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From The Times

November 21, 2008

No drama? With Hillary aboard? Forget it

The Clintons have a knack of turning politics into their own personal stage. The President-elect must be aware of that

Gerard Baker

When the man they call No Drama Obama met the Clinton Psychodrama in the Democratic primary campaign, it was bound to produce an epic for the ages. The iron self-discipline of the long-shot pretender proved just enough in the end to overcome the front-runner whose strengths were undermined by the self-indulgent incontinence characteristic of the Clinton political machine. It seemed a fitting catharsis for the modern Democratic Party when he won the primary.

And when Senator Obama cemented his victory over the summer by declining to offer her his vice-presidential slot, it appeared to douse once and for all the last embers of the Clinton family's ambitions.

From the Democratic convention, the word went out that Hillary - and even Bill - was finally resigned to a late life of public service, toiling diligently in the vineyard of President Obama's America, seeking nothing more than to serve the new leadership, loyally committed to a cause greater than their own self-advancement.

All right, maybe that was all a bit of a stretch. But with his election as president, Mr Obama surely demonstrated that the victory was his and his alone, and that the country would be spared the prospect of yet another chapter in the Clinton saga that has dominated American politics for the best part of two decades.

And yet, here we are, a couple of weeks after that historic election, and once again all we are talking about is - the Clintons.

It would be an understatement to say that the sudden and unexpected emergence of Senator Clinton's name as the President-elect's apparent choice to be his secretary of state has caused consternation among some of Mr Obama's most loyal followers.

They are aghast that, as they see it, having wisely steered clear of giving her the vice-presidency, their man has supposedly offered her what is, in all but the constitutional succession stakes, a much bigger job. The State Department is a vast bureaucracy that supports a Cabinet member who is the most frequently seen face of America in the world. One can only guess, by the way, what Joe Biden, the man who got the vice-presidential slot over Senator Clinton, in large part because of his foreign policy credentials, now thinks about the idea of sitting quietly in his vice-presidential office suite watching Mrs Clinton strut her global stuff on television.

Not that even Senator Clinton's strongest critics deny that there are good reasons for her to get the job. First, few doubt that she is qualified to do it. She demonstrated on the campaign trail the breadth of her intellectual reach, a genuine depth of knowledge on global affairs and the sort of energy needed for someone who might fly half a million miles in the course of a year.

What's more, it is not as though there was a great range of alternatives. John Kerry, first mooted for the job a while back, famously aloof and arrogant, might have proved a diplomatic disaster. Bill Richardson, the New Mexico Governor with the colourful past, was too risky for the global stage. Richard Holbrooke, the self-appointed dean of Democratic diplomacy, had alienated too many of the Obama foreign policy team through his disdainful dismissal of their inexperience during the primary campaign. Tony Lake, Senator Obama's principal foreign policy adviser in the campaign, said he didn't want the job. Tom Daschle, the former leader of the Senate Democrats and an early adopter of the Obama brand, seemed to lack the global heft to be the public face of the new president.

So why not go with the best qualified candidate? And one other reason for Mr Obama to pick Mrs Clinton was that there was no better way to signal the preternatural self-confidence that has propelled him so far so fast in politics than by nominating his former rival to the biggest government job outside the White House.

So what's the problem? The problem is that should Senator Clinton, by any chance, be looking to make her own mark in the next four years and subtly distinguish herself from the new president, there could hardly be a better perch from which to do it. Differences between the two during the primary campaign were sharpest over foreign policy. Mrs Clinton denounced Mr Obama's pledge to meet foreign dictators without preconditions and generally mocked his inexperience.

The Obama foreign policy team fought back by undermining Senator Clinton's claims to foreign policy experience. Gregory Craig, one of the earliest Obama supporters, who had himself served in the Clinton State Department in the 1990s, penned a famously damaging memo that dismantled all the instances of Mrs Clinton's professed involvement in key foreign policy decisions in that Administration.

What most troubles Obama loyalists is that a Clinton nomination threatens to destroy a feature of the new president's politics that has been essential to Senator Obama's success: its cohesion and unity of purpose. The No Drama title applied not just to the candidate but to the whole campaign, from the start. It was remarkably free of the usual tensions that permeate all political campaigns, at least in public.

And that is the risk in the Clinton nomination, should it come. You don't even have to believe that Senator Clinton will actively try to undermine the president. She's surely a loyal Democrat and a patriotic American who in any case understands that active pursuit of her own cause would do her more harm than good.

The problem is that the Clintons really can't help it. For all their protean talents, for all their political and intellectual skills, they have an unrivalled knack for making politics into very personal theatre, an unerring capacity to turn any crisis into a drama, one in which they play all the central roles. Another example of the Clinton dynastic principle at work was the appearance of Chelsea on the campaign trail with her mother. Who is to say that she won't continue the family tradition?

Nothing better illustrates the tendency than the very fact that the political class in Washington has spent the past week excitedly digesting the possibility of a Clinton nomination, while America's Other First Family semi-publicly debates the merits of it.

