is it's very likely if he's named as SoS, Scott Brown will win his seat. Who would MA have to run against him?

I am not a big fan of having another Senate election in MA, but I wished people stop thinking Scott Brown is invincible. He is not. We have a whole bunch of people who could run and win, if the party stopped saying they cannot win.

You don't think those same folks would vote for him again? I'd bet it'd be pretty close. Besides, you'd have to start getting a candidate ready now... Who would Mass pick? Is there anyone that immediately comes to mind?

I'm not, nor have I ever been a Mass resident, so insight would be welcome.

Anyone think he can be convinced to run?

More than any Republican in Massachusetts in a long time and is the favorite for governor in 2014 if he choses to run. 4 out of the last 5 MA governors have been Republicans after all.

he owes him something, why not SOS?

imo

A Republican bully as SoS with zero foreign policy experience? For real?

And, what does Obama owe Christie?

The Phone with Bruce Springsteen on the line from Air Force One.

Can a former prez be the SOS?

but unlikely

Two recent (sorta) examples; neither Madeline Albright nor Henry Kissinger were born in this country. They just go to the next Secretary on the list who is eligible (the AG, I think).

And we would not lose an incumbent.

Perfect.

I wonder if Obama will find another spot in his administration for Jon Huntsman Jr. I wouldn't be surprised. SoS not likely but you never know...

TYY

I was a Clarkie in 2004 so I'm a bit prejudice.

He's the best we have to offer.

Clark already has the connections.

She is a lightning rod on Benghazi so I hope Obama runs right at the Repubs with this. Fuck 'em and give them a head butt.

I want the President to come out with metaphorical guns a 'blazing.

Where is Hillary going?

Is it the anti-woman stuff in the Middle East that is causing problems?

??

He's a good citizen of the world and would be a good move if the Prez wants the dept of defense to work for PEACE. (truly the best defense is peace)

It won't happen but it is a nice thought.

Then Brown will win his seat in a special election, becoming the Junior Senator from MA

I'd rather not lose a single vote there, especially Kerry's.

The nominee might be someone we've never considered, or even heard of.

There are probably alot of great diplomats I don't know about though.

No way should we risk Kerry's seat.

First, he clearly has the foreign policy chops.

Second, it's "bipartisan".

Third, I agree with the other posts in the thread: while Kerry is a good pick as well, it very likely gives the MA Senate seat right back to the GOP.

Smartest guy in the room wherever he goes.

Serious gravitas.

A credible foreign policy background.

A solid Democrat.

At least a few years back was more than willing to serve.

edit to add: No electoral hit. He is not in any elected office that we would have to defend.

I thought he might pick one of them back in 2008.

In fact I can't think of a better person for the job.

Kerry is the popular choice, and I think he'd be great. But Wesley Clark is an intriguing option. I think he's more than capable, and it would allow Kerry's Senate seat to remain filled.

... which I hadn't considered. I also like the idea of Wesley Clark.

Jon Huntsman Jr., John Kerry and Colin Powell round out my potential top five Hillary SoS replacement list.

TYY

I would love to see the government really give it to the repubs and create a Department of Science and offer someone like Tyson the post, though that is highly unlikely. Perhaps a major upgrade to ED to ramp up government involvement in that area.

If she is, I'd say Colin Powell.

And he allegedly KNEW the intelligence was BS. You'd put someone like that in charge?

Frankly, he's the only one from the shrub's years that I would trust. The rest are all war criminals. He was just being a good soldier and you could read in his eyes that he wasn't happy about it. So yes, I'd trust him with that position. He's well respected around the world and has the calm demeanor and comprehension of situations to be effective in the position.

Can you think of someone more suited for the job? I can't.

I seriously think he has the international savvy.

But would he stay the 4 years, or try and run again in 2016?

with lots of international experience and one who doesn't have baggage that would hurt the President. Taking John Kerry out of the senate would mean another 'fight' with the GOPers and Susan Rice's battles (right or wrong) have yet to be fought (thru sham hearings by the house), which would take her attention away from SoS work.

Sec Clinton says she'll stay until successor is up and running - Jon Huntsman wouldn't need a lot of schooling on the job.

Jon Huntsman Jr. had the only chance of winning the 2012 presidential election, of all republican contenders. I'm surprised the GOP couldn't see that.

I think Jon Huntsman Jr. is a viable contender for SoS when Hillary steps down.

TYY

I would like to know what was going on in his mind.

a very solid choice. Good suggestions on this thread.

And it would be a nice show of bipartisanship. But I would hate to see Kerry get passed over again...he is one of the people who went out on a limb and took a risk on Obama early, and he is very well qualified for the job. Maybe if Obama picked Lugar for Secretary of State he could give Kerry Secretary of Defense...is Panetta expected to stay on?

After seeing what Hillary has gone thru at age 65, I'm wondering if Lugar could handle it physically. It's too bad. As a distinguished Senator on foreign affairs, he certainly could handle it professionally and very well. But we don't want to kill the guy...

strong Dem candidate to replace him in the Senate.

They say diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell and make them think it will be a nice trip. Rahm's got the first part nailed already.

since the RW would love to make a huge fight over her and put the Benghazi thing back in play. It's too bad, too...

I'd hate for us to give up Kerry, altho he would be perfect too. Lugar might not be a bad choice since I doubt many RWers have the stomach to fuss about him and it would show bi-partisanship on the part of the President, which could be a nice thing.

Richardson would seem to be a good choice, but he has a terrible personal reputation, which might come to light if the RW wanted to make trouble early in Obama's second term.

And would be very good at it. But I would be happy with Susan Rice also. Both are good choices.

You heard it here first.

Or Rachel Maddow or Bill Clinton. Or best of all keep Hillary there.

He was right on the war. He is right on global warming.

try to show the world that we're ready to be serious about climate change.

but only if we are.

the very best way. Bill Clinton's foundation is awfully important and does fine work all over the world.

In addition, I don't know if his health can withstand the punishment of that job. He might be frailer than we think. Richard Holbrooke keeled over suddenly and died from a massive heart attack right in the middle of his work for the State Dept.

Bill Clinton needs to take care of himself. He is doing excellent work as it is...

Pete would turn him down but I'd record all the news clips about it.



PB