Yesterday, Secretary Clinton led the U.S. delegation to the biennial conference on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the first time the United States has participated since 1999. Clinton declared to representatives of about 150 countries, "We are glad to be back."
Of the treaty that her husband signed but has yet to be ratified by the U.S. Senate, Clinton said, "To put it plainly, we support this treaty because it strengthens the prospects of a peaceful, stable and secure world, and would enhance the security of the American people."
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon mentioned Clinton while praising the United States, stating, "The participation of the United States led by Secretary of State Clinton for the first time demonstrates the commitment of the United States to work toward its ratification of the treaty."
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez decided to criticize Clinton. He totally went off on her yesterday in a CNN interview. On Sept. 15, Clinton had expressed concern about Venezuela's arms purchases and how they might spark an arms race in the region. Saying that his country had one of the smallest defense budgets in the region, Chávez declared, "She is totally lost. … You should be concerned. She has lost her way. She is totally wrong." So much for reaching out.
Clinton, of course, doesn't let those kind of comments phase her in the least. She's got more more important things to think about -- including the closing address she's delivering today at her husband Bill's Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. Referring to his presidency, when wife Hillary did charitable work, Bill told the Associated Press, "Here we are at the later stages of our lives when we switch roles."
One random note: A person in Salt Lake City thinks Clinton should resign. Whatever.
Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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