Clinton Derangement Syndrome

I think the biggest reason why I've eventually come around to the idea that Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is an excellent idea is by watching the traditional media froth at the mouth about it. David Broder is but a symbol of this consensus freak-out.

The last thing Obama needs is a secretary of state carving out an independently based foreign policy. He needs an agent, not an author.

Even if Hillary Clinton were ready to play such a subordinate role, which she might be, in return for a promise that her voice would be heard in the most serious policy debates, the presence of Bill Clinton makes that a doubly difficult assignment. The former president has, through the Clinton Global Initiative and his own extensive foreign travels and worldwide contacts, made himself a force in international affairs. It would be unfair, and unlikely, for him to shut down his own private foreign policy actions because they might conflict with his wife's responsibilities. But foreign leaders would inevitably see Bill Clinton as an alternative route toward influencing American policy. And he would be unlikely to remain silent.

I just don't know where Broder gets the idea that Clinton would be necessarily carving out an independent foreign policy, or that Obama would allow that to happen. As for Bill Clinton, there's a small amount of concern there, but I think it's overblown. Considering the enormous conflicts of interest from this President, who owed his business career to the Saudis, I think that Clinton's involvement with foreign nationals - which is to be expected from a former President - is unlikely to inform his wife's duties at State. Anyway, Bill is willing to make the necessary concessions.

It's amusing that people like Broder are throwing this fit about the return of the Clintons, while bloggers like John Aravosis - perhaps Clinton's biggest critic in the primaries - are willing to make nice:

Hillary's comportment during the primaries, as a primary contender, is a far cry from what Joe Lieberman did in actually endorsing the GOP candidate. When you are running for office you are granted a certain degree of latitude in how nasty you can be against your fellow primary contenders. Yes, we get pissed at you at the time, we strike back just as hard, but then we get over it. But running against, and criticizing, fellow Dems in a primary is not the same thing as joining with the enemy after the primaries are over.

I liked Hillary and Bill before the heat of the primaries, and I'm starting to like them all over again. I really believe Hillary would make a fantastic Secretary of State, and her husband's international ties would only benefit the Obama administration. If anyone can fix America's tattered image in the world, it's President Obama aided by a tag-team of Clintons. And I really am serious. I think this could be an incredible opportunity for America.

Quite a turn of the tide, ay?