Think about it. And yes, admittedly this is speculative in nature. But we may very well be witnessing a brilliant strategic and tactical political move by the President Elect and Senator Clinton in the trial balloon floated this week, citing Hillary Clinton as the prospective Secretary of State.
There surely would be "sniper-fire" to say the least in Republican line of questioning during Secretarial Confirmation Hearings. The Press is already starting to have a field day,rightly or wrongly , with the degree that former Clinton Administration officials are currently in transition to an Obama White House.
Senator Clinton, yes I'll say it, given her Stature, core competence and, yes, Democratic Values -
Hillary is underutilized in the Senate given Seniority Rules.
A Question First-
Other than Senator Byrd, Is it likely that any other Senate Chair, given their "dues paid" under Seniority Rules - Is it likely that any other Democratic Chairs would voluntarily give up their seats?
The answer, obviously, is "No".
How hard would it be then to settle some old scores to "move our politics forward" while simultaneously satisfying key constituencies in Having Hillary take Joe Lieberman's Chair in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs?
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First of all, the Republicans would have no say.
Secondly, do you think there would be much traction for criticism against the Senator From New York Chairing such a Committee in the aftermath of 9/11?
I have been critical of both Bill and Hillary Clinton in the past.
But if anybody has ever been a "Triangulator' and held the Democratic Party Hostage,
it's Joe Lieberman.
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I doubt very seriously that Byrd's Chairmanship will go to someone other than a Senior Dem, but Lieberman's Hot Seat is another matter... To me, a credible rival like Hillary yet one who on RECORD and in deed Supports the new President's Agenda could serve Democracy well at Government Oversight.
The chairmanship there would have real power to be put to the Cred Test in Transforming government, and making it more responsive. Obama and the Clintons,it seems, actually could use if not need one another in cementing their Legacy.
Does it come with risks? Sure.
There is always a the pull towards turf protection and Status Quo in DC.
I've been no wallflower in saying so...
But if the opportunity to transform the Party, the Country, and the World even a bit further towards initiatives left unfullfilled in previous Democratic Admins... And it's is there for the taking???...
The schadenfruede for the Clintons (and the rest of us)
in sending Joe packing with a smile is but icing on the cake.