Change doesn’t come without some shaking things up. And one of the things that needs shaking up is the last remnants of the Obama Clinton divide, the old arguments about who’s tougher, who’s experienced, who was right or wrong on this or that vote. Change that you can depend on depends on confidence in the agents of change.
That is the very reason why President-Elect Obama is taking the right steps in building his cabinet. The truth is Hillary Clinton was right when she claimed in the primaries that she had devoted her life and long career to change. Obama is exhibiting great self-confidence by preparing to announce the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.
Over the next few days, there will be many who will offer negative criticism of both Obama and Clinton. They are the playa haters of politics, playing on an unjustified fear about two strong leaders would work together, mixed with a good dose of envy and old fashioned political grudges. It will come from the extremes on both sides, left and right. The first rule of Obama’s promise is to move past all that. If anyone ever doubted Obama’s ability to impress his vision on strong personalities, the discipline of the campaign and transition should have dispelled any doubts.
Obama appears to make decisions not based on what is most popular or most traditional. Instead, Obama is making cabinet decisions based on who he believes is the most qualified, intelligent, caring, dedicated and ready to serve.
Clinton's experience and expertise will be invaluable to the Obama team. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will be simply be one of the best.
-Russell Simmons