Clinton for secretary of state buzz gains momentum
Speculation grows Hillary Clinton is front-runner to be chosen as Barack Obama's secretary of state
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Saturday, 15, Nov 2008 06:43
Speculation is growing that Hillary Clinton is a front-runner for the post of secretary of state in president-elect Barack Obama's 'team of rivals' Cabinet.
The New York senator held talks with Mr Obama, who is inaugurated as United States president on January 20th next year, in Chicago this week.
Washington is abuzz with the rumour after aides of both Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama failed to downplay the significance of the meeting.
However it is understood that no concrete offer was made.
Mrs Clinton, formerly linked to the secretary of health and human services role, would become America's most senior diplomat and fourth in line to the presidency if chosen to replace incumbent Condoleezza Rice.
The former first lady, who fought an often bitter Democratic nomination contest with eventual winner Mr Obama, had previously been linked to Mr Obama's running-mate pick until veteran senator and foreign policy expert Joe Biden was chosen.
Speaking to an audience in New York since meeting Mr Obama on Thursday Mrs Clinton said she would not comment on the formation of his Cabinet.
"I'm not going to speculate or address anything about the president-elect's incoming administration," she said.
"And I am going to respect his process and any inquiries should be directed to his transition team."
Mr Obama has also held talks with New Mexico governor Bill Richardson over the secretary of state position.
The president-elect has vowed to create a bipartisan Cabinet in a similar fashion to Abraham Lincoln, who pulled together his allies and rivals in the 1860s.