George Mitchell Named Special Envoy to Middle East
Today President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton named former senate majority leader George Mitchell as Special Envoy to the Middle East and
Richard Holbrooke as Special Envoy to Afghanistan. Both Clinton and Obama spoke to the State Department as they announced the picks. Take a look:
Caroline Kennedy Withdraws From Senate Competition
In a surprise move, Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn
her name from consideration to fill Hillary Clinton's senate seat. The New York Post reported it first, then the New York Times reported that she withdrew over concern for her uncle Ted Kennedy's health.
On Wednesday she called Gov. David A. Paterson, who will choose a successor to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her concerns about Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s deteriorating health (he was hospitalized after suffering a seizure during President Obama’s inaugural lunch on Tuesday ) prompted her decision to withdraw, this person said. Coping with her uncle’s condition was her most important priority, a situation not conducive to starting a high profile public job.
Mr. Paterson had indicated to her that the job was hers if she would accept it, the person said.
An AP story said that she had the appointment all locked up. But Governor Paterson has spoken highly of many other candidates for the post. Some are speculating that Governor Paterson told her that she was not the pick and is allowing her to withdraw her name in a gracious, face-saving move.
The idea that she would back out because of Ted Kennedy's health doesn't make much sense. Ted really wants Caroline to have that seat. Ted has a wife, family and the best medical care in the world and she knew he was ill when she started campaigning for the job. We'll know more when she issues a statement.
Gallup: Most Americans Back Hillary for Secretary of State
This will be devastating news to Chris Matthews: a new Gallup poll shows that most Americans are in favor of Hillary Clinton becoming Barack Obama's Secretary of State.
A new Gallup Poll finds a majority of Americans (57%) in favor of Barack Obama appointing Hillary Clinton as the secretary of state in his administration. Thirty percent oppose it.
The poll, conducted Nov. 18, was taken as the political world buzzed with the possibility that Obama will bring his chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination into his cabinet in a high profile role. As secretary of state, Clinton would be the top U.S. official for conducting foreign policy.
Democrats strongly endorse the idea of Obama making this move, with 79% in favor of it. Most Republicans, not surprisingly, oppose the idea, while a majority of independents (57%) favor it.
Prominent Republicans such as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator Jon Kyl (Arizona) and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger have praised the idea, saying that she would do a great job. The question is: does she want to give up her Senate Seat? Given the fact that Ted Kennedy and Tom Daschle have staked out leadership claims on the healthcare issue, Hillary may feel she can do more for the country as Secretary of State. I think she's do a fabulous job. And with Bill Clinton vowing transparency with his international speaking and Clinton Global Initiative activities, there seems to be nothing to get in the way. One way or another, we'll know before Thanksgiving.
Will Hillary Clinton be Obama's Secretary of State?
The big rumor going around political circles today is that Barack Obama has offered the Secretary of State position to Hillary Clinton. Chris Matthews was babbling all kinds of incoherent nonsense this evening: something about she was offered the job but first demanded that Joe Biden wouldn't get in her way and that she know who all the other cabinet positions are. It was absurd. Here's what we know: Hillary and Barack met in Chicago privately today. At a transit gathering in Albany, Hillary said she would be making no comment about the President Elect's selection process: all questions should be posed to the transition team. Period.
It's possible he offered her the job and she wants the weekend to think about it. It's also more plausible that the meeting was to sound her out about her interests over the next four years: that's what ABC is reporting. ABC also reports that no formal offer was made, but that they will speak again. That seems more likely to me. Does Hillary even want the job? That is the question.
Wearing a bright orange pantsuit, Hillary Clinton took the stage at the Democratic convention and gave the speech of her life. She was focused, inspiring and really made the case for Barack Obama. She was really amazing. The only problem with this speech was that it pointed out how much more qualified she is to be the nominee than Barack Obama. It seems clear she didn't intend to do that: she gave it her all to convince her supporters to vote for Barack in the fall. But the reality is, when she speaks she radiates purpose and strength. She should have -- at the very least -- been the VP pick. Here's the video.
The Democratic National Convention Committee announced the lineup of keynote speakers at the Democratic National Convention. They are:
Monday: Michelle Obama
Tuesday: Hillary Clinton
Wednesday: Former President Bill Clinton and whoever the Vice Presidential Candidate is
Thursday: Barack Obama
Hillary got a keynote speaking position, so that's good. She'll be speaking on the anniversary of women getting the vote. As for the Vice Presidential nominee, it's anyone's guess at this point. At least we can scratch John Edwards off the list.
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton held a rally today in Unity, New Hampshire, where they both received 107 votes. She wore a blue pantsuit: he wore a matching tie. They hugged on the tarmac. They sat together on the plane. Every move was perfectly orchestrated to shout "Unity!!"
She gave an excellent introductory speech, weaving his campaign themes into her stump speech. He applauded and even led a chant of "Thank You Hillary!" It was perfectly executed. Will it bring unity in the Democratic party? It's too soon tell.
Hillary's Staffers Greet Her With Ping Pong Tourney
Hillary Clinton's staffers welcomed her back to her office with a ping pong tournament. She looks like she's having some fun -- good. She certainly deserves it.
Barack Obama made some female members of the Congressional Black Caucus pretty angry. When asked about what he was going to do to reach out to Hillary's supporters, he said that it was up to them to help him heal the divide and that women should really just "get over it."
