Barack Obama Names Hillary Clinton Secretary Of State

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Posted: 10:49 AM Dec 1, 2008
Last Updated: 1:40 PM Dec 1, 2008

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President-elect Barack Obama is filling his Cabinet at record speed, choosing loyal friends and one-time foes to guide his wartime foreign policy decisions.

Obama on Monday announced Democratic primary rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as his secretary of state and said that President George W. Bush's defense secretary, Robert Gates, is staying on.

Obama also named Washington lawyer Eric Holder as attorney general and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security secretary. He also announced two senior foreign policy positions outside the Cabinet: campaign foreign policy adviser Susan Rice as U.N. ambassador and retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones as national security adviser.

The announcements rounded out the top tier of the team that will advise the incoming chief executive on foreign and national security issues in an era marked by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and terrorism around the globe.

"In this uncertain world, the time has come for a new beginning — a new dawn of American leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st century, and to seize the opportunities embedded in those challenges," Obama said.

Pointing to recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai and elsewhere, Clinton said, "America cannot solve these crises without the world and the world cannot solve them without America."

Obama also has settled on former Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle to be his secretary of Health and Human Services and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be Commerce secretary. Last week, he named key members of his economic team, including Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as Treasury secretary.

The decisions mean Obama has half of the 15-member Cabinet assembled less than a month after the election, including the most prominent positions at State, Justice, Treasury and Defense. With the world grappling with war, recession and terrorist threats that erupted this week during coordinated attacks in India, Obama was moving swiftly to try to bring reassurance and continuity in the federal government when he takes over in less than two months.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Again, Alpha female, you got your wish, thanks to Oprah. What more do you people want? Reparations? Not in this lifetime.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Dec 4, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Some day you will be able to express yourself in the english language rather than call someone an "idiot". Most of the educated people in this country see the voters that put Obama in the president elect postion as uninformed, party following, race following or leftest.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Williamston on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Yeah we r going to get change alright. Going back to the Clinton era and he was scared to kill Osama Bin Laden when some of our soldiers had him in their sight. Obama is hiring most of Clinton's flunkies, including his wife. As 4 the mess we r in the Democrats caused it to begin with. Congress and the Legislative Section make all the laws and the President can only veto them if he chooses. But I realize the majority of Democrats don't understand this because the can't even spell that well. Just like blaming Mr. Bush for the gas prices going up but u c no one has reached out their 2 thank him for them coming down and Obama did nothing 2 help that because he can't even make the congressional meetings and if he does he is not educated enough 2 make a decision that helps all. Soo, everyone turn 2 Revelation and read it again about the Anti Christ as he will be here the last part of January. The only hope is we make it 4 years and Sarah Palin comes back as President.

Posted by: ~ALPHA female~ Location: O84P on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Oh Paul...you sound just like them....paranoid and hysterical. I shall invest in some new depression medication because I'm sure there will be a lot of "Chicken Littles" taking them. I hope they keep crying and whining so I can get rich. I see a change Obama is making already....he is making grown men cry! boohoo

Posted by: Ace on Dec 3, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Thank you Paul, very well said sir :)

Posted by: gahhhh! on Dec 3, 2008 at 04:31 PM
theyyyyrrre baaaaaaaack!

Posted by: Paul Location: New Bern on Dec 3, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Head for the hills, circle the wagons, hide your guns, life is over as we know it. Abortion will be everywhere, taxes will put us out of business, churches will close and be burned, the left wing radicals will destroy the world....the sky is falling. Keep the faith to all Chicken Littles of the US. We have only to look up and go up from where we are. Give President Obama a chance. We did the Texan Idiot.

Posted by: Bill Location: New Bern on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Show me the change, none so far. Same faces, different places.

Posted by: Sam Location: Williamston on Dec 3, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I never voted for a candidate cause I thought that they would both be terrible for being in the oval office. With the way that Obama is setting up things, I may be wrong, but it sounds like Obama is setting things up to where everybody else will end up doing the work, and he will sit on his tail, do nothing, be lazy on his job, and will do more drinking alcohol, smoking, and playing basketball like he did before. He is looking to have things work out to where he just does what he wants to and then receives all of the credit for the work of his staff.

Posted by: Guy who knows on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:49 AM
McCain snake oil...This has nothing to do with Reagan just like it has nothing to do with Carter (I know you said nothing about Carter, but he planted the seed). It has everthing to do with giving 200k loans to people who have do not have the down payment or a job good enough to pay for it. The finacial institutions were hancuffed into making these loans to fulfill the sence of entitlement promised by the Dems. If the numbers were not met, they were fined. That's the problem with society today...we feel everthing should be given to us and no longer believe in a hard days work...and the left is fueling this.

Posted by: Tax Man on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Huckfan, You are joking right or do you really think YOUR district representatives are going to do more for you than the FEDS do lol.

Posted by: John Location: Deep Run on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:56 AM
He's not in Office until January relax People!! Who cares who he puts in there if he makes a bad decision it will not be him who takes the fall. (right) Bush and Bush alone put us in this mess (right) Don't mention the 100 senators and the 435 House Reps made most, excuse me all of the law. That put us in the mess.

