Opening up a can of worms here....

[Debi]

Guys, what would a Clinton SOS do to JRB's position as VP?

My 'concern' (cringworthy word here on DU) is that WJC may interfere or even just the whole persona of the Clintons would overshadow the man that I think is THE foreign policy expert of our current Democratic establishment. I'd rather see a 'team player' like Richardson or maybe someone not yet mentioned.

Okay...I'm going to duck for cover now.

Your thoughts?

[PatSeg]

1. Its hard to say what would happen,

but the Clintons do seem to have a very good relationship with Joe. I still think John Kerry would be a better choice though. I'm not very impressed with Richardson. He was terrible in the debates, and didn't really display any extraordinary foreign policy expertise. He was too busy saying what he thought people wanted to hear.

No need to duck, you're not in GDP!!!

[Debi]

2. Thanks!

:hug:

I just want to make sure that our cupcake gets to shine. He's so well-liked all across the world and I want him to be able to continue that way. I don't want any conflict w/in the Cabinet (or with the spouse of a Cabinet member).

Kerry would be good too - I think Richardson is better one-on-one than performing for a crowd. And both have respect for JRB (not that HRC doesn't - I just worry, probably needlessly, about the overshadowing that may occur if she's in that position).

Where the hell did Mr. Debi put that duct tape????

[PatSeg]

7. If anyone can handle the Clintons,

it would be Joe. A part of me would really like to see a White House without a Clinton involved. I loved the nineties and the Clinton administration, but I have to say I'm really tired of them. I think Hillary could become a very powerful leader in the senate and could accomplish much more there than as SOS. I think her best opportunity to shine is in the senate and Bill can continue with his Global Initiative.

[Debi]

9. I think that any disputes between Obama/Biden will be in private

and we'll never know they were disputes.

I worry that any disputes between SOS Clinton and Obama or SOS Clinton and Biden will be 'leaked' and made public which will make an Obama/Biden Whitehouse messy. (I only have the past campaign to gage this on....and the last Clinton Administration). So handling the Clintons isn't the problem - it's handling the fallout of handling them.

(Yeah...I am becoming a concern troll, I know. Sorry.)

[PatSeg]

18. "handling the fallout of handling them"

I think that sums things up nicely. I'm tired of drama.

[CrispyQ]

10. I am so glad we have this forum where we can talk about things like this without getting flamed.

I agree, I would like to see a White House without the Clintons. They have a lot to offer, but they tend to take over. Everything they're involved in becomes about them.

I would like to see Kerry as SOS.

[PatSeg]

19. It is nice, isn't it?

There are a lot of things I wouldn't dare say "out there". There will always be someone who will take offense. Sometimes its nice to just discuss something without major repercussions.

[gateley]

3. I remember when they asked Joe about being Hillary's VP and he essentially

(much more diplomatically) said no, because there'd be a third person in that room -- Bill.

I agree with tsegat that Joe and the Clintons have an excellent relationship, and I think both Bill and Hillary respect Joe's expertise and experience. But I do think it could be a sticky situation.

I think it would be lively, that's for sure.

[Debi]

5. I don't want lively

not for the next four years at least.

I want calm and assured.

:loveya: How are you, dear???

[AspenRose]

4. I'll go hide with you

I agree.


The Clintons are a package deal.

They love drama, which is incongruous with "no-drama Obama" and his approach to things.

I suspect after a while WJC would begin to get on JRB's LAST nerve. If they want to preserve their good working relationship with the Clintons, I think it's best for Obama and Biden to consider someone else.

I hope he picks Richardson. Kerry would be ok too but I would rather Kerry stay in the Senate.

[Debi]

6. Either one w/be fine with me

Both have positives and negatives in my mind but I don't see either going against the wishes of their President or stepping on their VP's toes.

I see the potential of both those things happening w/Clinton as SOS. x(

[AspenRose]

8. +1

*nodding*

Sad, but true

[Jennicut]

11. I think Hillary will be fine. Its Bill who likes drama

Joe really likes and gets along good with Hillary. I think they will get along just fine. Remember, FP is not the only thing Joe will do. He will be Obama's chief adviser. That means he will advise on everything. Hillary will represent the United States overseas. Joe would go overseas to backup Obama's positions and influence any foreign leaders. Kerry actually may be more ambitious then Hillary as he wants the job so badly. Hillary wants it as a stepping stone.

[Muttocracy]

15. I think the media is saying Kerry wants it badly but there's no evidence he does. nt

[Muttocracy]

12. I'm astounded Hillary's name even came up for Sec of State

as foreign policy has NEVER been her area of expertise. When there are so many others more qualified, I just do NOT get it. If she wanted to do foreign policy, she could have joined with Bill and done things via the Clinton Foundation.

I think Kerry would be fantastic, but we also need him in the Senate (like Joe, has multiple areas of expertise). Richardson would probably be OK, but I'm not crazy about him similar to what others said - I was really unimpressed by him in the debates. I'd put a few pennies betting on Holbrooke since Biden may push for him - and Holbrooke was a Clinton supporter. Some say he's a too hawkish but I don't know enough and he's no more hawkish than Hillary - I posted a thread about it: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=7872465

There must also be dozens of advisors, career State Dept. officials, ambassadors, etc. who ought to have a shot at it.

