In politics, I think that sometimes collective bodies so long for a narrative, they finally convince themselves it will be true, if for no other reason than their desire for it to be so.
Over at the Washington Post, you can read the piece in which Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (hopefully) finally closes the door on the rumors she'll move to the VP slot and Vice President Biden will become Secretary of State.
“What could we do to persuade you to run for vice president?” a staffer asked at a State Department town hall meeting Thursday, referring to cyclical rumors and the wishful thinking of some supporters. “Oh, my goodness,” Clinton replied.
“I will certainly stay on until the president nominates someone and that transition can occur,” said Clinton, who has insisted repeatedly that she will be a one-term secretary. “But I think, after 20 years ...of being on the high wire of American politics, and all of the challenges that come with that, it would probably be a good idea to just find out how tired I am.”
Let me be really clear: the fact that Hillary Clinton is leaving public life after the election is bad news for the Obama Administration, it's bad news for Democrats, and it's bad news for America. It's even bad news for our international allies across the globe.
I'm not saying Secretary Clinton is doing something wrong -- my word, the woman has certainly earned the right to move on with her life. It's just that she has easily been the crown jewel of the Obama Cabinet. She was a great United States Senator, and a wonderful First Lady. Growing up as an Arkansan, I am obliged to point out she was a fantastic First Lady there, too.
I'm going to miss her.
I worked for her for a year when she was First Lady (of the United States). Of all the dozens, probably hundreds of people who have worked for her in whatever capacity, I am sure I am near the bottom of the list in terms of impact on her political fortunes and trajectory. Nonetheless, it was a privilege to be a part of her team, if only for a short time.
She's had an amazing career, a remarkable life. The positive impact she's had on this country -- and our world -- may be tough to measure simply due to volume. And my guess is she won't stop. She will continue to do work in American and around the globe.
Comments