Many have speculated that President Obama will swap out current Vice President Joe Biden for current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. But Clinton seemed to put the kibosh on any veep talk yesterday -- and suggested that she may be leaving politics altogether following the 2012 election.
“What could we do to persuade you to run for vice president?” a staffer asked at a State Department town hall meeting Thursday, referring to cyclical rumors and the wishful thinking of some supporters. “Oh, my goodness,” Clinton replied.
“I will certainly stay on until the president nominates someone and that transition can occur,” said Clinton, who has insisted repeatedly that she will be a one-term secretary. “But I think, after 20 years ...of being on the high wire of American politics, and all of the challenges that come with that, it would probably be a good idea to just find out how tired I am.”
The famously workaholic secretary said she has “no idea” what she will do in the future, and doesn’t want to think about it because it might divert attention from today’s diplomatic tasks.
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Of course, that's not a promise to step down, but it's certainly a step beyond the demurring answers she's given to date, which were more along the lines of, "Joe Biden does a great job" than, "I don't want it." And frankly, I can't say I blame her. I'm no Hillary fan, but the woman has undeniably had a busy life. Were I in her position, I might just want to retire somewhere near my daughter and play with grandchildren.
So how about it: Will President Obama replace his second in command? Will Hillary end her stint in politics? Oh, the drama!
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