Is this all my fault for moving back to NY State - she doesn't want to represent NY anymore? :shrug: :cry: :eyes:

[1corona4u]

24. You have to remember something though....

Obama and Joe had a talk, in that Joe would need to be a part of things...conditions to him accepting the VP slot. My guess is that whomever Obama chooses has to get along with, and work with Joe as well. I'm sure Joe has had a LOT of input as far as the SOS goes. I'd be asking, how does Joe get along with Kerry, and Richardson, and any others being considered.

My gut feeling is that Obama will choose someone from left field--as in not expected, and this whole thing has been cover for that person to remain in the background thus far.

I don't think it's any of the main players, but I could be wrong.

[Muttocracy]

13. and it's not just you:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7884130

[Debi]

16. Yeah....don't want my buns warmed by flames

:scared: I'll just stay here w/my thoughts.

[jillan]

14. I think they will all work together really well.

Obama said he wants people that will challenge him.
He doesn't want 'yes men'.
I think they will be a great team. I picture them sitting around the table till the wee hours of the morning having intense debates about what to do in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

As far as Richardson - I'm not impressed. He seems like a nice guy. I just can't picture him
negotiating with Putin. I can see Richardson doing something to help Obama meet his energy goals.

The person that should have been SoS is Joe Biden. He is perfect for that job. So is John Kerry.
Hillary would do a great job too, much better than Condi.
I had heard somewhere that Joe will be focusing more on domestic issues and helping Obama get his agenda passed.

As I said in another thread out there - until Obama calls me and asks me for my advice, it really doesn't matter what I think.

[Debi]

17. I think HRC would work well w/the soon to be administration

But she doesn't travel w/out baggage. And his ego worries me.

I just want JRB to NOT be overshadowed by drama (like he is right now)

[jillan]

29. From what I've been hearing, Bill will have to give up alot so it won't

be seen as a conflict of interest.

Which is too bad in a way because he does great work on poverty and aids around the world.

[Eurobabe]

20. Glad someone asked.

Look at what is happening in the media. DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA. I was watching Hairball, and the Repubes are just jonsing to have Hillary as SoS so they can poke holes in the Clintons for the next 4-8 years.

Honestly, I don't want the Clintons ANYWHERE NEAR the White House. Hillary needs to stay in the Senate, she can do amazing work there.

I have also decided that I am not going to watch ANY political shows anymore, after 8 years of putting up with pundits, I've had enough. I want the life back that I had before Gore lost in 2000. :mad:

[Debi]

22. Between NOT posting on DU and NOT watching political television

you're going to fall off the face of the earth :cry:

I think you're right, though. I think the GOPers and right wingers are just salavating at the thought of throwing Clinton mud for another four years.

I just don't want that in Obama's (and JRB's) first term.

[Eurobabe]

27. Nah, I am still posting on here, just not

letting it rule my life like before. I remember how content I was during the Clinton presidency UNTIL I started paying attention to the news, and all the poo they flung at them (some of it undeserved, some deserved) I want to have faith and be happy with Joe-Bama.

Honestly all the mental masturbation that plays out on DU gets us NO WHERE. I've had enough of the political armchair quarterbacks and pundits. We have no control over what Barack and Joe do or say; as Obama said on 60 Minutes, it's lonely at the top, he has to make the decisions in the end. I trust him to do so.

[Debi]

31. OMG...I was trying to eat a snack while reading up on DU

But with the words 'poo' and 'masturbation' in ONE post I may have to rethink my schedule ;)

I too trust our new administration - and find myself watching PuppyCam and goofing on FB more that hanging out here.

:hi:

[Eurobabe]

33. I'm with you on that!

Sorry for ruining your snack. :spray:

Isn't that puppycam addicting? :loveya:

[1corona4u]

21. I think the whole Cinton thing is 'smoke and mirrors'...

I just do.

[Debi]

23. Will a name just come flying out in a few days?

:shrug:

[1corona4u]

26. I don't know....maybe it never comes out....

until he tells us...

[jillan]

30. I have thought that maybe Obama offered it to her, knowing that Bill

will not be able to pass the vetting session.

Then Obama will look like a good guy for offering her one of the highest postions in his cabinet, even tho she won't be able to get it.

[Jennicut]

25. Mark Halperin said on CNN last night that the SoS has to work

with Joe because he will cast a long shadow on foreign policy. He thought Hillary will work well with Joe because he has more experience then her and because they are good friends to begin with. Whoever Barack choses will be fine. He has made great decisions so far so why would he not now?

[jillan]

28. I heard that too!

I was so excited that someone finally mentioned Joe's name in a proper context....

talking about his foreign policy creds rather than focusing on his 'gaffes'.

It was music to my ears :)

[Debi]

32. That is music to my ears! (eyes?)

To know that this VERY important Cabinet position is being looked at w/consideration for JRB is awesome!