Hillary as Secretary of State? View from the Left

The rock-solid leak from the Obama transition team last night, that Hillary Clinton is on a very short list for Secretary of State, begs the question of whether such an appointment makes sense.

Politically speaking, a prominent appointment for Hillary makes all the sense in the world. It's a healing move, both for the electorate and the political class, and there are few positions in the new government for which a case for Hillary could not be made.

Hillary would make an excellent Secretary of State. Her toughness and her political skill are unmatched, and are well-suited to the type of diplomacy that is needed in today's world. She would be able to walk the tightrope between making friends and making things happen.

Having said that, I don't think the post makes the best use of Hillary's gifts. I've already gone on record saying she should be Attorney General, where those attributes would reassure everyone against a runaway Executive branch.

There are plenty of qualified applicants for the Secretary of State position, as well. John Kerry and Bill Richardson both really, really want it. However, neither has shown political spine approaching Hillary's. If she's not the pick, it needs to be someone equally forceful.

Read Dave's view from the right on a Secretary of State Hillary Clinton