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• Thursday, November 20, 2008 11:19 AM

  @ weeping for brunnhilde

  Thank you for reminding us of how masterful Obama was on 60 minutes re energy independence. He simply pointed out that although oil prices are low that we cannot continue our dysfunctional pattern of consumption to the detriment of our environment, our economy, and our national security.

  That answer indicates to me the main reason I have come to have a certain grudging -- but growing less grudgeful -- respect for Obama. I was not moved by his pretty speeches, his lackluster early debate performances, or by all the "racism" drama manufactured by some of his supporters concerning Hillary Clinton. I knew she was no racist. However, I cannot deny that he ran the best campaign. Moreover, he thinks strategically. It was so apparent that John McCain thinks tactically and that his tactics should have been an embarrassment to all thinking people.

  Now president-elect Obama apparently wants Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State. Many of those who supported him for emotional reasons and most of those who supported him for sexist reasons (consciously or not preferring him as a male to the female candidate) are simply wringing their hands and/or clutching their balls over this turn of events.

  I am laughing.

  I think Obama, as is his way, has selected Clinton for strategic reasons. He will have to deal with an emergency on the economic front. He needs to fulfill his promises on health care and the environment. He must untangle the mess of Guantanamo and has promised to end torture. Right now, Clinton drama actually serves his purpose -- tactically. Moreover, much of this drama is not the Clinton's fault. It is becoming increasingly obvious to the distaste of many that the media/blogosphere itself is creating the drama. They cannot stand the fact that they must wait to be certain of Obama's cabinet decisions. They cannot stand this airless transition period without the 24-7 political news that they have come to depend upon. They are in danger of withdrawal -- so they reach for media-manufactured Clinton drama like a drug.

  While they are distracted, Obama can no doubt get a great deal done without their constant (and sometimes destructive) scrutiny of even minute details of his process.

  Strategically, Senator Clinton is a great choice. Her 18 million voters -- and women in particular who have been infuriated by media sexism -- will come to appreciate that he considered her and that he seriously vetted her. The job is surely Clinton's to turn down or accept. These folks will be mollified. Moreover, if she accepts the job, she gets the immediate star power cred that other choices would have to earn. Obama knows a thing or two about star power.

  Practically speaking, she gives him great cover for people who want to keep on seeing him as Obambi. They can blame her for things. Also, Teddy Roosevelt said that in foreign policy a leader should walk softly and carry a big stick. Hillary is Obama's big stick. She is an immediate signal to Iran not to give him trouble early in his administration.

  What are some fellas so upset about? Precisely because they fear Hillary Clinton's power. They don't like it that she is his big stick. They think it emasculates him. Of course these are the very guys (one in four of men) who would never support a woman as president. It is unlikely that they can stand the thought of supporting a woman -- who actually has some clout -- in a position of such power as Secretary of State. They tried to kill Hillary with misogyny. Ha! Ha!

  I have to laugh. Rise, Hillary, rise.

  —AKA Smith Read AKA Smith's other letters
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