Opinion: Barack Obama may tap Hillary Clinton to be his Secretary of State

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A secret meeting between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton yesterday has set rumors swirling that the president-elect might tap his former rival to be his secretary of State.

The pair met Thursday afternoon at Obama’s office in downtown Chicago, Times staff writers confirm. Neither politician has spoken publicly about the meeting, but unidentified aides have told media outlets like CNN that Obama offered Clinton the role.

E-mails sent to Clinton’s aides and to Obama’s transition team were not immediately returned Friday.

Although Clinton has said in the past that she would not be interested in a Cabinet position, she seemed to indicate that she is open to the possibility in an interview on Monday at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

When asked what role she might play in an Obama administration, Clinton answered:

‘I am happy being a senator from New York; I love this state and this city. I am looking at the long list of things I have to catch up on and do. But I want to be a good partner and I want to do everything I can to make sure his agenda is going to be successful.’

Clinton campaigned hard for Obama in the months leading up to the election, putting to rest rumors that she was bitter after her loss in the Democratic primary. Even her husband, former President Bill Clinton, rallied voters for Obama eventually.

Since winning, Obama has surrounded himself with several former staffers from Clinton’s Presidency. Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, served as a top advisor in Clinton’s White House.

Obama was rumored to also be considering Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts and Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska for Secretary of State.

-- Kate Linthicum

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