By: Leon Wallace
Remember that eposide of Larry King Live when guest George W. Bush went on and on about how Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11 was his all time favorite movie? Or how about that time the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox each rushed out their dugouts charging towards eachother at full speed just to embrace in joyous hugging and laughter at the mound? Or how about that time you were at Apple bees and you looked over at the booth next to you and saw Batman, Joker, Superman, and Lex Luther on a double man date sharing an appitizer of mozzerella sticks.
You probably never recall any of these events happening and would not expect them ever to happen, just like I’m sure you did not expect this:
Yes, that is right Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton once fierce political rivals now together as part of the same administration. Who would have ever thought? especially after a debate like this….
As you can see Obama and Clinton clashed on numerous issues in just this short clip. From the likes of it one can assume there is going to be a lot of raised voices and slammed doors in the oval office over the next four year. Do you think that the two can co-exist for the greater good of the country? Will Clinton be able to submit to authority of President elect Obama? Will Obama be able to swallow his pride and take into consideration Clinton’s proposals? That remains to be seen Although Obama critized Clinton’s judgement in voting for the Iraq war, and Clinton stating Obama lacked the experience to be President. Advisors in the Obama administration, say Obama envisioned Clinton as his top diplomat, and even invited her to Chicago to discuss the job just weeks after his historic victory. Advisors to the Obama camp have even complimented Clinton saying she will bring statue and credibility to US diplomatic Relations. However Democrats question whether Clinton is too independent and politically ambitious to serve under Obama. I question the exact same thing. I am still shocked, even more shocked than the time I came up to a red light on my way home and the Incredible Hulk pulled up next to me driving a smart car. I heard it was spacious but wow lol…all jokes aside, I am shocked and eager to see if Obama and Clinton can really make this thing work. Again what do you think?
I think choosing Clinton as part of Obama’s cabinet was a smart move. After all Clinton is more than qualified and experienced for this position. I also believe that by choosing her he tried to satisfy and reunite the democratic party/Hillary supporters.
I believe Clinton will know her place but of course she will test out the boundaries and stand up for what she believes. I think that is a good thing because you don’t want “suck-ups” as your advisors, but people that will stand by their opinions and don’t just agree with the president.
Obama is a smart man and knows that two heads are better than one, so I think that he will listen to what she has to say. He wouldn’t have picked if he didn’t value her abilities.
I also believe that choosing Clinton was a smart move. In addition to the fact that Obama is interested in forming a team that is diverse and experienced, it also shows that he is capable of setting aside personal differences for the sake of what is right for the country.
Will there be differences of opinion? Absolutely. However, they are both extremely intelligent individuals and, call me idealistic, but I believe that they both want to do whatever they can to get our country back on track.
Well, Leon, apart from Joe, you’re the only one in the class who’s got me laughing aloud at a post!
It may well be a smart move politically, at least in the short term. Yes, of course, Clinton is ambitious (what politician isn’t?) and independent-minded, but there’s no way Obama would’ve offered her the job if she hadn’t agreed to be HIS Secretary of State. Likewise, I’m sure she would never have accepted if she believed that her own views and positions would not get Obama’s very careful attention.
And while yes, Bernadette, I’m sure they both want what’s best for the country, it’s not at all clear that they agree on what that is. Disagreement and a diversity of views is all good and fine, but if Clinton convinces Obama to make substantial shifts in his position on Iraq or on negotiating with Iran, there may be considerable disillusionment on the part of many who voted for Obama for his seemingly more level-headed approach to foreign policy.
Of course Obama himself has been back-peddling on some of these issues for a while, and he may have back-peddled just far enough to find himself more or less side-by-side with Clinton….
From what I have read, the decision to have Clinton as Secretary of State was completely Obama’s idea. She is an excellent choice as far as her credentials are concerned. But she is also too smart not to realize it is his administration, not hers.
And Obama doesn’t think in terms of “pride.” That is why he was so even keeled during the election period and by all accounts from childhood. They both understand what politics is all about and that it is not really personal.
Obama has already announced that he doesn’t want yes men in his administration. He wants a healthy debate on issues, which is a complete departure from this last presidency.
I’m proud of Obama picking Hillary Clinton to take over this position, but I do find it a bit ironic. I find so many differences between the two that I really never pictured them joining to become a team, but I presume that speaks volumes about Obama. I know he will not put forth her every suggestion, nor will he agree with her on everything, but I am almost positive he will take all of what she has to say into consideration, which I find admirable about him. Not many people can disagree with others and STILL take into account what they have to offer. I’m glad this country’s president can.
Loved the comic book references Leon. As for the two rivals cooperating, I think it was a smart move on Obama’s end. Hillary Clinton is well respected in the foreign relations realm, and has a no-nonsense personality.
Obama said all along his objective was going to get the most qualified person for each position in his administration, and while you can probably make arguments for Bill Richardson or perhaps republican Dick Luger, Hillary will get the job done.
As for the fact that they had immensely different opinions regarding foreign relations, I think it will help make them right decision. The best way to come up with a solution is to evaluate many different alternatives. With all that’s going on domestically, the President’s focus will be primarily on the home front, and I know Hillary Clinton will be able to inform Obama of everything that he needs to know with regards to the foreign world.