These questions have been brewing in the back of my brain for a couple of weeks now:
1) How do Obama supporters/voters feel about him appointing Hillary Clinton Secretary of State?
2) How do the Clinton supporters feel about it?
Honestly, at first, I was quite put off. (For the record, I voted for McCain. Don't hate me. Change scares me.)
Change and Hope? Hope and Change?
I wasn't sure what to expect with the nebulous "change" - I entertained thoughts of some fresh faces. You can be certain of one thing, I didn't think "Hope" was in reference to Arkansas.
I was somewhat bewildered.
But then Hubs gave me his thoughts - more of a "keep your friends close, your enemies closer" kind of thing.
OK, I could see that. I guess. But that seems a little gutsy. Or stupid. And I don't believe Obama to be stupid.
I look back over the last three outstanding people who have held the Secretary of State position: Madeline Albright. Colin Powell. Condoleezza Rice.
Whether you agree with their politics or not, these are some impressive individuals in their own right, even before they landed at the White House.
They are/were also loyal - to a fault in some cases.
I feel that the role of Secretary of State is one that is even more powerful than the President. They're the International spin doctor/P.R. machine/street sweeper all rolled into one.
It's not a position that should be handed out as a consolation prize.
I don't see Hillary being loyal to a fault. I don't see her receiving international respect. And I certainly don't picture her happily cleaning up after Obama.
Though I'm fairly certain there will be much less horse manure to shovel than in recent years.
I made a reference to Rasputin in regards to the Obama/Clinton relationship a while ago. I'm sure he won't let himself be played, by any means. And maybe she'll surprise me. She has in the past.
But something kind of stinks.
And, in this case, it ain't Bill's cigar.
Its Been a While But I need to VENT
1 hour ago
35 comments:
Hmm...I'm a NYer. Unfortunately for us Hillary has been ours for more than a few years (can you tell I didn't vote for her or obama?)
Not sure how this will all play out - but it should at least make some intersting skits on SNL!
(Today I'm going to reply in my comments section to keep an open dialogue. My goal in this post was not to stir things up, but to get those thoughts out of my head. Take them for what they're worth - mine.)
Yes Debora! A TiVo schedule has already been set for SNL. I'm curious to see how they are/are not going to handle Obama with kid gloves.
i don't think he had a choice. she's not one to throw in the towel, and she did (FINALLY) play nice.
I suppose I am just trying to put my Pollyanna spin (which I honestly didn't know I had until I started this blog) on things, but I like the fact that he is surrounding himself with people that don't necessarily agree with him. Whether you are republican or democrat, surely we can all agree that the last eight years would have been better if someone in the room had ever raised their hand and said "Excuse me Mr. President. Do we really want to do that?" Dissent can be good (I hope).
And what is up with all of your commenters being named Deb or some form of that? Too funny.
Deb - first things first - kicking new avatar!!!! LOVE the new haircut.
The no choice thing, I agree. I understand the whole "I'll scratch your back..." and that the Presidency is bigger than just that one person, but it feels like he was MADE to do it. This relationship needs to be built on trust. Not obligation.
I wonder why "they" didn't make him choose her to be his V.P.? Too afraid it would have cost him the election?
Debbie - you're looking smoking hot this morning as well. I can totally picture the hand trembling as it goes up!
Dissent would be very good if it's in the best interest of the People. I'll be hoping right there with you!!
OK, Debra, Deb and Debbie - bring on the Heathers!!
i think she didn't want to be vp... not enough power. you are right... sos is a HUGE and visible and powerful position.
I tend to agree with you. It will be an interesting year.
I would be nervous if I were Obama and Biden.
Do I get an award for having a different name than Deb? Whoo Hooo!
I hope she proves us skeptics wrong.
as an obama-mama, i was happy to vote for a man i believe in. one of the reasons i voted for him is fo his ability to see people and situations for what they are. hilary seems just wiley enough to be able to schmooze all the right people. obama knows this.