For President Obama the opportunity in Secretary of State Clinton is knowing that his message to the rest of the world is in capable political hands. For No Drama Obama, the danger is that American foreign policy for the next four years becomes the gaudy stage on which the latest act in the engrossing saga of Clinton Agonistes is played out.

Colin P0well may be willing to step in for a term on the Foreign Policy team. Should other candidates fail to rise to the difficult challenges concerning defence shield programs etc.
It's a real outreach role for diplomatic excellence.

d.j Franks, Hatfield, uk

Obama commands far more respect among the electorate and in the media than Hillary, so if she tries to use her position as Secretary of State to undermine him, all he need do is fire her. This really is a simple situation: Hillary is probably the best choice, so Obama's going with it. Why not?

Just Some Guy, Cambridge, MA, USA

What a great choice;the woman can string a coherent sentence together,is sharp as a tack,can think on her feet and will present an excellent image abroad.Just what America needs on the global stage right now.What a change....

Peter, London,

I'm sure the president elect's press op is well aware Gerard Baker has been trashing him for months and as recently as two days ahead of the election was forecasting a McCain win. This is just more of the same baloney from a committed conservative shill. Clinton is a great pick and Baker knows it.

John, greenwich ct, usa

Gerry my friend you have missed your calling. GM and Ford could really use your sales skills right now.

John Templeton, Valley Forge,

The Clintons are dying to get back into the Whitehouse and Obama has unwittingly given them the means to do it. She'll be able to undermine him at every turn for Hillary 2012.

Jarbo, Cool. CA, USA

Look out , you are looking at the 3rd Clinton administration. Mr. Obama's name may be on the door, but the Clinton Whitehouse team has formed and is only waiting for 20 January 2009 to move in.

I voted for Mr. Obama twice - in the primaries and then in the general election. He has sold us out

R. Blaine, Washington, DC, USA

This is a bad choice. Certainly the Democrat's can find someone more knowledgeable about Foreign Policy. Plus, as when Bill was President, we will have two for the price of one - Bill will always be in the background adding his 2 cents, you can be sure. He isn't one to keep quiet.

Norma Baker, Perinton, USA

Sen. Clinton lacks absolutely the personal qualities needed for the position. In today's world we need a diplomat, not a politician, to represent us in the world. We need someone who can manage a vast organization. She couldn' manage her own campaign. No one can manage her husband. Appalling!

Elizabeth Walters, Jacksonville, Florida, United States

I know have been enthusiastic early Obama supporter, money-wise and otherwise, based on his promise of a very different foreign policy, among the other real changes. Obama is undermining his main promise as far as I can see by appointing a hawk and a drama-queen for this post, I want my money back!

PDSimic, New York, USA

Is this "change we can believe in?"

Hillary changes from a Senator to SOS.
What a joke.
"team of Rivals" ..an absurd concept and he will regret this choice very soon. Shows weakness.

Remember what Bill said when he moved into the White House.
With the Clintons you get 2 for 1...ha

Tom Gordon, Lyndhurst, USA

Fact is, the super IQ Saint Obama has made a very simple error with Hillary as SOS candidate.

This will look and be destructive if she takes the job ot not.

Too clever by half.

Watch: that will be the catchphrase of the Obama presidency and one of several sources of his downfall.

Gillian Smith, London,

It's amazing that all anyone can seem to remember about the Clinton presidency is his being a bad husband? Clinton was a very good president who got this country back on track after the Reagan/Bush catastrophy. Hillary is one of the most intelligent women in America that has convictions and passion.

Robin Castellanos, San Antonio, TX, USA

She is the most qualified and proved her loyalty to country and party with her tireless campaigning for Obama after the convention.

She is also the one best able to reach across the aisle. Like the old Vulcan proverb says "Only Nixon can go to China."

Roger Humes, Claremont, USA

Maybe The Prez-elect is keeping his "enemies" closer than his friends. If Hillary stays in the Senate, do you think she'll be able to resist taking potshots at Obama & Co? As Secretary of State she will have a spotlight to play in, but also responsibility to play well with the other kids.

Alex Hamilton, New York NY,

So much for "change..."
Obama's already achieved his goal; he will go down in history next to Martin Luther King, Jr. if he just manages not to mess up. All he'll do for the next four years is show up and smile for the cameras, while he lets a reconstituted Clinton administration run things.

Jack, Cleveland, USA

350 million people and those two are the only ones we're talking about? Can we not get rid of them. She will spend her time trying to assert herself and her policies with the behind-the-scenes pressure of William Jefferson Blowhard.

Richard Merrell, Barrington, RI, Providence

It is difficult to imagine a reaction to this news that is positive. Mrs. Clinton may be qualified on paper, but the Clintons were not known for foreign policy expertise. Examples of Clinton's mismanagement included the Elian Gonzalez affair, and the Bosnian Debacle. (Thank you, Sir Mike Jackson)

Andrew, Virginia Beach, Virginia, US

Funny, but I don't remember the Clinton years as being that bad. How short some people's memories are! If Messiah Obama does half as well in his presidence as Bill Clinton did, he will be a success.

