Title pretty much says it all.
Not that it’s likely, but wouldn’t it be funny if Bill replaced his wife?
Who else? Powell?!
Not Powell in a million years. He’s way too closely associated with the run-up to the Iraq war.
John Kerry seems to be the most frequently floated name.
PS: Before someone corrects me, I guess “resign” isn’t technically the correct term, but you know what I mean.
Yes, she will resign. It’s too hard a job to do for more than 4 years, IMO.
I agree that John Kerry is the obvious choice.
+1 Kerry.
My guess is UN Ambassador Susan Rice.
Kerry. He’s earned it.
Obama might decide to go with an ex-military figure like Petraeus.
Kerry. He’s Chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs committee, was a possible candidate back in 3008, and his senate safe is reasonably safe for the Dems.
The problem with Kerry is he’d be a lightning rod for opposition in confirmation hearings. They’d drag out for weeks and the Obama administration would have to fight for his appointment. And I don’t think they’re looking for a fight on this issue.
Yep. Powell is damaged goods after the Bush administration threw him under the bus to be the face man for lies and propaganda.
I don’t see that it matters; the Republicans are obstructionist on everything. Obama might not want a fight, but he’ll get one regardless of who he picks. He might as well just pick who he wants.
I agree. But that’s why the Obama administration is going to pick what issues it’s willing to fight for - and I don’t think John Kerry is one of them.
That’s why I suggested a military figure like Petraeus. It will be a lot harder for the Republicans to attack him and a lot easier for the Democrats to fight back on his behalf.
Or maybe not.
Man, he sure looks like a candidate from 1008…and, he’s so well preserved he might actually still be kicking around to run in 3008 as well…
ETA: As to the OP, I’d say Kerry is the obvious choice, though if I were Obama I’d consider Powell. Petraus is under a scandal now with some sort of affair IIRC, but Powell might be a good choice from the perspective of trying to look bipartisan.
Are you and Kerry from the future!? And what’s in his senate safe!? The key to time travel? And the democrats know this!
Not as of today.
She has said since late 2008 or early 2009 that she only planned to serve one term. That’s how it works with cabinet officials generally and it’s been the case for most secretaries of state. Rice and Kerry are among those who’ve been discussed as replacements. Powell’s endorsement helped Obama, but he’s finished. Imagine the administration trying to make a case for action against Iran with Powell and his Iraq history hanging over them.
Lugar makes a lot of sense, if he can accept that Obama is going to set policy and he is going to administrate it. SoS isn’t really a partisan position, and it might be an effective stick while he’s tryng to establish his willingness to compromise, at very little actual cost. The GOP will be going nuts, carrying on about how the Dems won’t give in on anything regarding the fiscal cliff, meanwhile they’re confirming a staunch Republican as SosS. Would Lugar accept?, is the question.
Yea, I thought she already said that she would resign after the first term but I think she has also said that she will stay on until a new appointment is approved.
As of today Petraeus is out of the picture but I’m not sure that a military guy is the best choice these days when diplomacy trumps war (or it should).
Susan Rice was in the running but she would never make it though the Senate now.
Kerry has some baggage because he demonstrated some support of Assad at one time but that probably wouldn’t disqualify him. He probably wants it so without an obvious alternative that’s who I would bet on.
The next question is who will replace Paneta because he has said he is leaving. That will be interesting. Wesley Clark maybe?