Ted Kennedy Offers Hillary High-Level Post On Health Care
If Hillary doesn't want -- or doesn't get -- the Secretary of State gig, she appears to have another high-profile option open to her that involves a topic with which she has some passing familiarity:
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y), considered a prominent contender to become secretary of State in the Obama administration, was offered an alternative Tuesday -- to be a senior member of the Senate team aiming to overhaul the nation's healthcare system.Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who has announced plans to craft sweeping healthcare legislation next year, asked the former presidential contender to head a working group focused on insurance coverage.
Politico reports that this not precisely what Hillary had hoped for on the health insurance front, but it would be a prominent post nonetheless.
Health care, of course, was the domestic issue where Hillary's differences with Barack Obama were most pronounced. But with questions swirling about how prominent a role Kennedy will play in driving reform on Capitol Hill, given his own health, Hillary seems like a logical back-up figure.
Why should HRC be given a second chance to screw up healthcare?
November 19, 2008 9:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
What makes you so certain she has failed to learn from her prior experience? Besides, at that point she was not an elected official. It was a messy set of tentacles that she was involved in then. If Kennedy endorses this, give him the benefit of the doubt!
November 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely.
At a company I used to work for, my boss told me a story (after I had made a fairly large mistake) that had happened to him. He had made a much larger mistake, costing his company several hundreds of thousands of dollars. After this mistake, he was called into his boss's office. After they had discussed what had gone wrong, my boss had confessed to his boss that he had expected to get fired, to which his boss responded, "Why would I fire you? I've just invested several hundred thousands of dollars into your education!"
It's all a matter of perspective. (Of course, at some point, someone's education might be deemed too expensive, but I don't think that applies to HRC.)
November 19, 2008 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent point.
November 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
and a great story.
November 19, 2008 11:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
I had a similar experience many years ago; except the ending was "I fire you."
:-P
November 19, 2008 11:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
lol. Sorry!
November 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Right, TheraP, there were all kinds of wrenches in the mix with HRC's plan. Some may find it difficult to believe that the effort was sabotaged for reasons as nonsensical as HRC not knowing her "place" in the White House. First Ladies were still not expected to have brains or capabilities. If you think the GOPers were ugly with Obama, you don't remember the weaponry that came forward for this enterprise in the 90's.
November 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
I well remember.
November 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
As a long time Obama supporter, I always did agree that Hillary's health care plan was better than Obama's. I just figured he had the character I wanted as a president. But that we'd deal with making health care better once he was president.
To me this signals not only that Hillary might have another option than State but also it suggests that Obama is open to a different health care system than the one he proposed during the primary.
I myself would prefer a one-payer system. We may not get that. But I'd love to see Kennedy and HRC collaborate here. Kennedy has a very lethal cancer. His stature likely ensures the passage of important and sweeping health care legislation. And by lifting HRC to this role, he ensures a legacy for both of them.
HRC is a policy person. She may do better in the legislative branch. I'm nobody to her, but I urge her to seriously consider this. By remaining a Senator, she ensures the nation a long and productive public service career.
Health care is so important right now on so many levels. It's a MUST! And I like this proposal of Kennedy's. We already know she asked for something like this. And I hope it's also a signal that Barack is willing to give over health care reform to the legislative branch.
November 19, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think Bill Clinton's "dealings" would be nearly an issue if Sen. Clinton was targeted for the HHS posting.
The Senate's ol'boy club is big on seniority and waiting your turn, so it's likely that there is a line-up of folks between Kennedy and Clinton who want the Senate health care portfolio.
I think Obama would like a more extensive universal system, however pragmatically he knows that you can't blow the door off the hinges, but crack it open and get your foot in and then gradually keep pushing it open further and further. Hillary tried to use blunt force to hammer though her perfect policy and ended up making perfect enemy of the good and faced entrenched resistance from the GOP as a result.
I do think healthcare is reason why Obama "forgave" Lieberman, because it will be a close vote (given the blue dogs) even with the majorities and one vote could be the difference.
November 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Healthcare has been Hillary's "raison d'etre" for many years. How would it affect her politically if she were to pass up this golden opportunity that Kennedy just handed her? She's a junior senator (38th on the totem pole) who has just been offered a political plum.