A Thursday afternoon meeting between Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus grew tense and emotional for a moment -- perhaps illustrating that weeks after Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., suspended her presidential campaign, some nerves remain frayed.
Sources at the meeting said that Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, a Clinton supporter, expressed the desire that Obama and his campaign would reach out the millions of women still aggrieved about what happened in the campaign and still disappointed that Clinton lost.
Obama agreed that a lot of work needs to be done to heal the Democratic Party, and that he hoped the Clinton supporters in the room would help as much as possible.
According to Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., Obama then said, "However, I need to make a decision in the next few months as to how I manage that since I'm running against John McCain, which takes a lot of time. If women take a moment to realize that on every issue important to women, John McCain is not in their corner, that would help them get over it."
Rep. Diane Watson, D-Calif., a longtime Clinton supporter, did not like those last three words -- "Get over it." She found them dismissive, off-putting.
"Don't use that terminology," Watson told Obama.
Good grief. "Get over it??" Somehow I can't imagine John McCain (or Bill Clinton -- or even George Bush for that matter) using that line on a room full of angry women. They would know better. It sounds to me like the Messiah needs to work on his "female community organizing" skills. Because this is one community that's not happy.
Hillary Clinton gave the speech of her career today. It was an incredibly difficult task she had ahead of her and she pulled it off with strength and grace. She conceded the race to Senator Obama and enthusiastically threw her support behind him. She also talked about her historic journey as the first woman to win a major presidential primary and how the ultimate glass ceiling "now has 18 million cracks in it." It's was a moment of great triumph for her, although it was bittersweet. Take a look:
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are having a secret meeting this evening at her home in Washington, D.C. Of course, now it's not really a secret.
Hillary Rodham Clinton met late Thursday with Barack Obama, a day after saying she would end her quest for the Democratic nomination and endorse the Illinois senator.
A senior Democratic campaign official confirmed to NBC News that Obama delayed his departure from Washington Thursday night to meet with Clinton.
Following their meeting, Obama flew on to Chicago.
Earlier, Clinton had disavowed efforts by some supporters who have urged Obama to choose her as his running mate.
"She is not seeking the vice presidency, and no one speaks for her but her," communications director Howard Wolfson said. "The choice here is Senator Obama's and his alone."
So, Obama has gone on to Chicago. Wonder what they discussed?
Hillary Clinton's campaign announced
that Hillary will hold a unity rally on Saturday. She will concede the race at that time.
"Senator Clinton will be hosting an event in Washington, DC to thank her supporters and express her support for Senator Obama and party unity. This event will be held on Saturday to accommodate more of Senator Clinton's supporters who want to attend."
So, to sum up. She won the popular vote yet Barack Obama is the
Democratic nominee. The comparisons with Florida in 2000 are unmistakable. Only this time, the hypocritical DNC leaders don't want anyone to talking about the popular vote.
Obama Claims Nomination: Clinton Wins South Dakota, Doesn't Concede
Hillary Clinton won South Dakota by double digits: CNN has called Montana for Barack Obama. Hillary's speech was quite interesting. She started out with praise for Obama and went on to discuss her historic journey. She noted that she has won over 18 million votes, which is more than any candidate in American history has won in a primary. She said that everyone is asking "what Hillary wants" and went on to answer that question. She wants affordable healthcare for all Americans, a better economy and more jobs for Americans.
What she did not do is concede the race. She said she wants to take a few days to decide what to do next. She will confer with party leaders and do what is best for the party. She also sounded a defiant note: she demanded respect for the 18 million people who voted for her. The crowd was really with her, and she sounded upbeat and full of energy.
The pundits at MSNBC were absolutely dumbfounded that she didn't concede: it was hilarious to watch Olbermann's befuddlement. On CNN the Obamabots were also in shock: only James Carville got it. He was laughing saying that she's strong, smart and she's going to end this her way on her terms. The word is that she and Barack will meet privately in the next day or so to decide what to do.
In the meantime, she asked supporters to go to her website, HillaryClinton.com and leave a comment to show support and to sound off about what she should do next. We're thinking most will say she needs to be Obama's VP. It will be an interesting week. Here's her speech tonight:
Hillary: It's Not Over Till All the Votes Are Cast
On her campaign plane, Hillary Clinton told reporters that "it's not over until all the votes have been cast" and that her "political obituary is yet to be written." The usual Hillary-haters are pushing her to concede tomorrow night after South Dakota and Montana vote. Obama still won't have the required number of delegates to win the nomination, even if he wins both states. He would still need superdelegates to put him over the top. I think Obama will win Montana handily, but I'm not so sure about South Dakota. She might pull an upset there.
Hillary Clinton crushed Barack Obama in the Puerto Rico Democratic primary today, 68% - 32%. She beat him in all demographics. Meanwhile the DNC Rules Committee decided to seat Florida and Michigan, but give their delegates only half a vote each, which is absolutely absurd. They divvied up the Florida delegates fairly, but stole some of Hillary's Michigan delegates and gave them to Obama. The whole thing was a bad joke: Florida and Michigan's voters have now been officially disenfranchised by Donna Brazile and her ilk. Hillary's supporters are not happy, to say the least.
Hillary is now leading in the popular vote -- more than 17 million people have voted for her, more than any candidate has ever received in a primary. Here's Hillary's new ad in Montana:
