Tim Reid and Tom Baldwin in Washington
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Barack Obama sought to stamp out signs of discord yesterday as his team blamed Bill and Hillary Clinton for tarnishing the presidential transition with the type of psychological drama and leaks that marked their years in the White House.
As the uncertainty over whether Mrs Clinton would accept the job of Secretary of State dragged on, aides from both camps were engaged in anonymous briefings that echoed the bitter exchanges of their marathon primary battle earlier this year.
After the Obama camp let it be known that one potential stumbling block for the former First Lady was her husband’s overseas financial ties and list of foreign donors to his presidential library, Mr Clinton said he had agreed to all the conditions that had been sought by the transition team - including handing over a list of more than 200,000 benefactors. “I’ll do whatever they want,” he said.
Some in the Obama team saw that as a manoeuvre to box in the President-elect by forcing him formally to offer Mrs Clinton the post. Mr Obama is said to have known exactly what he was getting into when he discussed the job with Mrs Clinton during a meeting in Chicago last week, and is confident enough in himself to make such a bold gesture to his former rival. A Gallup poll showed that 57 per cent of Americans favoured the move.
The excitement that greeted Mr Obama’s victory little more than two weeks ago has not yet disappeared. But it is increasingly mingled with other emotions, ranging from frustration to a faint sense of dread.
Mr Obama has scarcely been seen this week while he puts together his administration. Instead, news has been dominated by a series of leaks about Cabinet appointments: Eric Holder for the post of Attorney-General; Tom Daschle for Health; Janet Napolitano, the Arizona Governor, for Homeland Security; and possibly Penny Pritzker for Commerce.
There was growing speculation last night that Mr Obama might keep Robert Gates, President Bush’s Defence Secretary - a decision that will be unpopular with the liberal, antiwar wing of the Democratic Party.
Such disclosures are a departure for Mr Obama’s team which for two years ran an extraordinarily tight campaign but is now struggling to maintain discipline as it moves, in the words of one senior Democrat, “from a family business to multinational corporation”.
In vain, advisers have been ordered to shut up. John Podesta, the head of the transition team, said: “If you leak, you’re gone.” Even so, murmured complaints can be heard about the number of Clinton-era officials who are being lined up for top jobs. Having campaigned so hard and for so long on a message of change rather than experience, Mr Obama appears to have reversed course in the past fortnight.
This week, though, has been overshadowed by the psychological “will-she, won’t she?” drama surrounding Mrs Clinton. It does not augur well for cooperation between his much vaunted “team of rivals” that the Clinton and Obama camps are already pointing the finger of blame at each other.
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Ms Clinton is more than worthy of the capable and worthy of the position. Bravo for Obama in recognizing this!!!!
mj, New Glasgow, Canada
An extremely wise choice Obama has made in choosing Hillary Rodham Clinton. She will serve well as a seasoned and remarkable dignitary. I'm so proud of him and am now hopeful for our country. Best of luck to them both.
Virginia, Castro Valley, California
All these Clinton followers should please shut up. The Clinton era is over, now it is Obama. Why can't Ms. Clinton gracefully accept the job or just say no. What is these rubish about "camps". We got done with camp this or that during the campaigns. Remember Obama won IN SPITE OF the Clintons.
Dr. Godwin Alinta, Lagos, Nigeria
No,no,no....don't do it...it will end up biting you in the back.....pick someone else....Bill Richardson would be a better choice
betty ruggeri, Enfield Center, usa
On the assumption that Hillary Clinton does become the Secretary of State how about a story on the possibility of Chelsea Clinton trying to win the vacated Senate seat from NY. Chelsea Clinton is well educated and lives and works in NY for a while now and those
New Yorkers who love Hillary and have supported her as their Senator probably would elect Chelsea.
nazirmo, Toronto, Canada
It's important for Obama to make decisions that allow him to execute his ideas, and that means you need people with experience, one thing he is shy on. Just because your people know their way around the city, doesn't mean you can't eat at the newest restaurant in town. You just get there faster!
J, West Hartford, CT
I think that Obama should look more closely at the possiblity of naming Bill Richardson for the position, instead. There's always been undertowings from Hillary Clinton's camp, so this may continue to happen throughout the 4 years.
Cathy, Shiprock, NM, U.S.A.
whoever Pres. Obama appoints in becoming the Sec. of Homeland Security and the Dept. of State may save the great purpose of granting a law to reunite former LPR relative of USC who hav been deported for petty offenses. Let discirmination be overcome completely and bring family together.
Guy Jamier, NCR, Philippines
God bless America! Racial decsrimination to fully end as well as gender wise. May Mrs. Hilary Clinton work together with the newly elected President Barack Obama.During my stay in US I have proven her great public service as a First Lady. May changes be made in Immigration and Dept of state.
Guy Jamier, NCR, Philippines
Hillary Clinton cannot say much yet because the transition team has to examine Bill Clinton's list of donors and Bill Clinton has just recently agreed to all the conditions and now it is for the Obama camp and more specifically Obama to make the decision about making an announcement.
nazirmo, Toronto, Canada
Obama would be LUCKY to have a social servant like Hillary on his team.
Ace, NYC,
In my very humble opinion, if President-elect Obama cannot work with Senator Clinton, he should not have her on his team. He already has enough challenges to deal with. He might be building a team of rivals, he should not be building a team that will implode.
Kelvin C, London,
Obama won on a message of change, yet he is considering Clinton, a party hack from a bygone era. His supporters couldnt be angrier.
Robert McNitt, Boulder, United States of America
Give her a deadline and decide. I vote for Bill Richardson-no diva drama there.
paula MacIlwaine, Dayton, usa
Drama is a synonym for Hillary. It does not go away. So use it to your advantage. Everyone loves drama, let's be clear on that! Let the show begin!
rosejean goddard, Ojai CA, USA
I think the important point raised is that the Obama team is now evolving from a family business to a multi-national. During the campaign there was no doubt single minded loyality to the candidate; now there is ethically cause for dual loyalty: to the public and to the president elect.
Muhammed Kamil, Khartoum, Sudan
i dont think its as simple as being or not being the Secretary of State. if she does accept and the financial crisis continues for the Obama's term, it will destroy her career. It also looks like there is war in the US's future(look at the markets) . now maybe people know why she hasnt accepted yet!
Rahim, Vancouver, Canada
Let Richardson & Clinton debate, and voters call in their vote for either. What Bill discolosed is ok, but I'd vote against Hilary- If she's too proud to say she'd be honored to take job if it was offered, she doesn't deserve it.
Joe Gobble, Phoenixville, pa
I am really sick and tired of everything that goes wrong for Obama being blamed on Hillary. The Obama people create drama for themselves and then try to blame it on others. It's like anyone who criticizes Obama is a racist. He was never the knight in shining armor that everyone thought he was!
Deborah, San Francisco,
I am really sick and fed up now of the Clintons. President-elect Barack Obama, you don't need this drama! Ditch the Clintons and move on forward. They will bring you down to their nasty tired level. Change we can believe in DOES NOT include Hillary and Bill Clinton! Bill Richardson for S.O.State!
Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK
Oh, please! The media makes drama where none exists. Is it more difficult for someone of Hillary's stature and that of her husband, the former president, to blend easily into a transition to the Obama administration? Yes, it is. Deal with it. She's the right person for the job. She's brilliant
Eva, Los Angeles,
If you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
Alexandra, Palm Desert, CA, USA