Who'll be next after Hillary Clinton?

Posted By P.J. Aroon Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 12:48 AM Share

As you all probably know, Secretary Clinton recently answered, "No, I really can't," when asked by PBS's Tavis Smiley Reports whether she'll serve a second term as U.S. secretary of state. In life after being America's top diplomat, Clinton said she'd like to read, write, and maybe even teach. Of course, she said she'll always remain a steadfast advocate for women and girls.

So, if Clinton won't be secretary of state from 2013 through 2016, and if Obama is re-elected for a second term, then who'll be the next secretary of state? Well, FP's The Cable compiled a shortlist that includes:

•Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)

•Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.)

•James Steinberg, U.S. deputy secretary of state

•Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations

•Richard Holbrooke, special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan (and a former managing editor of FP!)

•George Mitchell, special envoy for Middle East peace

•Chuck Hagel, former U.S. Republican senator, now chairman of the Atlantic Council

•Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command

Photo: SHAUN CURRY/AFP/Getty Images

EXPLORE:DIPLOMACY, HILLARY, STATE DEPARTMENT
 
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B. ELLI COSE

4:09 AM ET

February 3, 2010

1. All of this, of course,

1. All of this, of course, assumes that Obama will be re-elected in 2012.

2. What possible qualifications does Petraeus have to be SoS?

3. What about an "out-of-the-box" name like Fareed Zakaria or Christiane Amanpour?

4. It's possible that, to shore up support from the Dem base, Obama will be tempted to do a switcheroo: Clinton for Veep, and (as a consolation prize) Biden for SoS.

 

HRC2012

2:03 PM ET

February 3, 2010

the next SOS

If this country wakes up, and HRC's 18 million voters mobilize, then she will be picking our next Secretary of State. Maybe we should ask her who she will appoint.

 

LOIS WHITFIELD

10:04 PM ET

February 3, 2010

I agree, all of this, of

I agree, all of this, of course, assumes that Obama will be re-elected in 2012. Unless things start to improve soon he may be a one term president.

 

Madam Secretary is an obsessive blog about all things Hillary Clinton. From her policies to her pantsuits, Madam Secretary delivers up-to-the-minute news, analysis, and gossip about America's top diplomat.