Robbie, San Diego, USA

It is so hard to believe that Joe Biden - a joke in this country for 30 years - is first in line for the Presidency. God help us all and pray for Obama's continued good health.
And it is a dead certainty that is Hillary is SoS, then Bill will be in the middle of everything. Has he ever not?

Sara, Columbia,

Wow, that would be too bad to have a competent, intelligent, admired world figure become SOS. Did it ever occur to you that perhaps Mr. Obama is intelligent enough to make up his own mind without the drama the media is bringing to his decision. Hillary will enhance his administration.

E.Kramer, Twining,

So much for no drama Obama. With the Clintons, it's all drama all the time.

Will, Pasadena, USA

My feeling is that the Clinton's failure to concede defeat in a timely manner was a very bad sign. It caused Obama to expend much extra energy fighting them when he needed to be fighting McCain and thus they put the Presidential campaign at risk. They may strike again if Obama becomes vulnerable.

Bob T, London, UK

Actually Clinton as Secretary of State makes alot of sense for Obama. His main focus right now is at home, not abroad (no matter what we all wish out here); so having a former rival out in the Rest of the World makes sense.

Acdn, London, UK

There is not an original thought about my country's politics here in America or the rest of the world, I am afraid. The only drama surrounding the Clintons comes from the media's obsession with destroying them.

The press these days seem to be chasing their own tails.

Stephen Bilica, Chicago, USA

Not to be sarcastic but if Bill's connections are to be a reason for Hillary's appointment.... Bill's leader's network includes Blair, Schroeder, Yeltsin, Aznar and Chirac... Problem is........ they're all out of power and from another era that is light years away from the current economic turmoil.

Rob Oakburg, Ann Arbor, USA

I must agree with you fully. However, I believe Mr Obama has the maturity and judgement to deal with her effectively. And I think they are genuinely friendly with each other. Also I feel her friendship and respect with Joe Byden helps. My biggest fear though is a loose Bill!!

Richard Francis, Mississauga, Canada

True, Obama is a re-run of the Clinton Presidency-deal done at the Democratic National Convention.

ian cheese, london, uk

truth is obama has surrounded himself with intelligent clinton-era advisers and officials. truth is obama didn't have the experience to govern. truth is he needs to outsource governance. and who better than the clinton team. as with sen. clinton? the best pick money can buy. obama needs clinton DUH

adie landry, Paris, France

Amazing restraint: The Bill factor is of equal consequence in this whole thing. His international 'connections' top everybody else in the game - together.

Bob Hall, New York, USA

If I were Hillary,I'd say thanks but no thanks,and stay in the senate.

She is intelligent,and she knows why they may want her out of the senate,which of course is health care,her lifes ambition.

If obama falters,she could run again in 2012,Hillary is her own person.

Pat, keene,nh, usa

It's the press that is obsessed with the Clintons- not the American people. Obama is looking past the media circus and thinking who he wants in his Big Tent - the big picture of how well people might perform. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. It's genuis.

Pat, Tampa, Florida

As to the drama...better than the Palin Circus Act that the media has shoved down our throats the past months. Billary was inevitable in some form anyway. Why not close to the vest (easier to police)?

EPLeo, Chicago, USA

Whatever her competence, Hillary should not be allowed anywhere near the Obama administration unless Bill promises to stay far away. No new President wants a former President hanging around the White House telling everyone how he or his wife could do better than the incumbent on every issue!

John Stanning, Winchester, England

If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.

Alexandra, Palm Desert, CA, USA

Obama does not care, he has the prestige and position he wants.

If the world turns to custard, he can blame the Clinton clique - after all they are 2/3rds of his administration.

No change - only hope left

Jim Talbot, Auckland, New Zealand

I read "Clinton Psychodrama", "self-indulgent incontinence characteristic", "douse once and for all the last embers" and "toiling diligently in the vineyard of President Obama's America" and can't help but think that the author of this, Mr Gerard Baker, is trying to stir up a bit of drama of his own

David, Brisbane, Australia

The Clintons are all over Obama 's team. The Machiavalian plot here is to pretend to let Hillary have the job, and then have Obama's 'comittee' say she cannot serve because of conflict of interest on the 63 page inquiry form ! This gets rid of them both, and Obama can claim 'change' !

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TEXAS

She has been Senator of New York for 8 years without too much drama, if you exclude the primary campaign, just focusing on raising her profile for the top job. I wouldn' be surprised if they brokered the deal after he became the democratic candidate to gain the Clintons support to woo her supporters

Marc, London, UK

This issue is over-hyped. President Obama can fire a Secretary of State Clinton if she doesn't do her job. Again he appears to be the grown-up, thinking above our heads and two steps ahead. We appear to worry more about the drama-that-could-be than on strategy. But I guess it sells on the web and tv

jay, Brooklyn, usa

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Gerard Baker is United States Editor and an Assistant Editor of The Times. He joined in 2004 from the Financial Times, where he had spent over ten years as Tokyo correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief. His weekly oped column appears on Fridays

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Eat Out From £5

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Fire the boss! What a thrilling concept - how wonderful it would be

No drama? With Hillary aboard? Forget it

The Clintons have a knack of turning politics into their own personal stage. The President-elect must be aware of that