Why does who is chosen as Secretary of State matter?

2016-11-28T10:24:53-05:00

All Cabinet choices matter a lot, as policy decisions are only as good as the people who get face time and give trusted advice to POTUS. But SECSTATE has a unique position to actually represent the USA to other nations. Examples of the big foreign fiascos that a SECSTATE can get us into abound in both parties' administrations. Detail work in trade and treaties matter too. Quality over politics.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Nov 28 at 2016 10:42 AM

2016-11-28T10:42:57-05:00

The past eight years show the results of incompetent leadership by the Secretary of State and administration. For a job so critical to world affairs, our presidents don't seem to know or care who takes this position except for PC reasons and political payback.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 28 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-11-28T11:33:33-05:00

I think everything that GEN Petraeus, did during the Iraq war and things he did during his military career points him to the next Secretary of State. WE need strong leaders like him under Mr. Trump and someone who is going to put their foot down when it is time to put their foot down. He will answer the call just like he did in uniform same guy different suit different day.

STEPHENS'

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2016 1:07 PM

2016-11-28T13:07:50-05:00

The Secretary of State is the spokesperson for the United States. That individual speaks for the President. Also that person needs to know how to tell the person across the table from him/her to go to hell and enjoy the ride down. That person will definitely need foreign affairs experience because it isn't just about making the right deal. Its about knowing the underlying agendas [personal & national] world leaders will be pushing. Whoever Mr. Trump chooses has to be someone who can carefully explain and push Mr. Trump's agenda on the world stage.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 28 at 2016 1:34 PM

2016-11-28T13:34:57-05:00

because they will be going to nations around the world and representing the US... and the stronger presence the project the Better the US will Look... or be perceived...

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 12:26 PM

2016-12-01T12:26:30-05:00

My question is "Why Romney?". Don't get me wrong, I am not strongly opposed to him, but personally I would like to see someone with actual evidence of competence in that arena. I thought Gingrich would have been an excellent choice. I think Giuliani and Romney are both out of their league with the job. So far, this appointment is my only area of content. There has got to be much more qualified people for the position, and I was really hoping to see him find people who have been out of the spotlight... you know, the competent people who actually DO the work that the politicians take credit for.... Either way, like you said, whoever it is has their work cut out for them.

Join Russia to back putting Assad back in power on the condition that they wipe ISIS off the face of the planet. Then address Russian aggression by threatening to open the gates to our domestic natural gas extraction. Prepare for conflict with North Korea, because dealing with them will be like trying to take candy from a millennial. Take a step back from NATO, drop NAFTA, the TPP, TTIP, and TISA. Then expand our domestic oil production, open additional refineries, and put the Middle East in their place by collapsing the international oil prices. Saudi Arabia and Iran will be too busy fighting civil wars to fund ISIS, et. al. The trick, is finding someone who can/will do that while avoiding WW3.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 2 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-12-02T15:49:33-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, it matters to me who is chosen as Secretary of State because I want one who will not say, "What difference, at this point, does it make?!"