Reports are just hitting the wires that Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn from consideration to replace Hillary Clinton in the United States Senate. Kennedy cited “personal reasons” when she told New York Governor David Paterson of her decision.
The move could very well be seen as a way for Kennedy to avoid the embarrassment of not being selected.
Update: There are conflicting reports that Kennedy actually was asked by Paterson to reconsider her decision, which would indicate that he was inclined to select her for the seat. Additionally, The New York Times is now reporting that Kennedy withdrew because of tax problems and an issue with a housekeeper. There are also reports that Kennedy had, or is having, an affair with the publisher of The New York Times.
The Senate just voted 94-2 to confirm Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as secretary of state. Clinton’s confirmation was never in doubt, but became stalled by Republican Senator John Cornyn (TX), who placed a hold on her nomination at the last minute in what was a purely partisan political move.
Earlier this afternoon, Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who lost the presidential race to President Barack Obama, came to the Senate floor and urged Cornyn (not by name) to stop playing politics with Senator Clinton’s confirmation as secretary of state and then called for the Senate to confirm her by a voice vote.
Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, is said to be interested in replacing Hillary Clinton in the US Senate. New York Governor David Paterson has discussed the position with Kennedy, but no decision has been made at this point. Should Kennedy take the seat, she would be holding the very seat her uncle, Robert Kennedy, held his assassination in 1968.
Two prominent names have pulled out of consideration to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate upon her confirmation as secretary of state. Representative Nita Lowey and Robert Kennedy Jr. each told New York Governor David Paterson that they were not interested in being appointed to fill Clinton’s seat.
President-elect Obama congratulates General James Jones (ret.) as Senator Hillary Clinton & Susan Rice look on
President-elect Obama announced his National Security team earlier today and it contained no surprises. As expected, Senator Hillary Clinton was tapped for secretary of state, Robert Gates will remain as secretary of defense, former General James Jones will be national security adviser, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano will be homeland security secretary, Obama campaign foreign policy adviser Susan Rice will be US ambassador to the UN and former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder was tapped for attorney general.
Many on the left are dissapointed with the picks of Gates, Clinton and Jones as they are all more hawk than dove. However, these appointments are very capable and solid. Each and every single one will be able to execute President-elect Obama’s agenda effectively, while offering differing viewpoints that will provide constructive debate and help foster new ideas within the administration.
When Hillary Clinton gives up her seat in the Senate to become secretary of state (assuming she is confirmed), New York Governor David Paterson will be able to appoint a replacement of his choosing to finish the remaining four years of Clinton’s term. While many believe that Paterson will look to either remove political opposition by appointing them to the seat or to win over support for his own reelection bid in 2010, a large list of
NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo- he is the main political opponent of Paterson, the former HUD secretary under Bill Clinton and the son of one of New York’s more famous governors, Mario Cuomo
Robert Kennedy Jr.- a policy expert with great appeal throughout New York. He works as an environmentalist and would become one of the Senate’s top experts on the environment and alternative energy. Also, the seat used to belong to his father, Robert Kennedy
Rep. Steve Israel- a prolific fundraiser and shrewd politician. He represents part of Long Island, which has not had representation in the Senate since Al D’Amato
Rep. Anthony Weiner- has been seen as somebody ready to move up, but has spent the last four years gearing up for a 2009 run for New York City mayor
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand- first elected in 2006, was a successful businesswoman and now an upstate New York politician. She could hold the seat for thirty years
Rep. Nita Lowey- originally was running for Clinton’s seat in 2000, until she was asked to drop out to make room for Clinton. She was recently asked about her interest in the seat and she said that if she were a few years younger, she would like it, but would not take it because of her age
Rep. Nydia Velazquez- selecting her would be primarily so that Paterson could help his support with Hispanics
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown- a popular African-American mayor, but is unknown outside of the greater Buffalo area
Rep. Gregory Meeks- many believe that if it were four years from now, he would be ready, but he is not ready to be a senator right now
Rep. Brian Higgins- popular for his policies that promote protecting the middle class
Senator Hillary Clinton has decided to accept the position of secretary of state. The selection of Clinton is by far the biggest risk so far made by President-elect Obama, as it could help reorganize the Republican Party, it also has a very high reward.
Richard Holbrooke, the former US ambassador to the UN under President Clinton, is now being considered for the important position of deputy secretary of state. Holbrooke has deep connections to the Clintons as he served them for the entire length of Bill Clinton’s presidency and was a supporter of Senator Clinton’s own presidential bid. However, Holbrooke faces significant resistance from many of President-elect Obama’s top foreign policy advisers who have not gotten along with him and had numerous policy disagreements.
There are now reports that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) could turn down an offer from President-elect Barack Obama to become secretary of state. The word comes amid growing concern over Senator Clinton’s ability to avoid potential conflicts of interest with her husband, former President Bill Clinton’s, financial and charitable activities. Additionally, there are also growing concerns among Democratic operatives that if Clinton became secretary of state, it would help the Republican Party reorganize and allow it to bring up past Clinton scandals.
The British newspaper The Guardian is reporting that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) will accept the position of secretary of state. However, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not it has been offered and aides to President-elect Obama are busy vetting former President Bill Clinton’s post-presidency business dealings.
Earlier today it was confirmed that President-elect Obama met with Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) yesterday at his transition offices in Chicago. It has now come out that during that meeting, President-elect Obama formally offered Senator Clinton the position of secretary of state. Clinton responded by saying that she would need some time to consider the offer.
Update: The New York Times is reporting that no offer was made.
The following is a statement from Senator Hillary Clinton about the first presidential debate:
Tonight Barack Obama displayed beyond a doubt that he understands both the gravity of the financial crisis facing America, and the challenges we face in Iraq and around the world. Senator McCain offered only more of the same failed policies of the Bush Administration. America deserves better.
I stood next to Barack Obama in 22 debates and tonight epitomized why millions are joining me in standing with him and working hard to ensure he is the next President of the United States.
In the next few days, Senator Hillary Clinton will take on a role that will be vital to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, the role of neutralizer in chief. Clinton is now charged with effectively neutralizing Sarah Palin among undecided voters and Hillary supporters who might be considering switching their support from Barack Obama to John McCain.
Besides Barack Obama and Joe Biden, Clinton is the biggest media draw in the Democratic Party (not to mention one of the most popular members of) and has the power to really move voters towards Senator Obama. Additionally, this would presumably bring Bill Clinton into the fold, as he is heavily invested in stopping Palin, as it is in Senator Clinton’s best interests. In an article in the New York Times, Clinton’s rationale for countering Palin is explained:
Mrs. Clinton, meanwhile, has a legacy to protect: She has no intention of turning over her “18 million cracks in the glass ceiling,” as she called her supporters, to Ms. Palin, a social conservative whose policy positions are poison in Hillaryland. What is more, Mrs. Clinton wants to be the one to make history as the first woman to win at the top of a presidential ticket, be it in 2012 or 2016.
The following is a statement from Hillary Clinton on the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate:
We should all be proud of Governor Sarah Palin’s historic nomination, and I congratulate her and Senator McCain. While their policies would take America in the wrong direction, Governor Palin will add an important new voice to the debate.
MSNBC is reporting that after watching Senator Clinton’s speech, Barack Obama called her and spoke with her for several minutes and thanked her for delivering her home run speech. Additionally, Senator Obama spoke with former President Clinton for several minutes. President Clinton reportedly told Obama that Michelle Obama gave a great speech last night.
Posted by JAlan 
Posted by JAlan 
Posted by JAlan 
