If Obama loses the nomination, I'd like him as Secretary of State

The Vice President job is a black hole lasting 4-8 years. Yes, I know it's a good stepping stone for a presidential run later, but I don't recall hearing anything from Al Gore during his 8 years of hibernation as VP. Obama is simply too articulate and talented a leader to go disappear as vice president. I think he'd be a magnificent secretary of state. That job is essentially "diplomat in chief" and I know no one who combines his intelligence with natural diplomatic skills.

So I'd rather see Obama in that capacity- this would dovetail nicely with the prevailing conventional wisdom that Hillary should nominate a white male from a swing state (e.g. Mark Warner) as VP.

He's a born diplomat. His father is from Africa. He lived in Indonesia, born in Hawaii. He's a guy that actually listens to what other people say before reaching a conclusion. He would be a natural secretary of state. Actually, I can't think of a better person, beside Bill Clinton himself, who could do a better job.

as a negotiator worldwide.

Obama is still untested. When he actually has a track record, let me know.

I'd prefer to leave him in the Senate and hope he develops the wisdom to know that Lieberman is wrong on most issues.

the environment.

a liberal State Department professional. As talented as Mr. Obama is, I don't think this is a good time for on-the-job training.

Just asking.

where he is one of only two or three actual progressives

that will put to rest he has no experience B/S.

I'd suspect he'd just go on as Senator and run for re-election in 2010!! Not take any positions in the cabinet.

We'll see how this goes though. He's not my first choice, but I'll take him over Hillary.

Sometimes the Obama worshiping around here goes way too far....