When President-Elect Barack Obama introduced his nomination for secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, at his press conference on Monday, he had plenty of kind words for his former Democratic primary rival.I believe that there’s no more effective advocate than Hillary Clinton for that well-rounded view of how we advance American interests. She has served on the Armed Services Committee in the Senate. She knows world leaders around the world. I have had extensive discussions with her both pre-election and post-election about the strategic opportunities that exist out there to strengthen America’s posture in the world.Various news outlets have documented this thawing of two icy competitors. Politico reported that Obama kept suggesting Clinton as a possible vice presidential pick, despite his staff’s objections.The New York Times detailed how Obama wooed Clinton over the course of the presidential campaign.Their first conversation post-primaries wasn’t awkward!Obama called Clinton on her personal cell phone after some campaign stops she made for him!Michelle Obama talked to Clinton about what school Malia and Sasha should attend!Barack Obama told Clinton as secretary of state she could pick her own staff!Apparently Obama didn’t want to send Hillary flowers for fear that he look desperate.Now that he has formalized a pick that people have speculated about for weeks, and known to be true since before the Thanksgiving holiday, pundits can move on to wondering just how close Obama and Clinton’s relationship will be (or if that even matters in the first place). Will they be as tight as George and Condi? Is such closeness even a good thing?We’ve looked into the future to see what notes Obama and Clinton passed each other at those dreadfully boring national security meetings. After all, they couldn’t send texts with Obama losing his BlackBerry privileges.Jan. 22, 2009Hey B- sorry about bothering you late last night. Yes, I remember what you said about boundaries. It’s just that I get bored when Bill is out of town. He’s in Dubai again. Anyway … coffee later to talk about Israel? -HilApril 25, 2009I know it’s not basketball, but want to join me while I catch up on my spring gardening? So I need more hobbies – sue me! (R U still licensed to practice?) -HilAug. 4, 2009Hillary! Ol’ Joe was only a few days off. Thanks for answering that phone call for me. I’m so groggy in the early morning. -BarackSept. 5, 2009Will you listen to Gates and Jones go on? I said I didn’t want groupthink in my Cabinet, but this arguing is getting a little ridiculous. Time to take control of the meeting again. -BOct. 19, 2009Hey Hil- Back from another peace conference? You get to do so much traveling! Don’t rub it in. And I don’t need any more presents … you remember the rules on gifts to the President. But thanks for getting that copy of Avatar when you were in Beijing—James Cameron is a genius!Nov. 25, 2009I know it’s last minute, but what are your plans tomorrow? Got another seat at the Obama table? I’ll make sweet potato pie.Jan. 26, 2010Are you hiding out at the undisclosed location tonight? If not, I’ll do my best to shake your hand at the State of the Union. But even if I don’t, remember we’re still best buds! You’re coming over for waffles on Sunday, right? The girls miss Aunt Hillary.Jan. 26, 2010P.S.—One down, seven to go! -B
