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February 01, 2005
Clinton(s) 2008
There should be no doubt that Hillary is running for higher office. Hillary Rodham's recent statements aimed to paint her as a centrist by seeking common ground on abortion make it clear that she is gunning for the presidency in 2008.
But is Bill also running for higher office? I've wondered before, but Kofi Annan's announcement today makes me think that something is up.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan has selected former President Clinton to be the U.N. point man for tsunami reconstruction and ensure that the world doesn't forget the needs of those devastated by the Dec. 26 disaster, a U.N. diplomat said Tuesday.
President Clinton is an excellent candidate for this job. The relief effort will be well managed under his leadership. But forgive me for being a bit cynical when it comes to the Clintons: Could this be just the opportunity for Bill to launch his campaign for UN Secretary General? I'll bet the thought has at least crossed his mind.
Dick Morris once wrote that "Bill and Hillary Clinton have one central idea in their uncluttered, ambitious minds: Hillary in 2008."
Dick's analysis here may not be is correct; after all, Morris thought the SBV Ads would "backfire"). But what if he is correct and Bill is obsessed with the idea of Hillary as President?
As UN Secretary General, Bill Clinton could use the bully pulpit to confront President Bush on global policy like no other person could. And, let's face it folks, he is much better on that bully pulpit than our dear W. He could hammer conservative politics and, with the MSM having heart palpitations over his return to the spotlight, his message would be carried into every American home, every day.
But, what if Bill's candidacy for UN Secretary General is some type of move to preempt Hillary's candidacy? Can anyone imagine having one Clinton run the United States, while the other Clinton ran the world (so to speak)? And, if Clinton were to wear the 5-star Blue Helmet, do you think he would give up the power that comes with that helmet so that Hillary could run for President?
I have no idea. But, I think it's safe to say that the Clintons are up to something.
UPDATE: Former Senator Jessie Helms weighs in:
"I'm sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former President of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake," wrote the 83-year-old Republican, who left office in 2003 after five terms.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the letter Tuesday. It contains a petition asking President Bush to "rebuke all efforts by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and every other liberal in Congress to push for Bill Clinton to become Secretary-General of the United Nations."
Is the first shot in a long drawn out war? Or is Senator Helms just ranting?
There was another line in the Helms article that caught my attention:
"Clinton has said nothing publicly about wanting to lead the U.N" (emphasis added). Hmmmm...
Posted by Rick at February 1, 2005 03:07 PM
Comments
Rick,
Clinton cannot be President again. He's not eligible to be Pope. Not sure what other "higher office" there is?
Mark
Posted by: Mark Sides at February 1, 2005 04:05 PM
Mark, the post was mostly tongue-in-cheek. You and I might view the Presidency as the highest office (second to the Pope of course), but that does not mean our ideas are shared by our friends on the left. With the Presidency more than 4 years in Bill's past, he may be thinking of his "resume" as providing a stepping stone to the UN throne. He wouldn't even be considered for the job if "Governor of Arkansas" was his greatest prior achievement.
Posted by: Rick Brady at February 1, 2005 05:53 PM
If Bill is selected as the UN Secretary General - maybe that should be Executive Secretary (can't really say one is elected for that, can you) can we revoke his US citizenship? After all, he'll truly be a "global citizen". Judging by his comments post election and during Davos, maybe he doesn't want to be associated with such ignorant, venal citizenry as US rednecks here in the good, ol' USA.
Posted by: Wayne at February 1, 2005 09:13 PM
As far as I know, The UN Sec'y General cannot come from a country that sits on the Security Council. The UN would have to amend its own constitution - not unthinkable - or the US would have to pull out of the UN, for Clinton to be Sec'y General.
But it's clearly what he is all about. I am more concerned about him being in charge of so much money, so easily unaccounted for...and there is that Marc Rich connection to the oil-for-food scandal.
But you know what? I'm not worried. God has his own plans for it all.
Posted by: TheAnchoress at February 2, 2005 01:01 AM
Good to know Anchoress! I had no idea there was a rule like that. Interesting. I guess Jesse Helms didn't know either? Maybe he is just ranting.
Posted by: Rick Brady at February 2, 2005 01:28 AM
Let's not let Anchoress's idea of pulling out of the UN go too quickly. If that's what it takes to get Clinton to be General Secretary, that's a price I'm willing to pay.
Posted by: Mark Sides at February 2, 2005 09:09 AM
Nothing may preclude William Jefferson Clinton ("Slick Willy" in either American or British English) from appointment to Secretary General.
From the UN...a summary of the SecGen and detail of his appointment by the security council and "confirmation" (AKA U.S. Senate?) by the General Assembly.
http://www.un.org/News/ossg/sg/pages/sg_office.html
"The Charter describes the Secretary-General as "chief administrative officer" of the Organization, who shall act in that capacity and perform "such other functions as are entrusted" to him or her by the Security Council, General Assembly, Economic and Social Council and other United Nations organs."
Detail:
http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/index.html
"Article 97
The Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary-General and such staff as the Organization may require. The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the Organization.
Article 98
The Secretary-General shall act in that capacity in all meetings of the General Assembly, of the Security Council, of the Economic and Social Council, and of the Trusteeship Council, and shall perform such other functions as are entrusted to him by these organs. The Secretary-General shall make an annual report to the General Assembly on the work of the Organization.
Article 99
The Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.
Article 100
1. In the performance of their duties the Secretary-General and the staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other authority external to the Organization. They shall refrain from any action which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible only to the Organization.
2. Each Member of the United Nations undertakes to respect the exclusively international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff and not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Article 101
1. The staff shall be appointed by the Secretary-General under regulations established by the General Assembly.
2. Appropriate staffs shall be permanently assigned to the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and, as required, to other organs of the United Nations. These staffs shall form a part of the Secretariat.
3. The paramount consideration in the employment of the staff and in the determination of the conditions of service shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. "
Posted by: skibrian at February 2, 2005 11:44 AM
*not "AKA U.S. Senate"...meant to say "similar to Senate Confirmation of Presidential appointments"??*
Posted by: skibrian at February 2, 2005 11:48 AM
Thanks for the great info Brian! I guess I could have checked it out myself, but hey - glad to have your participation!
Posted by: Rick Brady at February 2, 2005 12:30 PM