Senatorial Love Fest: Clinton Schmoozed Foreign Relations Committee

Wednesday, January 13th, found Hillary Clinton in Washington, DC seated in front of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee in what can only be described as a love fest vice confirmation hearing. It was a celebratory event more than an official inquiry by any stretch of the imagination.

She fielded an assortment of soft ball questions the answers to which were as smooth and slippery as anything she proffered on the recent campaign trail. She was in typically ´Clintonesque´ form – all encompassing in all things, evasive when it suited her purpose, politically correct, veiled in partisan innuendo.

Senator John Kerry is the Chairman of said committee and made it clear to any Senator who tried to get ´cute´ with the soon - to - be Secretary of State that he would have none of it. He and Hillary waltzed through the hearings as if they were the best of buddies. (Was he quietly thinking "That should be me seated there?")

Kerry´s schmaltzy approach to the procedure almost got him in trouble when he noted that Hillary´s daughter, Chelsea, was present at the hearings and he gaffed (man, did he!) when he said that he would make her an ´intern for a day´. Oops!

Even Republicans were overly flattering when questioning her. Senator Richard Lugar (Indiana) referred to her as "the epitome of a big leaguer" and said she would undoubtedly open new opportunities for America´s diplomatic endeavors around the world. Republican Senator Jim DeMint (South Carolina), normally a feisty fellow itching for a fight, said he was "optimistic and hopeful" about her role as Secretary of State. Love all around from all sides!

The Democrats, as to be expected, were effusive in their praise while declining to ask any question which might challenge their former recent colleague to any degree. The Senate is, after all, a tight knit fraternal type organization and will never embarrass one of their own.

The only contentious issues introduced were by Republican Senators Lugar and David Vitter (Louisiana) when they questioned the fundraising of her husband, Bill, and possible conflict of interest issues affecting official government business. As Bill Clinton globe trots to raise funds - vast amounts of cash - for his charitable foundation - and incidentally his library fund – there is the thorny question of propriety in that she will be dealing diplomatically with the same countries and nongovernmental agencies Bill is earnestly shaking down. Vitter expressed concern for "real and perceived conflict issues". Lugar called for her husband to forswear any and all foreign contributions while she is in the office of Secretary of State as to do otherwise would pose "unique complications" and that "great care and transparency" was the order of the day in her appointment and Bill´s activities.

Both Senators were correct to bring the issue up, of course. However no one else even came close. Certainly no Democrats who basically asked no pointed questions on this or any other sticky issue. Hillary danced around the fundraising issue as best she could and, believe me, if you have ever closely observed Hillary, you would know she has perfected equivocating to an art form. No one is better. She never did answer the question of disclosure and a cessation of fundraising by ´Slick Willie´. My guess is she will win out on this and Bill will continue his remunerated quest for the big bucks around the world, propriety be damned.

It was pointed out by several on the panel, and Hillary herself, that this was a unique situation having never before occurred where an appointee was the wife of a former President. True, but it does not warrant special treatment when potential conflicts of interest issues are apparent. The Clinton´s should agree with Lugar´s request that fundraising cease for the term of Hillary´s appointment.

Hillary Clinton´s confirmation hearing was pure partisan politics at its worst. It was all peaches and cream, an ecstatic "We love ya, Hill´!" moment on behalf of the Senate Democrats. I can´t help but wonder about the tone of the hearing of a John McCain appointee - any one - had he won the election. You can bet it would not have been pretty.

There is no doubt that Hillary´s nomination will be pushed through the Senate at record speed; she will likely be confirmed before Barack Obama is sworn in. She has pointed out the vast differences in the current foreign policies to those she will pursue speaking intelligently on varied issues. She was critical of the current administration as having been remiss in many areas which she intends to rectify. Her characterization of her approach to world affairs was stated as ´smart power´.

It is quite remarkable that a former candidate for President who knocked her opponent on everything about his foreign affairs aptitude while campaigning against him is even in such a position. It may be even more astounding that she accepted his nomination for the position, the crown jewel of his administration. Now we will witness the concrete results of her acclaimed foreign policy expertise. Or not?

May God bless America!