Posted by: Tad Location: Jamesville on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:40 AM
She has tethered herself to the clown now, when he sinks, she sinks. Good, we'll be rid of the both of them.

Posted by: Citizen Location: Kinston on Dec 3, 2008 at 09:06 AM
There's an old saying..."keep your friends close and your enemies closer".

Posted by: Huckfan on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:26 AM
We have who we have. If we want change we need to start at local levels with our district representatives. Change would be shutting the doors on the IRS and implementing the fair tax. Fair tax would resolve short term problems and would be the fix for generations to came. Please read more about the fair tax at fair tax.org. Then voice your opinion to reps so we can get this bill passed and get this country back on track. Tweaking what is already broken will not ever be fixed. Applying new innovated ideas for our tax system would help us all.thats change.The current tax code is over 5000 pages for a reason. Loopholes. Let's close the loopholes so we all can thrive and live the American dream.

Posted by: @@@@ on Dec 3, 2008 at 08:00 AM
To Ordnanceman, Every thing is looking great to us Obama supporters, don't you worry about us we know what we are doing. I can't even imagine you wanting the President of the United States to fail, you must be one sick one. It is people like you that worry me not Obama.

Posted by: Ordnanceman Location: Greenville on Dec 3, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Oh wait, I've seen this movie. It is called dumb and dumber! All of you Obama supporters are now starting to see all of his BS. I can't wait to see him fail!

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Watch the personal attacks, T. It may come back to bite you.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:37 AM
My father always said that there are more horse's rear ends than horses. You, T, sound like a classic example.

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Well, you sound like a person who blames everyone for everything. You also sound like a person who cannot accept responsibility, yet I am confident you COMPLAIN about every little thing. People, like you, are truly spineless.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:05 PM
stupid stupid stupid wow change on the way what has our country done this is all a big joke that that for starters that o and john are all the greatest nation on the plantet could produce to lead us. yea thats right and now look at the so called change. its a sham.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Thanks, WITN. Sorry it was sent three times, but we have had server problems on our end. Thanks again.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Let's try one more time. If you vote, and you elect dishonest, incompedent people and they get into office and screw everything up, then you should share in the respnsibility for the mess that they created. I, on the other hand, who didn't vote, can complain all I wan't to about the mess that you, the voter, helped create and I had nothing to do with. I call this "The Carlin Philosophy", named after the late George Carlin. Seems to make sense to me!

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Thank you, McCain Snake oil for your kind thoughts. I have written another comment three times already today, but it hasn't posted for some reason.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Pretty sure the FDR was a democrat. Also sure that FDR put the party back together after they ignored the stock market and did nothing about it thus causing the depression. FDR was popular since he was a good manager of people and got things done. His new deal was to spend us out of depression. Of course you know this and that Obama has proposed infrastructure improvements on roads and bridges...more illegals will do this work, rest assured, and that money will go back home. At least McCain was upfront on what he wanted to do. Obama is just now opening up his can of tricks that no one even asked him about. Remember, they were more concerned about him being hansome and a good speaker than they were about his war policy. Libs will be pissed...

Posted by: McCain Snake Oil Co. on Dec 2, 2008 at 03:34 PM
1. Guy-you can trace this recession back to Reagan....he ran up the national debt! BIG TIME At the same time, you can say this isn't the result of any "one" president. 2. Obama Snake Oil Co. I think you need to do some research and stop being such a "sheep." You say you can't trust somebody because they told you what you wanted to hear? What CANDIDATE DOESNT! You say Obama is vague? You know who else was vague about their policies? FDR. He wasn't specific about the New Deal. He wasn't such a bad president. I mean he was only elected 4 times in a row. People who have this much animosity towards a person are usually not educated on a situation. 3.Rob has every RIGHT to voice his opinion. He wasn't complaining. He just stated why he didn't vote for either candidate. He is probably the smartest poster up here.

Posted by: Cat Location: Gboro on Dec 2, 2008 at 03:27 PM
XXX- You won't get an answer for that.. NOBODY that I know that voted for him can give an answer for that.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Once again, let me enlighten the masses with flawless logic. If you vote, and you allow dishonest, incompetent people to get into office and screw everything up, then you should held responsible for the mess that you helped create. I, on the other hand, who didn't vote can complain all I want in a so-called "free society" about the mess that you started. Your vote does not count. This country was bought, cut up, sold, and paid for a long time ago. Who runs the country? Why, the lobbyists, controlled by the corporations and manipulated by the corporated owned media.

Posted by: XXX Location: Greenville on Dec 2, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Blog Refuter, What seasoned experience, or ANY experience, does obama bring to the table?

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Monica, if you thought this would not happen well, you were niaeve to vote for Obama. Like I said, he owes, he owes, if off to pick who pleases the DNC. He told you what you wanted to hear and you believed him. Well, wellcome to democratic party. This is why I say research what the candidate wants and "who" backs him.

Posted by: Nobama Location: Kinston on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I guess its true what they say, "Keep your friends close but keep your ENEMIES closer" I guess Hillary will not be running against him in 2012.