November 19, 2008 10:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here's my thinking on this. The very fact that Kennedy has such stature and is in poor health almost puts a benediction on the passage of health care legislation. When someone is revered as he is, the desire to accomplish something very important - at time when his life is threatened and the legislation may become either his legacy or a memorial to that legacy - acts as a force multiplier. We can't discount the moral power that he wields, both within the party and the nation, due to his lineage and his hard work in the Senate for decades.
I personally think, and I'm speaking here as a psychologist, that his return to the Senate and his passion for health care - as a man, and as a man with cancer - lifts this whole issue to another plane of importance. And if he collaborates with HRC, he ensures that a dogged, policy wonk - with a national following - will ensure that his health care train crosses the finish line - perhaps in record time!
Of course I could be wrong.
November 19, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think you are. This is such an important issue, and, seniority or no, Hillary would be an excellent driver. Of course the decision is hers, and this just ads to the complexity of her decision-making process.
Personally, I have no idea how she'll go. But health care has been important to her for a long time, and was the deciding factor when I voted for her in the primary.
November 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
She could always be elevated to State. But truly, I pray she takes care of this first!
November 19, 2008 11:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Didn't she get denied (by Reid and Kennedy) a desired sub-committee chairmanship last week? I wonder if this pushed her to consider Obama's offers. Also I wonder if this offer is made in good faith, or they're throwing her a bone her in order to take her out of the SOS running so ol'boys club buddy John Kerry could have his chances improved for the job he desires.
Bill Clinton is opening the books for the vetting team, means Hillary wants the SOS job, and I still contend that she's already been formally asked and accepted it subsequent to passing the vetting. I can't see Bill agreeing to vetting any other way.
November 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think the position has been offered. The offer would ONLY come after vetting; not before. It's how Obama handled VP. What we are seeing is the Clinton attempt at forcing Obama's hand; making Clinton the ONLY acceptable choice. Not only is completely ignorant of who Obama is and how he operates, it actually increases the likelihood that she will not be tapped as SOS.
Just my $0.05 (inflation).
November 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, this whole script has a very familiar ring to it.
November 19, 2008 11:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
News reports this morning indicate that Hillary is torn about accepting Sec of State. Whether this is connected to Tuesday's offer by Kennedy, who knows? But one report I read, I think in the NY Times paper edition, from an unnamed source close to her, said that she is mulling over whether she'd want to relinquish the independence she enjoys as a senator for the lack of autonomy she'd have a Obama's representative abroad. You can google this. There are a lot of reports out.
November 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, I heard this. So she gets to decide between long term security and possibly having an active hand at shaping health care in the immediate future or the short term (relatively speaking) of being our spokeswoman/shaper in world affairs.
I'm glad I'm not making this decision! (actually I'd love to be in her shoes!)
November 19, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ummmm..... I'm refraining from going there.... (the culture wars!)
November 19, 2008 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
(to comment above) Don't think it will be Kerry even if Hillary drops out of contention -- he's just too important as a senior, respected Senator and as (now) chair of Foreign Affairs. Maybe a later SOS or something else big once Obama has gotten major legislation through or a working group of other Senators (Dem and Rep) to lead legislative fights.
I'd be shocked if the status between Obama and Clinton isn't "the job is yours IF vetting doesn't turn up unworkable problems" That's what she had asked for re: the VP choice: "don't vet me unless the job is being offered to me." if he abided by her request then (and took hell for not vetting her), why wouldn't he now.
This news about Kennedy's offer coming on the heels of the sudden "indecision" on her part is interesting. Either vetting has turned up something that can't be gotten around (possibly in the personal sphere rather than financial - Bill, that is) or, as suggested, it's been a great headfake all along. (Surely has diverted attention from everything else quite satisfactorily.) I like the tinfoil hat theory!
My instinctive feeling from back in the primaries is that Hillary and Obama actually have no trouble working together and may actually have a good bit of mutual respect and trust. So I can see them setting up a scenario where she is given a legitimate offer but also assured of a face-saving fallback if there are problems vetting Bill ..... or .... the lovely headfake. (And between them, and all her supporters, Kennedy and Obama could probably assure her prominence if she had to inherit, even if normal seniority didn't).
Last thought -- Obama doesn't need Hillary. He needs the goodwill of her supporters and (I think) he honestly wants to give her credit for what she accomplished (in part because it makes what *he* accomplished seem even more impressive).
