Bill ‘Helping’ Hillary to Become the Next Secretary of State
19 November 2008 1:19 pm by Taylor Marsh
Well no kidding.
Reporters have to write something, especially when facing the biggest story of the post-election season. But in their rush, most are stumbling over themselves, as are talking head hosts and their guests on cable. But it was Ken Vogel of Politico who really nailed it today, saying something I’ve already warned about. Vogel said on MSNBC that it’s the same people who have a “predilection for leaking things” who are talking. Bingo. (Politico should be thankful someone over there is getting something right on this one.) If you’re known as a leaker, you likely don’t really know anything anymore. But no doubt news outlets are grateful.
Credit to the people over at Salon’s “War Room” for the most accurate headline of the day.
As for “Obama’s first drama,” David Corn needs to look in the mirror. The Clintons haven’t said one word about the nomination or the process, apart from original statements referring questions to the Obama-Biden transition team. It’s people like Corn, Chris Matthews, and Christopher Hitchens and the hack pack press who are doing the writing, relying on people with a “predilection for leaking things.” What do these guys expect? That Hillary should be content to live with her senate and first lady resume, as good as it is, because the boys can’t handle her prowess? The “Obama drama” isn’t HRC’s fault. It’s Corn, et al.
Clinton
to help Hillary get State job, says an AP headline by Beth Fouhy. Details of the report do make for an interesting read.
“Bill Clinton will not be the obstacle to whether Hillary gets this job or not,” said one Democrat familiar with the situation. Another person added: “He’s willing to be as transparent as the Obama world wants.”
- The
Wall Street Journal
Nothing of note there either.
Politico’s Mike Allen and Glenn Thrush, the two men responsible for “exasperation,” as well as one “Clinton insider” said HRC may turn down the SoS position, respectively, both stories absolute rubbish, with one proven unequivocally so, have a post up with both their names in the byline.
The Times parrots Thrush today, so there’s two reporters talking to one or two Clinton fans who seem to simply want HRC to have options, leaving Hillary and Obama an out if it doesn’t work out. Lame at best. Same message on Bill, which is the only consistent, however obvious, narrative out there.
“Issues around W.J.C. won’t be the stumbling block,” the adviser to Mrs. Clinton said in the e-mail message to The Times. “She hasn’t decided whether she wants to leave the Senate.”
But let me add this. No one should ever question that WJC will do whatever he can to make the path for Hillary to take the SoS nomination easier, as well as for President-elect Obama to feel comfortable with the relationship going forward. There is nothing about Bill Clinton’s commitment to his wife’s career that says otherwise. That Hillary is also not only qualified, but SoS will give her the stature and respect she’s earned, is fully appreciated by WJC.
Bottom line to all the swirling anonymously sourced stories: No one from Obama-Biden is rushing to the press offering statements of denial. Everything is moving Clinton forward to the cabinet post fitting her intellect and strengths, which President-elect Obama will need as he faces putting our country’s reputation back together after Bush-Cheney.
We’re getting close to Thanksgiving. Do the math. We’ll know soon enough.
