OBAMA: "Hillary’s appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment"

[kpete]

I have known Hillary Clinton as a friend, a colleague, a source of counsel, and as a campaign opponent. She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. I am proud that she will be our next Secretary of State. She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence; who knows many of the world’s leaders; who will command respect in every capitol; and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world.

Hillary’s appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances. There is much to do – from preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to Iran and North Korea, to seeking a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, to strengthening international institutions. I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right person to lead our State Department, and to work with me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda.

more:
http://www.americablog.com/2008/12/obama-on-clinton-and-gates.html

[Raineyb]

1. Commitment to what exactly?

I like Obama and all but if I wanted a Clinton in the White House I'd vote for one. That being said, it's hard to argue for peace when the public face of the national security team is made up of hawks.

These people were wrong about the Iraq war and have not really repudiated their earlier stance. How seriously will they work for peace?

Regards

[Bad Thoughts]

2. A Closer Reading

It seems like the message is more directed at a domestic audience: Clinton has the political capital to sell Obama's FP to Americans. Otherwise, the statement makes little sense: most nations are eager for the US to change directions, and don't really need more "tough talk."

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Clearly, in his own words. K&R

[riqster]

4. I like it

Hillary is a smart and tough as nails. Obama = Good Cop, Hillary = Bad Cop. A proven formula for success.

[Voice for Peace]

5. I keep thinking of the potential for her influence on women's rights around the world.

I feel a lot of confidence in Obama's judgement. :fistbump:

[JNelson6563]

6. Very good point.

I think you are right and I think this is a good statement from Obama on the matter. I have no doubt he will keep his cabinet well in hand.

Julie

[qwlauren35]

7. Not the qualities I was looking for... by a long shot.

I want intelligence and work ethic. But I don't want toughness. I'm sick and F***ing tired of "advancing our interests in the world", and I have no interest in "commanding" respect.

To me, those aren't the qualities of a person committed to:
- rebuilding our alliances
- restoring the world's faith in us as peacekeepers
- regaining the respect lost under the Bush administration
- demonstrating a clear change in direction from the pre-emptive strikes of Obama's predecessor
- maintaining balance between our interests and the sovereign rights of other nations around the globe.

Heck, let me spell it out:
D-A-M-A-G-E C-O-N-T-R-O-L and A-L-L-I-A-N-C-E R-E-P-A-I-R-S!!!

Yes, her name recognition will be powerful. But even when she was running, her intention had been to send Bill and Bush Sr. for a Global Good Will Tour. It wasn't something she had spoken of doing.

I guess the true irony, though, will be seeing Hillary sit down with the leaders of our historic enemies... without preconditions.

I hope she wants what I want. Sheesh. Wasn't that a hoot! Like I've got that kind of clout! But still. I just don't think this is the time for "toughness". It sounds so... Republican. Yes, there's a "War on Terror"... but I guess I haven't taken it seriously enough.

I'm just not a war hawk. Unless you bring it to my front door, I'm going to be domestically focused.