Tammy - oh yeah baby, interesting for sure.
Jill - you got me thinking about a button idea. If I knew how to physically make one. And yes, I think they both need to sleep with one eye open.
Pink - I'm with you! To be pleasantly surprised would be a new feature for me when it comes to politicians.
Rachel - I envied the Obama backers, their passion and having a leader they could get behind 100%. That is a rarity, no matter which side of the aisle you sit on.
Ah, don't hate me either EM. I had a difficult time choosing between Hilary and Obama in the primaries. I carefully read both of their platforms and they were very, very close on many issues, especially the issues most important to me.
But I had also read both of Obama's books, and his story, his beliefs, and his intelligence won me to his side.
I have been very impressed with the people Obama has chosen to work with him. I am especially impressed that he wants varying opinions and does not just select individuals who will agree with him.
And for me, cannot stand Rice, the work she has done, or how she goes about it.
Great blog!
My history teacher in High School used to say that he wanted to be Secretary of State rather than president. I think he knew that it was a more powerful position than the presidency.
My husband posted a comic scene on his blog awhile back called "Keep the Change". It was basically saying that we'll keep our guns, etc., and they can keep their "change". HA!
It's definately a new frontier. I believe that the Clintons don't let anything stand in the way of what they want. Obama better watch out....just sayin. Only time will tell....
I surely voted for someone else also....
I will probably need to run after this but...
I was a Hilary supporter and I somewhat reluctantly got behind Obama. Now I'm thinking this is going to work out very well. Obama is an organizer (which everyone made into a bad thing)and I think he is really trying to put the best person in each job. I think he realizes that Hilary is a good fit for that job. It's not one for a timid person.
Hilary not loyal? She stood behind Bill, didn't she?
I feel very hopeful right now.
Pseudo - nothing but love here, you know that. I have my opinions, but that's all they are, mine. I love your very well educated 2 cents!
My support blog - thanks!! Come back again soon. The topics usually aren't so heavy. Friday is sort of my day to unload.
CaJoh - your history teacher sounds like a smart person. Get appointed - a whole lot let stress than getting elected.
Katie - I'm going to have to try to dig for your husband's post. Sounds funny!
Jane! - no running sista!! Your opinion as a Hillary supporter is the one I'm most curious about. Whether or not Clinton supporters feel like she got the better deal, or if she's exposing herself and giving up ever running for the Presidential seat should these next 4 years not turn out as well as we're all hoping. Loyalty over Bill? I can totally see that. But I see it as more of selling her soul to the Devil to make sure her future didn't go up in flames. I honestly would have liked it better had she walked away from him and then gone on to have a brilliant political career on her own terms. Guess that's pretty naive thinking?
I'm not a Hillary fan. I never would have voted for her. But, I do think that she's well respected in government and internationally, so it might be a good thing. Whatever.
Here's the link to the picture...
http://soulsource7.blogspot.com/2008/12/you-keep-change.html
To me it's kind of like letting the fox into the hen house. It might be fun if she does cause a little havoc. I'm trying to keep an open mind and a "wait and see" attitude. I'm also trying to give him a chance. But some of his appointments have me scratching my head. With all the marvelously talented and brilliant people out there....he sure chose some old cronies with no business being in the position. Sounds a lot like the old boys clubs of the past...what happened to "change"
I know other a few other women who have stayed with their husbands after affairs. I don't think Hilary sold out by staying with him. Sometimes sex is just sex. Nobody faulted Jackie for staying with John and she had NO political aspirations as far as I know.
I don't think the idea of failure is even crossing Hilary's mind. I think maybe she has more incentive to make this administration work... she doesn't want to have to fight anti-democrat sentiment in 8 years. WHEN she runs for pres, which I really believe she will.
Good topic you got going.
Well IMHO, if it's politics, it's rotten. Not matter what. My husband and I sort of agree that it's just two sides of the same elitist group being regergitated. It's all a little fishy these days...
