Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State? Consider Others

As of Thursday, the latest installment of Operation Obama Administration Watch starred Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Obama's former rival for the Democratic nomination and one-time prospect for his vice presidential pick. Perhaps to compensate for his decision to shun Clinton -- who was largely perceived as the most practical running mate selection, and may have further widened his lead post-Sarah Palin -- Obama is said to be in talks with Clinton about the possibility of appointing her as Secretary of State.

Is there a fallout to a potential Secretary Clinton? Author Richard Miller ("In Words and Deeds: Battle Speeches in History," Brandeis University Press, 2008) states what those familiar with her First Lady notoriety already know: "If Hillary's moral-free, say-do-and-cry-for-anything standards could be put at the service of U.S. diplomacy (instead of her overweening ambition), the country just might benefit. The only risk is that last part... ambition."

What can be gleaned from this observation? Simply put, those who favored the near-biblical "Woman of Strength" presence of Condoleezza Rice should tuck and hold, earthquake preparedness-style, for a minimum of four years -- if they want to withstand the force of nature the world knows as Hillary Clinton.

That said, who else is suitable for this job? The buzz surrounding Clinton has revived interest in an Obama reference at a town hall in May to the book "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin. In praise of the book's premise, Obama stated, "Lincoln basically pulled in all the people who had been running against him into his cabinet... the issue was, 'How can we get this country through this time of crisis?'" With that in mind, other prospects who are receiving attention include:

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) -- With memories of his 2004 campaign gimmicks still fresh in the minds of many (who can forget the staged hunting trip, or a head-first shot of the candidate emerging from a NASA vessel in a safe suit), it seems Kerry is hardly the most appropriate person for Americans to view in historic photos with world leaders, or watch as he strides confidently alongside the President toward the helipad. Is the Purple Heart his qualification? Those who think so must not be part of the "War Hero does not equal Presidential material" crowd. Ahem.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson -- A former Secretary of Energy during the Clinton administration, Richardson's perceived substance led some in the media to offer him notable sympathy regarding his own failed presidential primary run. His endorsements from Hispanic groups may be valuable to Obama for future approval rating purposes as well. Is he a good choice, then, for this highly visible post? If energy truly is the nation's number two challenge -- while tied into the economy, the obvious number one challenge -- a yes answer would be clear.

Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) -- The Republican senator and McCain critic, called by the Huffington Post "Barack Obama's answer to Joe Lieberman," stated earlier this year that Obama would "be required" to "put together a very wide...bipartisan cabinet." Perhaps, then, it should be noted that if Lieberman is to be vilified in the Senate for identifying with Republicans, Obama should extend his healing hand to that situation before selecting a Republican like Hagel for his Secretary of State. After all, his election night speech proclaimed to McCain voters, "I'll be your President too." Note to the Pres-Elect: They're watching.

My verdict: Richardson appears to come with the least amount of baggage, and is likely to win the "most ready" award. Sorry, Hillary.