Obama's choice for Secy of State - fun for the media?

United States
December 7, 2008 4:48pm CST
I have seen the video of this on the news, but I figured I would quote it for you. www.galesburg.com/opinions/x1009155503/Obama-answer-the-Hillary-question Peter Baker of the New York Times pointed out to Obama that he once held a different view of his nominee to be secretary of state. "You belittled her travels around the world, equating it to having teas with foreign leaders," Baker recalled. "And your new White House counsel said that her resume was grossly exaggerated when it came to foreign policy. I'm wondering whether you can talk about the evolution of your views of your credentials since the spring." "Well, I mean, I think--" Obama began. "This is fun for the press to try to stir up whatever quotes were generated during the course of the campaign." "They are your quotes, sir," Baker pointed out. "No, I understand. And you're having fun." Obama continued. "And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm not faulting that." So a lot of people are pretty angry about this, and rightfully so. He might have just went right out and said "Well, sometimes politicians have to lie to win elections."
2 responses
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
8 Dec 08
This is what I dont' get .... Obama trashed Hillary throughout the entire campaign. She wasn't good enough to be president. And by "trashed" I mean the usual put downs by opposing parties. Not good enough to be president, I am better, etc. Then they turn around and hire her for something and sudenly she is top of her class! I mean, in a way he is saying he isn't good enough to be president, but she is good enough for Secretay of State - well, from following Connie Rice for a few years, it is almost more that the SofS is "who" the rest of the world "sees" and deals with at least first and if she can't take care of the issues, they are sent to the president. Lot of times the president had nothing to do with what Rice went to do. So how is she able to handle other countries and their problems, but can't handle USA and its problems? I hear Obama calling out "change, change, change" yet he seems to be filling his cabinet with "old folks" - meaning those that have been there for some time now. I mean, they were all "in power" during the times that cause the current depression issues, yet he is pulling them all up in the ranks.. I just don't get it. Not to say he should be hiring unqualified folks, but still - change is change. Same is same - no matter the ranks. And he ran on the slogan of change... but he is not giving us any. As far as not answering the questions asked - never heard any question he was asked answered qualitatively and specifically.. except when he was on The View and they all commented how sexy he was!
• United States
8 Dec 08
Honestly I would rather have Rice than Hillary. Although I don't agree with her approach of trying to shove democracy down everyone's throat (not exactly her idea though), I think that she has excellent diplomatic skills, a great education and experience in foreign policy, and is well respected by foreign leaders. I am not so sure foreign leaders will feel the same way about Hillary Clinton.
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Personally I think Rice could do a good job in this administration, however she was just a pawn for Bush, Cheney and the gang. It was too bad that they wasted such a talented person, but look what they did to Colin Powell. They led him to slaughter when he had to present Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld's plan to the United Nations. I say "shame on them for destroying such a great man and General". He was led to believe there were WMDs and it is a proven fact that there weren't. I'm glad you voted for Obama, I did too. I pray he will be able to lead us out of this mess. Regards, Iriscot
• United States
8 Dec 08
I voted for Obama. Just to clarify.
@iriscot (1289)
• United States
8 Dec 08
In an interview with Condoleeza Rice this morning, she was asked "What do you think of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State". She said that she was highly qualified and would make a great Secretary of State. I would think that her comments should put any doubts about her ability to rest. There will probably always be "muck rackers" making stupid statements about her.
• United States
8 Dec 08
I agree that she is qualified, I just don't like the way that Obama treated the reporter's question. It was a valid question.