Posted on Nov 28, 2016
Why does who is chosen as Secretary of State matter?
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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.
Office of the President (POTUS)
Foreign Policy
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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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.
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1SG (Join to see)
I would point out that this is an issue that predates the current administration. Secretary Powell didn't exactly acquit himself well in the job. Secretary Rice was above average in competence, if underwhelming in actual accomplishments.
I will agree that the two most recent have been very much below par, specifically open to criticism for the details in the "agreements" that they have negotiated.
Truth is, we have had quite a run of piss-poor foreign policy, and it is very important that we get back on track internationally. Issues like Russian aggression, North Korea, Cuba (now that Castro is dead), and ISIS will not wait while the new guy learns on the job.
I will agree that the two most recent have been very much below par, specifically open to criticism for the details in the "agreements" that they have negotiated.
Truth is, we have had quite a run of piss-poor foreign policy, and it is very important that we get back on track internationally. Issues like Russian aggression, North Korea, Cuba (now that Castro is dead), and ISIS will not wait while the new guy learns on the job.
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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.
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1SG (Join to see)
Indeed, SSG (Join to see). The next person to occupy that position has their work cut out for them. Explaining and executing P-E Trump's agenda will be a challenge on the world stage, to say the least. I'm pretty confident that our adversaries and rivals will be testing US policy early and often, too.
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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...
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1SG (Join to see)
Strong, yes. But in what way? A lot of rhetoric has been tossed around the past year. Eventually, something substantive in terms of policy will need to be implemented. Question is, will any of the names floated thus far (Sen Corker, Gen Petreaus, Rudy Guliani, Gov Romney, Amb Bolton) fit that bill? I have serious doubts about two of those names, and one of them seems to have the inside track.
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