Can't say it's dull, even though the election is over.
November 19, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lovely thinking through of the permutations and combinations. Aren't we having fun?
November 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Here's my tinfoil hat prediction:
The Hillary for SOS is a huge head fake by both the Senator and the PE; they both look like they're having too much fun pulling the strings of the MSM everytime they're asked a question about it and refuse to answer. The PE wants Bill Richardson at State and with everyone's focus over on the Clinton's he's able to do vetting under more private circumstances. Hillary really does want a role in healthcare and the Senate is the place to be to effect change there. This is a Obama-Kennedy (Ted and Caroline)-Clinton (Hillary and Bill) head fake to put the MSM in its place. Just my tinfoil hat talkin'.
What prize do I get if I'm right? :-)
November 19, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
A real hat instead of one made of tinfoil.
November 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
A flea collar?
November 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
We'll put up a blog, asking everyone to follow you! So you rise in importance here at TPM.
Now, I can't guarantee people will actually click "follow" - but how's that for a prize?
November 19, 2008 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
On the other hand, how will we know about the backdoor machinations that you suggest? So... would we have to wait years and years to find the real answers and give you your prize?
You need to be more specific about what needs to happen for the prize to be awarded. Then we have to form a committee maybe. And so on.
Look for a real hat!
November 19, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think we'd need to call a summit, invite all of the major players (kind of like a McCain BBQ but more fun), and tickle people until they tell the truth.
I'm partial to Tree Eagle hats from Santa Fe, myself.
November 19, 2008 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
linky?
November 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmmm--haven't been able to find one. They were on E Water St right in La Fonda. It's been a few years since I was last there, so they may have moved (or just not have a web site). I'll do some more poking when I get home and grab one of my hats.
November 19, 2008 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are so reliable!
November 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hilarious. I was at La Fonda a week and a half ago, but I wasn't looking for those fabled hats. If only I'd known to look for them!
November 19, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's hard to imagine the Senator and the PE could colabrating in perfect harmony as you suggesst, especially Senator Clinton playing along for no WH in return.
It seems Obama is more interested in Hillary than the other way around. The transition seem willing to make concessions for Bill and Hillary. I truly believe the decision is in her hands if she wants a major position in the WH. It opens new possibilities and risks for her future in politics and it is understanbly a tough decision.
November 19, 2008 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Too many typos, thoughts racing beyond the fingers on the keyboard.
November 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
It only seems that way because one party is publicly "contemplating" a position that hasn't been offered.
November 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Which is why it strikes me that it would strike HRC and BHO as a fun way to get back at the MSM. But, again, it's just a tinfoil hat. . .
November 19, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
There's been a lot of leaking lately. And it seems to be a deliberate way the Obama transition team functions.
And yes, you have to wonder whether both Obama and Hillary are enjoying toying with the pundits and the bloggers. It gives everybody a sense of participation! And boy do we love that!
November 19, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
If Hillary stays in the Senate and Richardson gets State (both of which I devoutly wish for), how about you get a two-week pass on tin-foil-hat predictions?
We all have to either praise your prognostications or keep silent.
November 19, 2008 10:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I endorse that prize!
November 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll take it! And if I go down in flames, you can all give me a resounding "fbtzzzzzzzzz" every time I comment for a couple of weeks.
November 19, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
"fbtzzzzzzzzz"
(Sorry, just trying it on. As a new Mexican, I'm kind of hoping Richardson does get in. And not because he's the gov--he actually does seem incredibly capable at handling foreign affairs.)
November 19, 2008 11:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'd like to see him get it, also. I've always liked his style, he's already done diplomacy at the UN, and an ability to segue seamlessly between two of the major languages in the world has to be an enormous plus. I'm still kicking myself for letting my 10+ years of Spanish go by the wayside. . .
November 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, the whole point is you get to do that free of any repercussions, you see. At least that's what I thought I was signing onto.
November 19, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ah, so the tinfoil protects me against all enemies foreign and domestic. Even better! :-)
November 19, 2008 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been thinking along similar lines. We heard a hint of that yesterday when someone "leaked" that Senator Clinton has been a great team player in all this drama.
