I like Flournoy, I think she is smarter than Chuck, not that Hagel is some door-stop or anything. Hagel would be for a gest towards bipartisonship ...
I think it is a myth.
THe right couldn't give a flying monkey who is appointed. Yes, they will grind an ax if their are no crossover appointments, but ... the value of a crossover appointment lasts for about 6.9 minutes.
If Hagel is a superior by talent appointment, then appoint him.
If Flournoy is a superior by talent appointment the appoint her.
DoD I just want the best person on the job.
State is different, State is also the face of the gov to the rest of the world. State requires supreme competence AND sale-ability. HRC has done a fine job. HRC has both. HRC is hard to replace. I think folks underestimate this. It is very very difficult to fill HRC's at State's shoes.
It is the first real clear no doubt about it any replacement for that woman is a step down situation I am aware of in national level cabinet level politics.
We now finally observe a situation, one which we have observed at state and Senate levels where in no uncertain terms the loss of a particular person, who happens to be a woman, represents a nearly irreplaceable capacity on the national stage. It is difficult for me to iagine that HRCs replacement will be as effective as HRC ... and I am talking anybody for a replacement. O.K. somebody mentioned WJC ... but I am not so sure of that, WJC might showboat a bit too much for State.
I have never really been an HRC fan. I look at HRC's heathcare things and so on, a snarkish dismissal of the opposition, an apparent snotty confidence in the stupidity of others, ... and I accept, I likely am exhibiting some components of sexism (I mean I don't think so, but I cannot transplant my innate responses).
HRC has won me over. I am still suspect for her as POTUS, but I am sure a primary campaign would resolve that for em one way or the other.
If in the coming years HRC eclipses a certain 'amicable' threshold for me, then the US would have a remarkable opportunity IMO to have easily (by far, by any reasonable measure) the most seasoned candidate in modern history to serve as POTUS.
HRC knows victory and defeat, has served in the Senate and been served by the Senate and confirmed by the Senate. HRC has served at State, and not as some flimsy post-holder. HRC was the first lady, significantly involved in policy including the failed HillaryCare effort. An accomplished lawyer, an accomplished Senator, an accomplished SoS, and a former white house occupant ... I am not familiar with a credential sheet that can compete with that. In none of these positions was HRC a flower on the wall.
Knowing that the demographic reality of the US is such that in any national election the Dem starts with a MASSIVE advantage (reminiscent of the GP advantage of the 70s and 80s) the nominee has a very good chance of becoming president. HRC knows this.
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