Skip navigation


Current DateTime: 05:28:39 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 24355697
powered by digg
Clinton to Accept Secretary of State Job
Peter Baker, The New York Times | 21 Nov 2008 | 03:05 PM ET
Text Size

Hillary Clinton
AP
Hillary Clinton

Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday.

Mrs. Clinton came to her decision after additional discussion with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role and his plans for foreign policy, said one of the confidants, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation. Mr. Obama’s office told reporters Thursday that the nomination is “on track” but Clinton associates only confirmed Friday afternoon that she has decided.

“She’s ready,” said the confidant. Mrs. Clinton was reassured after talking again with Mr. Obama because their first meeting in Chicago last week “was so general,” the confidant said. The purpose of the follow-up talk, he added, was not to extract particular concessions but “just getting comfortable” with the idea of working together.

A second Clinton associate confirmed that her camp believes they have a done deal. Senior Obama advisers said Friday morning that the offer had not been formally accepted and no announcement will be made until after Thanksgiving. But they said they were convinced that the nascent alliance was now ready to be sealed.

The apparent accord between perhaps the two leading figures in the Democratic Party climaxed a week-long drama that riveted the nation’s capital. Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton fought the most competitive Democratic nomination battle in modern times, one that polarized their party for months and left bitterness in both camps. But in asking Mrs. Clinton to join his Cabinet, Mr. Obama signaled that he wants to turn a rival into a partner and she concluded that she could have the most influence by saying yes.

More from CNBC.com

The decision followed days of intense vetting and negotiations intended to clear any potential obstacles to her taking the job due to her husband’s global business and philanthropic activities. Lawyers for Mr. Obama and former President Bill Clinton combed through his finances and crafted a set of guidelines for his future activities intended to avoid any appearances of conflict of interest should she take the job.

People close to the vetting said Mr. Clinton turned over the names of 208,000 donors to his foundation and library and agreed to all of the conditions requested by Mr. Obama’s transition team, including restrictions on his future paid speeches and role at his international foundation.


Current DateTime: 05:28:39 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 22528753

As secretary of state, Mrs. Clinton will have had a powerful platform to travel the world and help repair relations with other countries strained after eight years of President Bush’s policies. But at the same time, she will now have to subordinate her own agenda and ambitions to Mr. Obama’s and sacrifice the independence that comes with a Senate seat and the 18 million votes she collected during their arduous primary battle.

Copyright © 2009 The New York Times
Tools:
Print EmailAdd This share icon
  • digg share

CNBC HIGHLIGHTS

  • Billboard allows music lovers to watch concerts for free online, choosing from five different camera angles as they watch.
  • US real estate prices have fallen dramatically, but some places are still doing well. See the best-performing zip codes this year.
  • An Italian cashmere maker aims to make profits while creating ideal conditions for his workers.
  • Just in time for the holidays, the Triumph company of Japan offers the latest innovation in women’s undergarments.
  • Vote and suggest your own, and remember--there's a fine line between a hero and a zero.
  • Health Care
  • The New York Times explains what the Senate will have to do to truly improve cost and quality in U.S. health care.
ADD COMMENTS
Remaining characters


Current DateTime: 01:39:37 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 29778428

Current DateTime: 01:02:03 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 29779196

Current DateTime: 01:02:03 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 29779199

Current DateTime: 01:02:03 12 Nov 2009
LinksList Documentid: 29779198
  Data is a real-time snapshot  *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes
Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis

© 2009 CNBC, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.
A Division of NBC Universal
Thomson ReutersThomson Reuters