

The only way Brown wins this one is because we let him.

[MBS]

18. I agree!

People need to stop with the fear and the wimpering the whining right now. I mean, good God, people: MA is one of the more reliable Dem. states. This is totally winnable. Brown is vulnerable, and he lost a lot of his "likability" points in the last election. As Mass said, Brown wins only if we let him.
People need to redirect the energy that they're wasting on fear and start WORKING RIGHT NOW to replace Sen. Kerry with a worthy Democratic senator. Luckily , the MA bench is deep. I can think of at least 3 good candidates. Now go out and support the nominee to the hilt.

[YvonneCa]

22. Yes. We NEED his expertise...

...in this job. He will be excellent.

Congratulations, Mr. Secretary!

[politicasista]

27. ...

Last edited Sat Dec 22, 2012, 01:05 AM - Edit history (1)

disregard message.

[wisteria]

70. +1 n/t

[Kahuna]

85. +1. MA should be very proud of Sen Kerry. I know, I am.

[Glaisne]

14. Oh great

Scott Brown will be back in the Senate again. Just great.

[ButterflyBlood]

21. If the Democrats nominate a disaster like Coakley again

not likely.

[Fearless]

51. We won't.

There are about a dozen or so names being floated in state right now. Some very famous, some well connected, and some both. She's not one of them.

[Mass]

24. Probably true, if we say we lost before we even started.

[NYC Liberal]

43. Brown led Warren by 17 points in March 2012.

He lost by 8 points eight months later.

Amazing how many are so terrified of Scott Brown.

[socialist_n_TN]

60. Well, he DID win the seat before..........

Maybe not terrified, but everybody has a right to be cautious.

[NYC Liberal]

61. True, but then he lost after people had a chance to see him

in action for two years.

I think we should be as cautious as we are with any open race. Nothing is certain in politics and we'll definitely need a good candidate. But Brown has a record now. He can't pull the moderate schtick like he could in 2010.

[valerief]

16. Susan Rice for U.S. Senator from Massachusetts! nt

[ButterflyBlood]

23. She lives in DC, so that's not happening

nt

[valerief]

26. A little thing like residence never stopped Mittfalca!

[plethoro]

17. Beyond horrible in so many ways........nft

dddd

[demwing]

55. well thanks for clearly stating your reasons

dddd

[harmonicon]

30. Wow.... I'm dumbfounded by the negative responses here.

My first thought reading the headline was "Yahoo!!" Kerry is perfect for the job, and probably should have been the pick in the first term as well.

[MBS]

33. " " " " n/t

[wisteria]

71. Absolutely true. n/t

[Beacool]

31. Bold choice.........

As to why, it's very simple. Obama owes him since 2004.

[allrevvedup]

34. Perfect pick.

Things are looking up.

p.s. MA residents we got your back!

[politicasista]

35. Hope they aren't too mad

over this.

A respected DUer from MA gave an excellent post of how diva-like that state can be. Hope Uncle Ted is smiling somewhere. Hope they give him the respect they did Kennedy. Senator Kerry seemed better than people gave him credit for.

[allrevvedup]

49. "To whom much is given, much is expected."

Mass has given some world-class pols so now we have high expectations!

[politicasista]

50. True

Thanks for not attacking me.

[wisteria]

72. Yes, he has served Mass and our country well.

And, he has put up with a lot of nonsense thrown his way.

[JSwaggert]

36. War Hero Reporting For Duty

[sammy27932003]

108. The Army guys are so excited.

Nice to have him in charge.He is well-loved by the enlisted.

[NYC Liberal]

38. Kerry will make an EXCELLENT SoS. Yes there is the Senate seat and not that it should be ignored,

but just considering Kerry and his qualifications for SoS, he is a great choice.

I remember the many naysayers when Hillary was chosen in 2008.

[alfredo]

39. Now to see which Rep will try to filibuster.

[NYC Liberal]

42. Well, they didn't filibuster Hillary and they hate her more than anyone (except maybe Obama now)

She was confirmed 94-2.

So...I guess we'll see. I wouldn't put anything by those assholes.