Posted by: reader Location: nc on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:42 PM
this goes to show you that bad news comes in sets of 2!!!!

Posted by: Guy who knows on Dec 2, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Funny how people forget that it was the Clintons that got us into this finacial mess in the first place... and now we are losing jobs left and right. Then you people have the nerve to say you are glad to see the Clintons? Like Snake Oil said, you need to know and understand who you are voting for instead of voting on "I hate Bush emotions". Ba Ba sheep

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 2, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I would much rather have a Clinton in the Whitehouse then a obama. Bill or Hillary either one, would be my first choice for change.

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:34 AM
It's amazing that these Life-time politicians are running our country in the ground and getting rich while doing it. Reminds you of the last historically great empire Rome. Rome was never defeated. They fell thru internal corruption. Democrats are on the Roman fasttrak.

Posted by: Monica Location: Kinston on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Well i'm glad Obama is the president but why bring back Clinton

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Exactly how does bringing back all the Clinton cronies constitute as change?

Posted by: Kathy Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Where is all this negativity coming from? I didn't vote for Obama but I haven't seen him make one mistake yet. These trumped up negative comments seem to be coming from people who would never be happy no matter who was president. I just cannot in good conscious talk crap about Obama until I see he makes a huge blunder. You negative folks give not one example of any mistake he has made. This suggests to me that you are just empty, soul-less subhumans who will never find peace in your lives.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 2, 2008 at 09:30 AM
T, let me explain something in my usual flawless logic that even you can understand. If you vote dishonest, incompident people into in to office and screw everything up, you should be held responsible for the mess that they created. I, on the other hand, who didn't vote, can complain all I want to about the mess you helped create. Who should keep their mouth shut now?

Posted by: Alison Location: Havelock on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:41 AM
I voted for Obama and am very upset about him bringing Hillary into his office. Change is going to require new faces and new ideas. Hopefully this will not kick us in the butt!

Posted by: Dwayne Location: Greenville on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:17 AM
And Billary has 0 foreign policy experience, except for when she landed "under heavy fire". Good choice for change.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil Co Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:17 AM
The amazing thing is that with these old relevations coming into play, some of you were so gullible to vote for him. I warned you he was just telling you what you wanted to hear and he lacked clear goals. You still thought he was the "messiah". Well, he sold hisself to the devil (the DNC) and now he must pay. By the way, so will you. Sheep! they don't always walk in a group, sometimes they walk in straight lines where the smell doesn't get better. Next time, learn about your candidate and their party, most of us would appreciate it.

Posted by: Kathy Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 08:04 AM
I agree with T. If you did not care enough to take the time to vote, don't waste our time with your negative rubbish. No vote = no right to complain.

Posted by: T Location: Washington on Dec 2, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Rob... Why are you even posting on this forum? You did not vote, so you should keep your mouth shut!!!

Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Might as well bring her husband Slick Willie along for the ride?

Posted by: Don Location: Washington on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Ray... what change? I don't see any change! The fact is Obamama doesn't have a clue what to do so he is picking other fools like himself... duh, Hillary. Yeah, sheep.

Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Yeah , sure .This is change we can cringe at. Why didn't that goofball Obama make her Vice President? Cause he is try to slide "old boys club" in one at a time, with a bit of "change". I hope you people that voted for him are happy.

Posted by: Blog Refuter Location: NC on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Change does not necessarily mean a bunch of new faces; it simply means new policies and principles (different ways of going about things). Every administration needs people who are seasoned with experience. The key is for them to use that experience to promote change and progress, instead of complacency. Hopefully, there will be a change in our economy come 2009!

Posted by: Ted Location: Greenville on Dec 1, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I didn't vote for Obama nor McCain, just couldn't bring myself to support either of those two yahoos. Still Obama has won and I support him as President and want him to succeed and work for the good of the country. I believe the next four years will be filled with disappointment for me at least. The appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is just one of what I suspect will be many questionable decisions to come.

Posted by: Rob Location: NC on Dec 1, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Sounds to me like the euphoria of "Yes We Can!" ans "Yes We Did!" is turning in to "Same Old Stuff" and "Look Who's Back!" You know, I was really hoping that for the first time since the Carter Administration, there would not be a Bush or Clinton in the executive branch of government. Obama is just anothet sell-out. Nothing is going to change. Makes me glad I did not vote.

Posted by: Obama Snake Oil co Location: Washington on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Now this is change you can believe in. Sheep.

Posted by: Ole Timer Location: Camden on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I voted for Obama because this country needed a change. We could not continue the way things are going. I am thrilled to know that he brought Hillary Clinton on board to help steer this country in the right direction and put people back to work. We need to take care of our own people first!

Posted by: Ray on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Well there you go!Bless you Kathy! I hope Obama continues to impress many more people who felt the same way you did by getting us out of this mess. See there sister! America can change!! Yea!

Posted by: Kathy Location: Washington on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Well I didn't vote for Obama but he is starting to impress me with his urgency for change and his willingness to look past color and gender. Hope this is just a taste of what's to come.

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