Friedman to world: screw your team of rivals malarky
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 07:30PM Tom Friedman makes a compelling case against the "team of rivals" approach -- at least when it comes to Secretary of State.
He's not sold on Hillary for State. His reasoning: the most important qualification for the chief diplomatic job is having the unequivocal and unwavering support of the President. And the ability to counsel him candidly. It's what separates the great diplomats -- Henry Kissinger, James A. Baker III, Dean Achenson -- from the not so great.
I guess I sort of buy that. There's no question that there will be trust issues between Obama and Hillary. There has to be -- it's only natural after a campaign that bitter. But does that mean she won't speak with the full authority of the Obama administration. I don't think that will be the case. She's too well respected -- and powerful -- to be treated like just an ordinary diplomat.
Some great diplomats simply carry out their President's agenda, while others shape it. I think she'd be the latter more than the former.
Reader Comments (3)
I kind of wish the Clinton's would just fade away..let Bill do his global stuff and Hillary be a Senator and that's that.
Mitch, for once I totally agree with you. Wish the Clinton's would fade away. . .
Lets not hope for another Ft. Sumner to come between the rivals in the form of Iraq....