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Clinton gets nod for secretary of state

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 15, 2009 11:30 AM

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee just endorsed Hillary Clinton for secretary of state.

The vote was 16-1, with only Senator David Vitter of Louisiana voting no. Vitter is among the Republicans who are pressing Clinton for more disclosure and promises on her husband's foundation's fund-raising around the world.

The vote sends Clinton's nomination to the full Senate for confirmation for expected approval.

“The 16 to 1 roll call vote demonstrates the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s overwhelming support for President-Elect Obama’s designee to be Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton,” Kerry said in a statement. “America is fortunate that President-Elect Obama has chosen such a smart, talented and experienced individual to serve as our top diplomat. I look forward to working closely with Secretary of State Designee Clinton to restore our international relationships and America’s place in the world.”

On the Senate floor, Clinton said good-bye to her colleagues, now that her new job appears a sure thing.

She thanked her staff, talked about how the club known as the Senate finds common ground, and expressed gratitude to New York voters who took a chance on her eight years ago.

Clinton talked at length about the days after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: seeing exhausted firefighters emerge from the rubble, smelling the acrid air, pushing for money for the recovery, getting to know victims' families.

She implored senators to bring that same commitment and cooperation to working with the new administration.

When she finished, she received a standing ovation and was greeted with hugs and handshakes.

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Hurrah!

Posted by chas_rasper January 15, 09 10:38 AM
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....it figures...and how disgusting.

Posted by cigarman January 15, 09 10:54 AM
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Once Hillary is confirmed by the US Senate, then the 'fun' begins. Wish there was a way of betting on how long this 'marriage' between Obama and Hillary will last. I give it one year at best.

Posted by bert f. January 15, 09 11:11 AM
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Perhaps Senator Clinton could teach Senator Vitter a thing or two about 'full disclosure.'

When it was revealed in July 2007 that Vitter's phone number appeared multiple times from 1999-2001 (and revealed later that he employed a 'favorite' prostitute from another ring several times in the 90s), Senator Vitter had this very informative statement for the media and American people: "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them." Translation: I don't have to tell you anything. Vitter retreated to a cave for over a week and never again spoke about the issue and refused to answer any questions about that matter ever again.

There are a few more ironies. In May 1999, Vitter replaced Bob Livingston in the U.S. House when Livingston resigned due to an adultery scandal. I am not certain of the moral guideline here, but I personally would rank the solicitation of a prostitute as more reprehensible than infidelity. Certainly the law certainly does. Nevertheless, Vitter himself considers an infidel themself too unfit for office. Consider one of Vitter's first statements as a newly appointed Congressman: "I think Livingston's stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess." Five months later, Vitter had the D.C. Madam on his speed dial. (A few calls were even made during Roll Call votes).

Of course, Senator Clinton wouldn't want to take Vitter on about questions of infi
Perhaps Senator Clinton could teach Senator Vitter a thing or two about 'full disclosure.'

When it was revealed in July 2007 that Vitter's phone number appeared multiple times from 1999-2001 (and revealed later that he employed a 'favorite' prostitute from another ring several times in the 90s), Senator Vitter had this very informative statement for the media and American people: "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them." (Translation: I don't have to tell you anything, I can retreat to my cozy house for over a week and never again speak about the issue again. My wife and God understand).

There are a few more ironies. In May 1999, Vitter replaced Bob Livingston in the U.S. House when Livingston resigned due to an adultery scandal. I am not certain of the moral guideline here, but I personally would rank the solicitation of a prostitute as more reprehensible than infidelity. Certainly the law certainly does. Both are faithless acts, at least one may be born of love. Nevertheless, Vitter himself considers an infidel too unfit for office. Consider one of Vitter's first statements as a newly appointed Congressman: "I think Livingston's stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess." Five months later, Vitter had the D.C. Madam on his speed dial. (A few calls were even made during Roll Call votes).

Of course, Senator Clinton wouldn't want to take Vitter on about questions of infidelity, less we be reminded of the past. The more Senator Clinton avoids the issue, the better for her. So what does Mrs. Vitter think? I'm not sure how she felt when the story broke in July of 2007. Due to the sensitivity of the Vitter's marriage and privacy, no one does. But I do know how she felt about the larger issue of philandering and sex crimes from a statement sometime in the year 2000: "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he [Vitter] does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me."

I'm not sure if Mrs. Vitter stayed true to her word or not, but her husband sure does have a lot of balls to be lecturing Senator Clinton about disclosure and morality.
delity, less we be reminded of the past. The more Senator Clinton avoids the

Posted by MichaelSchulte January 15, 09 11:14 AM
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Perhaps Senator Clinton could teach Senator Vitter a thing or two about 'full disclosure.'

When it was revealed in July 2007 that Vitter's phone number appeared multiple times from 1999-2001 (and revealed later that he employed a 'favorite' prostitute from another ring several times in the 90s), Senator Vitter had this very informative statement for the media and American people: "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible. Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them." (Translation: I don't have to tell you anything, I can retreat to my cozy house for over a week and never again speak about the issue again. My wife and God understand).

There are a few more ironies. In May 1999, Vitter replaced Bob Livingston in the U.S. House when Livingston resigned due to an adultery scandal. I am not certain of the moral guideline here, but I personally would rank the solicitation of a prostitute as more reprehensible than infidelity. Certainly the law certainly does. Both are faithless acts, at least one may be born of love. Nevertheless, Vitter himself considers an infidel too unfit for office. Consider one of Vitter's first statements as a newly appointed Congressman: "I think Livingston's stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess." Five months later, Vitter had the D.C. Madam on his speed dial. (A few calls were even made during Roll Call votes).

Of course, Senator Clinton wouldn't want to take Vitter on about questions of infidelity, less we be reminded of the past. The more Senator Clinton avoids the issue, the better for her. So what does Mrs. Vitter think? I'm not sure how she felt when the story broke in July of 2007. Due to the sensitivity of the Vitter's marriage and privacy, no one does. But I do know how she felt about the larger issue of philandering and sex crimes from a statement sometime in the year 2000: "I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he [Vitter] does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me."

I'm not sure if Mrs. Vitter stayed true to her word or not, but her husband sure does have a lot of balls to be lecturing Senator Clinton about disclosure and morality.

Posted by MichaelSchulte January 15, 09 11:47 AM
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Well, Bush and Powell never really got along either, and they lasted 4 yrs together.

Posted by SD January 15, 09 12:15 PM
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Good! Now all of those people who get the warm and fuzzies from diplomacy will realize at the end of the day that world will still be having the same probelms as today, because talking just doesn't work with some people.

Posted by MDucharme January 15, 09 12:59 PM
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Our country is indeed fortunate to have Hillary Clinton serve as our Secretary of State. She is well known and respected in many countries our world.

SHe is a hard worker and most intelligent.

Posted by Pat January 15, 09 01:06 PM
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MichaelSchulte should write for the Globe! Altohough I guess there aren't alot of openings there now.

Posted by Jack Southern January 15, 09 01:07 PM
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The USA couldn't have gotten a better Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton is a strong, savvy woman, and she will bring great honor to our country. She has survived the vilest the media and others have sent her way and she has stood strong and supported this country. It's time we stand with her and support her. She got my vote for President and she has my support for Secretary of State. Mrs. Clinton is an amazing role model for women of all ages in this country.
Congratulations Hillary...the only thing that can make this better is when you are President in 8 years. God bless!

Posted by Marianne Denning January 15, 09 01:54 PM
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Excellent! Hillary should have been President but at least we get her awesome talents in the service of the country as Secretary of State.

Posted by Citizen70 January 15, 09 03:27 PM
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