It would put them in a bind, no doubt about it.

What are the Democrats hiding?
Why can't they nominate one of their own?

Elections have CONSEQUENCES.

One of the consequences is that ya don't get to be the boss when your team loses.

I say challenge and smack down.

Rice has studied foreign relations her entire life and worked hard for this administration. I see no reason Obama should give the most important cabinet position to any Republican.

I find it pretty hard to point to one and say that is THE most important position. There has certainly been a lot of talk here on DU about Treasury and Attorney General.

After VP, Speaker of the House, and President Pro Tem of the Senate. That makes it the most important cabinet position. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_line_of_succession

in the first place from threats is more important.

But I get where you are coming from (and see how you raked the positions which is accurate) so we don't need to endlessly debate. I just feel in my opinion there are MANY things going on at all times and we have been forced to focus on two (the fiscal... not such a steep cliff... cliff & PetraeghazCIAGate).

There are still people hungry in the USA (HHS), there are still people without power in NYC (DoE/HuD), our national infrastructure is crumbling (DoI), schools are failing (DoE), and millions American's are under/unemployed (DoL).

To me it's all just as important.

Defense is third after Treasury. My point is not what you or I personally believe is important but what the Constitution specifies.

Huntsman is not an acceptable choice. If they want to avoid a battle in the senate they can choose Kerry.

all because that's what the constitution specifies.

And frankly illogical. That is no longer part of the constitution and has nothing to do with this discussion. Whether you despise the constitution or not, it is the binding and highest law of this nation.

and of course they would find something else to complain about. I am suggesting we CONSPIRE to openly split the two wings of the gop. The fallout of their infighting would help to drive out some at both extremes of the party or even possibly split it forever. Huntsman would be adequate and I see little downside.

I really respect Susan Rice but appointing someone such as Huntsman has many benefits both short term and long term. I also think he would do a good job continuing in a position as a diplomat.

Remember no one has put ANYONE forward, and Hilary has yet to actually leave. The whole thing is a bit premature.

for being an idiot

That would suggest that she had some actual political power