[alfredo]

58. I don't trust them one bit.

[NYC Liberal]

62. Neither do I.

[alfredo]

63. I'm hoping 2014 will show them that redrawn congressional lines aren't

a replacement for patriotism.

[wisteria]

66. Yeah!!!!!!! And, lets get this straight right now, Kerry was always the first choice.

John Kerry was the obvious, and expected choice right after President Obama won reelection. It wasn't until McCain and his two or three other amegos interfered with lies and accusations against Susan Rice, that her name was floated BY THE PRESS, as being the front running. The President never nominated her, and his support was what any decent person would offer to someone under attack with accusations of lying, when they were innocent. Democrats had issues with Rice too.

Now stand back and watch Secretary Kerry excel in his new post.

[YvonneCa]

79. Yeah wisteria! You...

..GO girl!

"Just stand back and watch him excel ..." Exactly.

[wisteria]

80. Thanks n/t

[Kahuna]

84. I believe that too. If not for Hillary, Kerry would have been appointed in 2008.

Not to mention, who does PBO owe more than Kerry? Kerry put Obama on the national stage in 2004 and supported him in 2008. Go Big John! I know you will do a kick ass job as SoS.

[wisteria]

89. +1 n/t

[Cha]

83. Good! I have no doubt that he is PBO's first choice because

Senator Kerry has the best experience to be an excellent SOS.

If he had wanted Susan he wouldn't have let barking mccain undo it. And, I believe her when she stated she's happy where she is.

We can beat Brown.. I'm so happy for Senator Kerry.. he will be brilliant for our country and our Planet!

[MBS]

86. totally agree!

Sen. Kerry is going to be a superb SoS.
And MA Dems will keep his Senate seat blue.

[wisteria]

91. Absoulutely on both comments! n/t

[wisteria]

90. +1 n/t

[Joey Liberal]

88. Not worth a Senate seat

This was a poor decision. I like Kerry, but we need him in the Senate. We don't need Scott Brown back again.

[wisteria]

92. Then you do not understand foreign policy. n/t

[ladjf]

105. Or, you might not understand domestic policy. nt

[pink-o]

93. Let us not forget: Susan Rice herself put the kibosh on her nom...

Not because of anything to do with Benghazi but because she has a few million invested in the Keystone Pipeline oil company.

And if McCain and his angry white man ilk are crowing over Kerry's nom, then why do we care about their pathetic gloating? They're losers, and we all know they're losers. ITMT, they're gonna insure Kerry's confirmation goes smoothly, and we'll have an awesome Secy of State to follow up another awesome one.

And I have every confidence MA will send us a good, progressive Dem Senator in Kerry's place. So everybody wins!

[wisteria]

95. the administration was moving toward Kerry even before Rice pulled out.

Last edited Sat Dec 22, 2012, 03:44 PM - Edit history (1)

White House's decision-making said support within the administration was moving toward Kerry even before Rice pulled out.


http://www.times-gazette.com/ap%20washington/2012/12/22/kerry-tapped-for-cabinet

[ciking724]

97. Boo!

[wisteria]

98. Whatever.

No reason why?

[DonCoquixote]

99. Humble question

If we are not picking Kerry because we are scared of Scott Brown, isn't that another way of caving? After all, Susna Rice may have been capable, but she was a WAR HAWK, and some people might want to think about the fact that the GOP may have wanted to make sure that Obama picked a War hawk, rather than Kerry?

Yes, Scott Brown is a worry, though a lot more damage is done by people who are letting Brown, aka the guy that Liz Warren just beat, out to be some superman. Yes, we need to win that seat, though to be honest, our main focus needs to be the House, as they are the ones doing a lot of damage, doing the bidding of the tea Party. I am not denying the risks, but frankly, if we cannot pick a cabinet member, even ones that are qualified, based on what the GOP might do, we might as well give them a pass to yank our chain.

All the same, I do think while Kerry is well qualified to be SoS, there are enough people to fill that bill. I would go for a long shot..

Arianna Huffington.

Yes, I get annoyed at her for her centrists attacks in the supposedly liberal HUffpo, but I will admit, she can be a good diplomat.

[wisteria]

106. You had me agreeing with you until you mentioned Huffington.

It takes a lot more to being SOS than just being diplomatic.