It’s
official:President- elect Barack Obama chooses Clinton for Secretary of State
Chicago – President-elect
Barack Obama has no problems keeping his friends close and his enemies
closer. Obama announced that New York senator and former Democratic
campaign rival Hillary Rodham Clinton will assume the post of secretary
of state.
The decision to select Clinton has
been the topic of much speculation for the past month, and Obama made
his intentions clear during a press conference announcing his decision.
“She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness and a
remarkable work ethic,” he said in his introduction of the former
first lady. “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.”
In
addition, Obama announced that Robert Gates will retain his post as
defense secretary. The President-elect also named Gen. James Jones as
White House national security advisor, former Justice Department
official Eric Holder as attorney general, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano
as secretary of homeland security and Susan Rice as ambassador to the
United Nations.
Obama has wasted no time in
filling the most important cabinet positions during the transition
process. In ongoing discussions since Clinton conceded to Obama
in the Democratic primary, many political pundits and voters have
wondered if they’d heard the last of Clinton.
After being
introduced as the new secretary of state, Clinton expressed her respect
for Obama and the new administration. “I am proud to join
you,” she said. “May God bless you and our great
country.” –gavin philip godfrey
