Plessner Chronicle Blog

Whats the big deal about Senator Hillary Rodham Clintons qualifications for the office of Secretary of State?Senator Clinton is probably one of the most recognized persons on earth. In her own career, and as the spouse of an internationally recognized former president, Mrs. Clinton has probably met dozens of leaders from nations around the world. That experience is a valuable asset in helping the Obama administration recapture the good will of both foreign political leaders and the world community as a well.Although Hillary Clinton may be weighing the choice between being Secretary of State or a leader in the U.S. Senate, no one should believe that in some way the office of Secretary of State is an inadequate reward for her many years of service. It is the first seat in the presidents cabinet and it is many times more prestigious that the position of Vice President.

National leaders the world over will eagerly welcome Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. They will want to be seen with her in their own country or at international meetings. Her experience and self-confidence will be valuable in one-on-one conversations with heads of state and in public diplomacy as she appears in other nations.

While the Obama administration will have a number of people able to deal with international issues, it is hard to believe that a president Obama who ran such a disciplined campaign will allow rivalries or competition to damage his efforts.

And whats the big deal about Bill Clintons current activities and travels? It has been reported that he gets as much as $175,000 for a one-hour speech, with most donations going to the Clinton Global Initiative, a non-profit foundation whose goal is: “fostering a shared responsibility to address major global problems”.

Some commentators have expressed concern that the former presidents personal activities might conflict with the new administrations objectives. To the degree that it is closely managed, the former presidents ability to communicate can be made a very positive asset for our America.

Isnt it interesting that two people who began their adult lives together almost broke, and who have worked so tirelessly for the common good, are now being questioned for their income, most of it coming as recognition of their considerable service to humanity. Why do they now find their wealth and income questioned, while other politicians with much greater wealth and relationships with foreign leaders, are almost never assaulted in the same way?

The first president Bush and the soon-to-be former vice president Dick Cheney come to mind. President George H. W. Bush has been involved in the Carlyle Group, a holding company with global interests (including Dunkin Donuts) and deep roots in the Middle East.

The current vice president, though not directly involved as far as we know with his former employer Halliburton, a major vendor to our military, is deeply involved with projects in Iraq and other Middle East countries. Halliburton receives billions for providing “contractors” in Iraq and elsewhere.

Although he is removed from the management of his former firm, vice president Cheney probably still benefits through deferred income from dividends and fees.

And then there is this: A few days after leaving the White House, former president Ronald Reagan flew on a corporate jet to Japan where he gave two speeches for which he was reported to have been paid one million dollars.

Barack Obama is going to assemble his administration in the same way he ran his campaign. With tremendous insight, creative energy and integrity and Hillary Rodham Clinton is entitled to the First Chair in the presidents cabinet if she wants it!

Its not such a big deal!

Eight of the ten guys running for the Republican nomination for president make Dan Quayle, Clarence Thomas and George W. Bush look like geniuses. Only John McCain and Rudy Giuliani have any claim to national leadership and those claims are beginning to look increasingly weak.John McCain, though beloved and deserving of our thanks for his sacrifices and dedication, is beyond the job in years and gravitas. His submission to humiliation by the Bush White House and his advocacy of an increased war effort in Iraq make him look too weak on one hand and too wrong on the other.

McCain and Giuliani may be up to the task but, when compared to the Democratic candidates, the rest of this group looks like a gang that can’t think straight. Read the rest of this entry »