Ultimately, Senator Clinton should be looking beyond the next job. Most Secretaries of State last about one term. What will she do after that? Going back to the Senate is one option, but why leave it for four years, then start all over again with the seniority?
I predict that she will decline the job, PE Obama will look good for having offered it to her, Senator Clinton will accept Senator Kennedy's appointment, and everyone will be happy.
November 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Including Bill who can go on making the zillions for his speeches!
November 19, 2008 10:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I think Hillary wants SoS and barring something terrible coming up during the vetting, will get SoS. Bill was the last hurdle and if press reports are correct, he just made some major concessions re: his finances and role with his foundation if Hillary is selected as SoS. Plus, she's got three of her top attorneys assisting the PE team with the vetting.
Think about it. There is a ton of damage control that our nation needs to do on the foreign policy front. There are fires brewing in the Middle East, Central Asia, the Caucasus, etc, etc. We have a global economic crisis. Heck, we even have pirates!
SoS is going to be the highest profile cabinet position in the next 4-8 years, even more than Treasury. (Obama will be the guy leading the charge on the economy and, let's face it, Treasury Secretaries haven't had rock star status since the days of Alexander Hamilton.) On healthcare, Hillary will be one of many laying claims to ownership of the issue in Congress. Unless Ted takes a sudden a tragic turn for the worse, he's going to own this. And if he does take a turn for the worse, given the seniority rules of the Senate, Hillary isn't going to be the one to take ownership, at least not all by herself. Hillary wants to own, not assist, not share. And even though she'll be working for Obama as SoS, she'll have more ownership over our nation's foreign policy portfolio than she will over healthcare reform. And the world's stage will be hers. You think she'd turn that down?
Unless something truly unacceptable is uncovered during the vetting, she's going to Foggy Bottom. Count on it.
November 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Then why is she signally that she's torn about this? Public signals.
November 19, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think that story was to give her cover should the vetting somehow disqualify her, also to make it look like she has options and isn't waiting with baited breath Barack's decision.
November 19, 2008 10:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Makes sense.
November 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
That "torn" story is coming from one unnamed adviser who "is familiar with her thinking". That tells me that this "adviser" has no real idea what Hillary is thinking but is basing his/her assumptions on what he/she "thinks" Hillary is thinking. Frankly, I wouldn't trust what comes out of the mouths of most people who refer to themselves as Hillary "advisers".
For every story about her being "unsure", there are 4 or 5 claiming that the vetting is proceeding nicely, that the teams are working well together, and that both sides are very interested in Hillary being SoS. Politico's story yesterday had the headline saying she might "reject" the offer, but when you read the story is simply said that she was weighing her options and wasn't 100% certain yet, as you would expect any nominee for SoS to do. And, again, the source for that story was the aforementioned "adviser". Politio's headline on this today? "Hillary vetting process gains steam"
She will be Obama's Sos.
November 19, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
*peeking around door....is it ok to come back here?*
I likes me some Hillary and Ted on healthcare, and Richardson as SOS......i don't want to lose his last two years here, but.......we gotta do what we gotta do. I also like HRC as SOS...either way its good for me.
November 19, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why is a problem to come back here? I for one am a great fan of yours!
November 19, 2008 10:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. One tough calculation for Hillary is what might happen if Teddy sets her up to lead his healthcare task force, then succumbs in his battle with brain cancer. The Senate's seniority tradition is deeply entrenched. She might find herself out on a limb if/when he's gone.
November 19, 2008 11:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I would bet that if he dies, the Senate will make sure his "baby" is born. They will see Hillary as the mid-wife. And there will be a powerful groundswell of support and desire to honor his memory - through passing this legislation. Count on it!
November 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
There would be a certain amount of poetry in that, considering her LBJ comments, and the way they were played up.
November 19, 2008 11:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
i was referring to the Lieberman kerfuffle yesterday....it was skeery in here....lol....
November 19, 2008 11:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I missed that. I've just decided to trust Obama's judgment. And whew.... glad I missed a scary time here.
I think I avoided it on purpose actually.
November 19, 2008 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think the Senate is protective to keep health care Teddy's accomplishment. I also think Hillary wants a legacy of her own which I why I am optimistic about her as SOS.
November 19, 2008 11:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
What if she does one and then the other? That's not totally out of the question.
November 19, 2008 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink