US News
Senate confirms Hillary Clinton as secretary of state
Jan 21, 2009, 21:13 GMT
Incoming US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton waves as she arrives prior to the start of the 56th Presidential Inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States in Washington, DC, USA 20 January 2009. EPA/JUSTIN LANE
Washington - The US Senate voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to confirm Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, clearing the way for her to take the oath of office and become the nation's top diplomat.
The Senate cleared President Barack Obama's choice head the State Department and so she can begin taking on the long list of challenges abroad, including curtailing Iran's and North Korea's nuclear activities and advancing the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas blocked a unanimous consent vote from taking place on Tuesday, raising concerns that former president Bill Clinton's overseas fundraising for his foundation could pose a conflict of interest.
When his wife accepted the post in December, Clinton agreed to disclose the massive list of donors to the his foundation and to scale back fundraising efforts abroad. Several foreign governments had contributed to his charitable causes.
Hillary Clinton, 61, brings years of experience on foreign policy from her time in the Senate, and as a former first lady and presidential candidate is well known in the world. She will now be serving her former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination after the bitter 2008 campaign.
'Hillary Clinton will combine a fresh look at our foreign policy with lots of experience and the know-how to get it done,' Democratic Senator Charles Schumer said. 'There is no one better to do this job.'
Republican Senator John McCain, who was defeated by Obama in the November 4 presidential election and also sparred with Clinton on the campaign trail, backed the nominee and asked for the Senate's quick approval.
'The message that the American people are sending us now is they want us to work together and get to work,' McCain said.
Obama has sought to establish a cabinet that reflects a wide range of views. Clinton is regarded as more of a hardliner on foreign policy than the president. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16-1 last week to send her candidacy to the floor for Wednesday full vote.
Clinton will join Defence Secretary Robert Gates, a holdover from the Bush administration, and James Jones as national security adviser, on Obama's national security staff.
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Older Talkback
page: 1
This is the best thing that could have happened: getting her out of the legislative process! talk about a silver lining!
We all thought it would be Blagojevich.
Right idiot stick, I just love it that she will be in your face for the next 4 years and that we will still have the majority.
It is also nice that your hero is gone, back to people who understand him. Then he moves into a neighborhood that could just as soon he go the ranch, but they elected him they can have him back.
'why yes...this is the president(best Chappelle white person voice)...oh, Hello Mrs. Clinton....yes great news...those donations never mattered in the end...or the thing about the Columbians...Mr. Hsu....by the way a lovely dress you had on last night at the ball...very slimmming....uh no ma'am...that was my wife...yes she is lovely...what's on your mind ma'am?'
'what?...uh Madam Secratary, I realize you husband has a foundation....no, I never have given to it...uh, no...I do not think it is my responsibil...what?...ma'am, I really think the term 'f--kbrain is beneath this office...what?... listen up?....gee ma'am...I think we are off on the wrong foot...yes, I know Mr. Rezko...what FBI files?....you have them?...from where?...ma'am what do you mean it's none of my goddamn business?...pictures?...Mr. Ayers by the titties?...did you actually say titties ma'am?....I really think this is not fit conversation for a new Prez....a lamp up my ass?...ma'am did you just say....?'
Guess what idiot stick, we won and we are going to run people like you into the ground where you deserve. You and your kind did not accomplish one solid thing in 8 years. You all are getting what you deserve---nothing!
Ha, ha, ha, you have Hillary for the next 4 years. Ha, ha, ha!
So now the other countries (good, bad, and the ugly) of the world will really be negotiating with Bill and Hill again. Put some $$$ into his foundation and they will get a gift via Hill. Reminds me a little of the Lincoln bedroom scandle a bit, pay for play schemes,Etc... and while she did not become the prez she still owns the power.
I know they won't but I hope they drive idiots like you and SP4 crazy. Ha, ha, ha!
barney Frank was just caught red handed channeling funds to banking friends outside of fed guidelines.
page: 1
@ SP4Jan 21st, 2009 - 21:18:44
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha---idiot stick.
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