I can’t validate this and probably won’t try for the time being. But I will report a reasonably high quality rumor that reached me from a high quality source.
The rumor is that McClatchy News is trying to report a story that should Barack Obama win the election, most of the key members of his Cabinet will be announced on Friday, November 7th.
And the two most likely candidates for the job of Secretary of State, according to the rumblings are. . . . .Senator John Kerry and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.
I’m not sure where this leaves Richard Holbrooke, Senator Chuck Hagel, Senator Richard Lugar, former Senator Sam Nunn and others with sights on that job. I like Senator Kerry and think he brings some real strengths — but Hagel would bring nuance, no “false choices”, energy and some legs on the political right. Richard Holbrooke would also be someone of progressive, cut-throat skill in the job — and would be someone I’d want around twisting arms and delivering results. Richard Lugar is the hard core favorite of a lot of foreign policy veterans.
If it really is John Kerry or Bill Richardson and not a head fake — Obama has to choose Kerry.
I won’t go further than that for the time being into the relative strengths and weaknesses of the contenders, but I did want to share that this news story, which could just be fluff, is reaching some very high placed media stars.
If folks know more, fill me in — and send me your tips.
— Steve Clemons
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