P.S. Happy Friday! ; )
Kristina - who said young voters are apathetic ;-) Whatever.
Katie - that sign is hilarious. Out of my cold, dead hands... (really, no, I hate guns)
Nikki - fox in the hen house, LOVE it! Watch those feathers fly.
Jane! - I guess that's why I'm surprised she would want to be SOS, if she does have aspirations in 2012. The rate of SOSs taking bullets for their Presidents is pretty high.
Like Tammy said - this is all going to be very interesting.
Elaine - I love the word regergitated. Paints the perfect picture of my view of D.C. as well.
Happy Friday too!! To all!!
I thought it was kinda sketchy, too! Seems like they may have had some sort of deal to me!
(I voted for McCain, too)
I don't know, I really don't have the energy to follow politics. I have no idea what is going on in the world and right now, the suits me just fine.
Hi there! Wanted to say thanks for stopping in! We travel in the same circles ...I will be back for sure!
And- I just don't trust Hilary. Never have and never will. She made it okay for men to cheat by not dumping that bum years ago. She set the bar for all those scorned wives who stood dutifully behind their rotten husbands in the face of their 'transgressions'. Shoulda let the bastard fry.
Your husband is a very smart man.
Am i gonna be ostracized if I say I think she'll be great? I really think she will....
signed......another Debbie
Jenni - I guess if there isn't a deal, I'll be more surprised. Politics as usual?
Jen - you might just be the wisest of the bunch.
Swirl - I'm with you on the frying part. What a complete mess.
Tiffany - it's a contest around here to see who's smarter. Me for marrying him, or him for marrying me. Competitive, much?
Debbie - the only thing that will get you ostracized around here is calling Daniel Craig a waste of a man. Then I'd have some choice words for you. Like I've told all my IRL friends who support Obama - I pray you guys are right. I honestly do.
I'm going to tell ya'll right off the bat that I dislike both Obama and Clinton. I think they are both more interested in looking out for their own personal careers than the good of our country.
Why can't we have a "Mr. Smith goes to WA" kind of leadership?
Idealistic? Maybe, but our country was started by idealistic men. Why can't we return to our roots?
I wasn't overly surprised that he chose Hilary Clinton for SoS...but then I had hoped he'd peg Powell for it but for the reasons your hubby stated, I thought he might go with Clinton.
However, having said that, something in the back of my mind bothers me about this choice. I don't know what it is. Time will tell if my gut was right of if I was just being paranoid.
Great post!
1. DIdn't vote for Obama either.
2. I think Obama is everything HIllary is not. He has charisma, charm, and magnetism. Hillary actually seems to repel people. I don't mean this in a mean way. I mean, she tries to run with the big boys, and it's at the expense of her warmth and fuzziness, if she even has that side of herself. Anyway, I think people (including myself) know she's smart, she's assertive, she'll get the job done. BUt frankly, I don't really like her too much. So, Obama's pick of her for Sec of State may be a good one - she'll do her job and make him look better, and all he has to do is flash a big smile.
Since I'm a Deb I feel compelled to comment. What was the question? Oh, Hillary, why does everyone think she is so smart? Not from her record, she was in charge of healthcare which failed in her husbands administration, not from her current record either. Oh yea, the press keeps telling us she is.
I have a son who was working in the White House during the Clinton years. If you can tell how a person really is by the way they treat the people they consider underneath them, then Hillary should never be in any public office.
Not a deb, but feel the urge to reply... a few days late... I was a Clinton supporter who had to warm up to Obama (to put my cards on the table). I like the idea - I agree that I don't think she will be a "yes man"... and I like the idea of Obama not surrounding him with people that will tell him how great he is... I have great hopes for this administation - I HOPE (to use an overused word) that we can do better -the mess of an economy and trouble in the middle east doesn't help any administration though....
Post a Comment