Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

Once bitter rivals, the Democratic power-duo of Clinton and Obama seem prepared to team up to repair old wounds and restore America's image in the global community.

Interestingly, the one stumbling block that only idly stood in the way of the vetting process was the financial dealings of former President Bill Clinton. Mr. Clinton is widely know to accept huge sums of money for public speaking engagPreements across the globe, and his shaky philanthropic efforts were thought to have been a potential killjoy to Senator Clinton's hopes for a high Cabinet post.

With the vetting process nearly completed, it looks as though Senator Clinton has a clear shot at the position, and only has to ponder the potential downsides of the voice of America position.

On the one hand, she would be giving up the independence of her Senatorial post; a job that allows flexibility on many issues, and wide support among her constituency and the nation (where she garnered nearly 18 million votes in the primary season). On the other hand, Ms. Clinton is the junior senator from New York without a powerful chairmanship or an influential position on any committee.

Further, Ms. Clinton would be serving at the pleasure of President-elect Obama. Critics at first were unconvinced that Ms. Clinton would give up on political gains made over the past two decades to work hand in hand with the new President. It seems now, however, that the New York Senator will accept the position when officially offered--a forthcoming offer expected after Thanksgiving.

President-elect has supposedly made other key appointments for the Cabinet, despite few official announcements. Former Clinton-era Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner appears to be a front-runner for an Obama administration Finance czar.

In renewed hope for economic stimulus, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied late on Friday afternoon with the expected announcement of a new Treasury Secretary.

The Obama transition team--once a champion of discretion--has been criticized of late for leaking key appointments and developments regarding high-powered cabinet positions.