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http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/14/transition.wrap/index.html
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(CNN) -- Democratic sources tell CNN that President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton had a "serious discussion" Thursday to gauge Clinton's interest in the post of secretary of state, if she were offered it.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Clinton's response is unknown, although multiple sources agree that she was left with the impression that if she were interested in the post, it would be hers.
"There was a serious discussion to determine whether, if offered secretary of state, she would accept it," said a source close to the Obama transition team.
In these circumstances, that source added, a president-elect does not meet with potential Cabinet secretaries unless he is serious about making an offer.
Another source close to the Obama transition team said that asking Clinton to be secretary of state "has been of great interest to Obama for a while. You've got to assume that Hillary Clinton did not come to visit the city of Chicago."
Over the course of the past 24 hours, sources close to Clinton have softened their one-time solid public position that she would not be interested in a Cabinet post. Those sources now say Clinton is clearly contemplating various ways in which she can serve the Obama administration. Video Watch more on the speculation surrounding Clinton »
Clinton, however, remained mum Friday about the speculation over the meeting.
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Clinton went to the meeting Thursday with Obama because "she knew Obama wanted to talk about whether she would have a role in the administration," according to two sources.
Obama and Clinton met in Chicago, Illinois, at the request of the president-elect, the sources said.
On Friday, Clinton responded to the rumors at a transit policy speech in Albany, New York.
"I'm very happy there is so much press attention and interest in transit," Clinton said to laughs.
"In the off chance that you're not here for this important issue and are here for some other reason, let me just say that I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration."
She added, "I'm going to respect his process, and any inquiries should be directed to his transition team."
This is not the first time Clinton has been rumored to be under consideration for a position on Obama's team.
The New York senator was said to be on Obama's short list of vice presidential picks this summer, but Obama chose Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.
One source said Clinton thought the speculation that she would be picked to be Obama's secretary of state was "silly" because of the buzz about her becoming Obama's running mate. iReport.com: Whom should Obama pick?
A spokesman for the former presidential candidate and first lady, Philippe Reines, said that "any speculation about Cabinet or other administration appointments is really for President-elect Obama's transition team to address."
On Monday night, while walking into an awards ceremony in New York, Clinton was asked whether she would consider taking a post in the Obama administration.
"I am happy being a senator from New York. I love this state and this city," she said. "I am looking at the long list of things I have to catch up on and do.
"But I want to be a good partner, and I want to do everything I can to make sure his agenda is going to be successful." Video Watch whether Clinton would join Obama's team »
Other names that have been mentioned for the top diplomatic role include Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democrats' presidential nominee in 2004, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and energy secretary in the Clinton administration.
Latino groups are championing Richardson for the top State Department slot. If picked, Richardson will be the nation's first Latino secretary of state.
A source close to transition team said Obama is also trying to build a diverse Cabinet that includes women and minorities and that works as a team.
Obama's transition team is expected to announce some high-level staff positions Friday.
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Obama campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs is widely expected to be named White House press secretary, and Obama chief strategist David Axelrod is expected to be picked as a White House senior adviser.
Also Friday, the Obama transition team announced that the Illinois senator will meet with the man he defeated in the general election, Republican Sen. John McCain, on Monday.
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CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, Jessica Yellin, Gloria Borger, Sam Feist, Zain Verjee and Scott J. Anderson contributed to this report.
Sorry if this has been posted, but what are the possible ramifications for our rights if Hillary gets put in such a position?
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(CNN) -- Democratic sources tell CNN that President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton had a "serious discussion" Thursday to gauge Clinton's interest in the post of secretary of state, if she were offered it.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Sen. Hillary Clinton has been mentioned as a candidate for Obama's secretary of state, sources say.
Clinton's response is unknown, although multiple sources agree that she was left with the impression that if she were interested in the post, it would be hers.
"There was a serious discussion to determine whether, if offered secretary of state, she would accept it," said a source close to the Obama transition team.
In these circumstances, that source added, a president-elect does not meet with potential Cabinet secretaries unless he is serious about making an offer.
Another source close to the Obama transition team said that asking Clinton to be secretary of state "has been of great interest to Obama for a while. You've got to assume that Hillary Clinton did not come to visit the city of Chicago."
Over the course of the past 24 hours, sources close to Clinton have softened their one-time solid public position that she would not be interested in a Cabinet post. Those sources now say Clinton is clearly contemplating various ways in which she can serve the Obama administration. Video Watch more on the speculation surrounding Clinton »
Clinton, however, remained mum Friday about the speculation over the meeting.
Don't Miss
* Women gaining political power
* Poll finds great expectations for Obama
* CNN Spotlight: Transition to Power
* Names emerging for potential Obama posts
Clinton went to the meeting Thursday with Obama because "she knew Obama wanted to talk about whether she would have a role in the administration," according to two sources.
Obama and Clinton met in Chicago, Illinois, at the request of the president-elect, the sources said.
On Friday, Clinton responded to the rumors at a transit policy speech in Albany, New York.
"I'm very happy there is so much press attention and interest in transit," Clinton said to laughs.
"In the off chance that you're not here for this important issue and are here for some other reason, let me just say that I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration."
She added, "I'm going to respect his process, and any inquiries should be directed to his transition team."
This is not the first time Clinton has been rumored to be under consideration for a position on Obama's team.
The New York senator was said to be on Obama's short list of vice presidential picks this summer, but Obama chose Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware.
One source said Clinton thought the speculation that she would be picked to be Obama's secretary of state was "silly" because of the buzz about her becoming Obama's running mate. iReport.com: Whom should Obama pick?
A spokesman for the former presidential candidate and first lady, Philippe Reines, said that "any speculation about Cabinet or other administration appointments is really for President-elect Obama's transition team to address."
On Monday night, while walking into an awards ceremony in New York, Clinton was asked whether she would consider taking a post in the Obama administration.
"I am happy being a senator from New York. I love this state and this city," she said. "I am looking at the long list of things I have to catch up on and do.
"But I want to be a good partner, and I want to do everything I can to make sure his agenda is going to be successful." Video Watch whether Clinton would join Obama's team »
Other names that have been mentioned for the top diplomatic role include Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democrats' presidential nominee in 2004, and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and energy secretary in the Clinton administration.
Latino groups are championing Richardson for the top State Department slot. If picked, Richardson will be the nation's first Latino secretary of state.
A source close to transition team said Obama is also trying to build a diverse Cabinet that includes women and minorities and that works as a team.
Obama's transition team is expected to announce some high-level staff positions Friday.
advertisement
Obama campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs is widely expected to be named White House press secretary, and Obama chief strategist David Axelrod is expected to be picked as a White House senior adviser.
Also Friday, the Obama transition team announced that the Illinois senator will meet with the man he defeated in the general election, Republican Sen. John McCain, on Monday.
E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend
Share this on:
Mixx Digg Facebook del.icio.us reddit StumbleUpon MySpace
| Mixx it | Share
CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, Jessica Yellin, Gloria Borger, Sam Feist, Zain Verjee and Scott J. Anderson contributed to this report.
Sorry if this has been posted, but what are the possible ramifications for our rights if Hillary gets put in such a position?
