First, let me explain where I'm coming from here. I'm an Obama supporter. I have been since he made it official, though I haven't touted it much and stayed out of the stupid candidate flame wars. That said, while I've had some problems with Hillary Clinton, I still like her and appreciate her talent, intelligence, and genuine goodness. So, that said, I'm not sold on the VP option, but I do have (I think) a pretty good idea what capacity she could serve in in an Obama Administration-
.
.
.
.
How about...Secretary of Defense?
Okay, first let me say how this idea popped in my head. The tv had landed on Chris Matthews (unfortunately) and he and his guests were discussing the idea of Hillary for VP. Someone suggested that she might get a cabinet post and Matthews, in his usual sexist manner, scoffed "What's he going to appoint her to? HHS!" After fantasizing about knocking the man upside his lard filled skull, I found myself muttering that Clinton could be appointed Secretary of Defense. Then, the more I thought about the idea, the more I liked it.
Senator Clinton sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. A big part of her career in the Senate has been devoted to helping our men and women in uniform keep their health insurance, get the body armor they need, etc. True, her political calculations on the War in Iraq and her stupid Iran vote doomed her presidential campaign, but I think after this race she (being the smart person that she is) has realized just how detrimental those votes were and any genuine hawkish instincts will be responsibly managed in Obama's administration after the disastrous war in Iraq.
So she's definitely qualified for the job. What's more, she breaks yet another glass ceiling the process. There's never been a woman appointed to the Defense post (or anything other than a pasty white guy for that matter) and Matthews HHS comment gives every indication as to why this would be so important. After all, a lot of people exhibited sexist skepticism of the ability of a woman to serve as President in regards to the role of commander in chief. How bad do you think the attitude is concerning the civilian control of the military itself?
Additionally, her appointment would break another barrier-the idea that a Republican is best cut out for jobs involving national security. Think about it, how often is Chuck Hagel bounced around for the post? And don't get me wrong, Hagel has a few good qualities (though not as many as a lot of folks seem to want to believe), but does it really help us show our strength on national security if we only appoint prominent Republicans to such posts???
Of course, this isn't the only path open to Hillary Clinton. She could become Obama's running mate, something I'm not entirely opposed to but don't think is the best option, either for the ticket or a person with her skills. She could easily go back to the Senate and become a giant, much like Ted Kennedy or Robert Byrd, though a committee chairmanship is a long way away I'm afraid. That said, I think the Secretary of Defense is a terrific post for her, and one she should definitely be considered for.