Although President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton spent much of this year’s political season at odds, it seems the Democratic powerhouses have chosen to put differences aside in order to work for a brighter American future.
According to Senior Clinton Adviser Phillipe Reines on Friday, discussions are “very much on track” for the former first lady to become Obama’s Secretary of State nominee. Although she has not officially accepted the job offer, she did meet with Obama late last week in Chicago for days of negotiations.
“We’re still in discussions, which are very much on track. Any reports beyond that are premature,” Reines said in a statement. “They’re just talking about the state of the world and what’s next.”
Friends close to Clinton said the potential loss of independence caused Clinton to waver during negotiations with the president-elect. But advisers said discussions got back on track after Obama promised she would have considerable input on staffing decisions and an ample amount of access to him.
As Secretary of State, Clinton would work as the head of the United States Department of State, which is specifically focused on foreign affairs – one of the New York Senator’s most notable strengths. The secretary also serves as a principal adviser to the president in the determination of United States government overseas, including the overall direction, coordination and supervision of interdepartmental activities.
But even without the enhanced discussion time, analysts are claiming the Clinton saga is proving to be one the longest-running and more public of the secret search for Obama’s cabinet.
And though speculation runs rampant, it is not clear when Obama intends to make a formal announcement concerning his Secretary of State. However, officials from both Democrats have said they have every reason to believe Obama will announce her as his choice shortly after Thanksgiving.
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