Biden rules out Secretary of State job

In an interview with Newsweek magazine, Joe Biden said under no circumstances would he be interested in becoming the next Secretary of State:

Would you feel unfulfilled in your career if, as someobservers are predicting, you ended up not as president but assecretary of State under the next Democratic president?
Ipromise you, I don’t want to be secretary of State. If I did, this iscertainly not the best way to go about it. I’m going to be takingsharper and sharper exceptions with my colleagues. And it won’t be easyto then turn around and ask to be secretary of State. The truth is, Iwill be upset only if I don’t say what I think during this campaign. Ican die a happy man not hearing “Hail to the Chief.”

By eliminating his name from the list, that opens the door for Wesley Clark and Bill Richardson, assuming the New Mexico Governor will not win the Democratic nomination.  It is still early though.  Keep in mind that during the summer of 2004, John Edwards was not even in the top-four in Iowa, but in January finished second.  Just about anything can happen.

As for Biden, even though he is a smart man, not having him in the next administration would be a relief for future press secretaries in every foreign policy-related department.  Without Biden, they would not have to conduct damage control after each time he opens his mouth.

Comments

[nytexan]

It doesn't surprise me that Biden doesn't want the SOS job. It's probably a good thing since he never knows when to shut up; a 2 hour meeting could take twice as long with him.

Personally I think any of the democratic candidates would make great cabinet members for the next democratic prez.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

nytexan, I second that about him not shutting up. His debate performance on Tuesday spoke for itself. He's a smart guy when it comes to understanding the international system. But as far as putting his foot in his mouth, he is a pro.