# Should/will Rex Tillerson be confirmed as Secretary of State? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [December 13, 2016, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603 "2016-12-13T07:03:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/41 "2016-12-13T18:13:15Z")
> [@Lantern](#): > > He is widely respected by people like James Baker, Robert Gates and Condi Rice who apparently recommended him to Trump. All three recommendations based on current business ties. What are they gonna do, NOT recommend their biggest client? [http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/rex-tillerson-supporters-russia-exxon-ties-232524](http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/rex-tillerson-supporters-russia-exxon-ties-232524) ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/42 "2016-12-13T18:16:42Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > On the other hand, Trump just announced Rick Perry as Energy Secretary. That one is a horrible choice. Besides being an absolute moron, I don’t see what relevant experience he brings to the position. Also, Department of Energy is one of the three departments Perry famously said he wanted to eliminate back in 2012. Just a terrible selection. Worse, the Department of Energy is the cabinet department that Perry infamously **couldn’t recall the name of** during that 2011 Republican primary debate. :dubious: I expect that this will come up in his confirmation hearing. I also expect that the Republicans in Congress will vote to confirm him. :rolleyes: After all, he’s clearly just as qualified as the Nobel Prize-winning physicist that is currently running the department. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/43 "2016-12-13T18:25:11Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > He’s the CEO. You think he’s just going to step down? Even if he does and liquidates all stocks and such, you think he won’t do things to favor the company? Yes, I do think he’s going to just step down. What the hell do you think he’s going to do, stay on as CEO while he’s Secretary of State? Of course he’s going to step down. That’s a no-brainer. Further, the guy is 64, and Exxon has a mandatory 65 year old retirement age anyways; he was going to step down next year regardless. As far as divesting his stock, what do you think he’d want to do, keep all of his wealth tied in one company that he no longer would have any control over? He would almost certainly be diversifying away from Exxon even if he wasn’t going to be Secretary of State. That’s basic financial prudence that anyone would do. Is he going to favor the company? I think he has a host of personal biases that may or may not favor the company going forward, just like any other person that would be chosen. Obama’s Secretary of the Treasury formerly was the Chief Operating Officer for Citibank. Was that a horrible conflict of interest that couldn’t be managed? It is virtually impossible to avoid all conflicts of interest, but I think if he divests himself of having a personal financial interest then that’s all we can ask. Whatever conflicts Tillerson has are nothing compared to what Hillary Clinton had while she was Secretary of State. Her and her family was actively soliciting donations and compensation from various foreign governments and major corporations that had ongoing dealings with the State department while she was in the position. That is an inexcusable appearance of a conflict of interest. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/44 "2016-12-13T18:29:57Z")
> [@GrandWino](#): > > Exxon stock price is way up this week. Wonder why that is… Because the price of oil is way up this week because the Saudi’s just said they are going to further cut their production and Non-OPEC countries just said they are going to join in the cuts. Also, because the entire market is up. Further, Exxon’s not way up. It’s up less than most oil companies and up about the same amount as their Oil Major peers. Sometimes this board is just pathetic. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/45 "2016-12-13T18:33:29Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I feel that the dealings you have with foreign governments as a private citizen and businessman are probably significantly different than the dealings you have with a foreign government as a government official. > > Being as Trump himself is coming to the job with a background in private business, I feel he shouldn’t be choosing a Secretary of State with a similar background. One of them should have some government experience. Running Exxon is like running a country. There is very little similarity between Trump’s businesses and Exxon. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/46 "2016-12-13T18:45:10Z")
> [@robby](#): > > Worse, the Department of Energy is the cabinet department that Perry infamously **couldn’t recall the name of** during that 2011 Republican primary debate. :dubious: > > I expect that this will come up in his confirmation hearing. I also expect that the Republicans in Congress will vote to confirm him. :rolleyes: > > After all, he’s clearly just as qualified as the Nobel Prize-winning physicist that is currently running the department. 😉 It’s a new world; The opinions of uneducated ignorant people are just as valuable as the knowledge, facts, and ability to research and think critically obtained though years of higher education. We are being run by the equivalent of the high school jocks, who hated school, and loved to beat up those who did better than them in exams. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/47 "2016-12-13T18:54:47Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > It’s a new world; > > The opinions of uneducated ignorant people are just as valuable as the knowledge, facts, and ability to research and think critically obtained though years of higher education. > > We are being run by the equivalent of the high school jocks, who hated school, and loved to beat up those who did better than them in exams. Well, in Rex Tillerson’s case he was a Civil Engineering grad, Eagle Scout, Band member. He sounds like the nerdiest, most studious, friendliest high school jock, bully, school-hater in history. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/48 "2016-12-13T19:02:40Z")
Tillerson was also a board member of the United Negro College Fund and the President of the Boy Scouts when they began allowing openly gay scouts. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/49 "2016-12-13T19:07:10Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Tillerson was also a board member of the United Negro College Fund and the President of the Boy Scouts when they began allowing openly gay scouts. Oooh, golly golly golly! Oooh, gush gush gush! First of all, running a corporation is NOTHING like running a country. The corporation does not control the military, entitlements, infrastructure, etc. In Tillerson’s case, running Exxon is disqualifying due to the ties his company has with Russia and the negative effects sanctions have had on his company. You can bet your sweet ass that his number one priority as SOS will be getting those sanctions lifted by whatever means necessary. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/50 "2016-12-13T19:09:15Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Sometimes this board is just pathetic. You should stop in and post more often. We do have some great discussions, but they always seem to coincide with your absences. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/51 "2016-12-13T19:21:54Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Because the price of oil is way up this week because the Saudi’s just said they are going to further cut their production and Non-OPEC countries just said they are going to join in the cuts. Also, because the entire market is up. > > Further, Exxon’s not way up. It’s up less than most oil companies and up about the same amount as their Oil Major peers. > > Sometimes this board is just pathetic. Please do not appear to insult other posters. If you feel you must, the BBQ Pit is right around the corner. [/moderating] ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/52 "2016-12-13T19:47:58Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Obama’s Secretary of the Treasury formerly was the Chief Operating Officer for Citibank. Was that a horrible conflict of interest that couldn’t be managed? He was offered the job. [He turned it down.](http://www.businessinsider.com/tim-geithners-close-ties-with-citigroup-2009-4) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/53 "2016-12-13T19:49:11Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Running Exxon is like running a country. No, it is not. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/54 "2016-12-13T19:49:53Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Whatever conflicts Tillerson has are nothing compared to what Hillary Clinton had while she was Secretary of State. Her and her family was actively soliciting donations and compensation from various foreign governments and major corporations that had ongoing dealings with the State department while she was in the position. That is an inexcusable appearance of a conflict of interest. Then when Trump does it you agree he should be impeached, right? And no one has really proven there was actually “Pay to play”. Got some? ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/55 "2016-12-13T19:51:00Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > First of all, running a corporation is NOTHING like running a country. Exxon is not just any company. It operates in 58 countries with major operations in 24 countries. It would be the 41st largest country in terms of GDP. It has its own foreign policy guidelines. Tillerson would have extensive experience in dealing with heads of state. > [@BobLibDem](#): > > The corporation does not control the military, entitlements, infrastructure, etc. Infrastructure? This is the worlds largest oil company and one of the largest chemical companies. I’m pretty sure Exxon has more infrastructure projects they’re dealing with than most countries on this planet. Military? Exxon doesn’t fight wars, but they do operate in warzones. Entitlements? Exxon actually funds its pension liabilities. > [@BobLibDem](#): > > In Tillerson’s case, running Exxon is disqualifying due to the ties his company has with Russia and the negative effects sanctions have had on his company. Exxon would probably profit more if the U.S. increased sanctions on Russia and impaired their ability to produce oil and gas. Again, he’ll leave as CEO and likely sever all financial ties. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/56 "2016-12-13T19:53:07Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Tillerson was also a board member of the United Negro College Fund and the President of the Boy Scouts when they began allowing openly gay scouts. That’s terrific! I’m sure he is nice to his mom too. I have now forgotten how his corporation (Exxon) is going to benefit hugely when the sanctions against Russia and Tillerson’s good friend Putin are dropped. But the Russians are our good friends now, so that’s all good. We’ve always been at peace with Oceania. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/57 "2016-12-13T19:53:22Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > He was offered the job. [He turned it down.](http://www.businessinsider.com/tim-geithners-close-ties-with-citigroup-2009-4) I was talking about the current Secretary of Treasury, Jack Lew. He was at Citi. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/58 "2016-12-13T19:54:58Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally Posted by LonghornDave > Obama’s Secretary of the Treasury formerly was the Chief Operating Officer for Citibank. Was that a horrible conflict of interest that couldn’t be managed? > [@running\_coach](#): > > He was offered the job. [He turned it down.](http://www.businessinsider.com/tim-geithners-close-ties-with-citigroup-2009-4) There you go brining facts into the discussion. It’s not about facts anymore. It’s about who can get the most people to repeat your assertions. ---
**Author:** ![LonghornDave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a87d85/32.png) [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/59 "2016-12-13T19:55:29Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > I have now forgotten how his corporation (Exxon) is going to benefit hugely when the sanctions against Russia and Tillerson’s good friend Putin are dropped. > > But the Russians are our good friends now, so that’s all good. We’ve always been at peace with Oceania. The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2016, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603/60 "2016-12-13T19:56:16Z")
> [@LonghornDave](#): > > Because the price of oil is way up this week because the Saudi’s just said they are going to further cut their production and Non-OPEC countries just said they are going to join in the cuts. Also, because the entire market is up. > > Further, Exxon’s not way up. It’s up less than most oil companies and up about the same amount as their Oil Major peers. > > Sometimes this board is just pathetic. Exxon is up 4% since Friday 12/9. It saw a steady increase over the last month but then sharply jumped once Tillerson’s name started getting serious traction as the SoS pick. For comparison, BP is only up 2% over same few days and Phillis66 is up 1.6%. So Exxon’s stock increase over the last few days has been double what other US Oil competitors are seeing. But don’t let actual facts get in the way of you being right. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-will-rex-tillerson-be-confirmed-as-secretary-of-state/774603.md?page=4)