• Before his inauguration, President Barcak Obama officially nominated Hillary Clinton to the position of secretary of state in December, 2008.Cleveland.com: Officials: Obama set to introduce Clinton Monday (November 30, 2008) President Obama said Clinton is an "American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence."CNN.com: Obama Rolls Out National Security Team (December 1, 2008) Clinton was confirmed as secretary of state on January 21, 2009.

  Clinton met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva on March 6, 2009. A few days earlier, she visited Israel, where she met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

• Fast Facts

  1. Officially nominated on December 1, 2008
  2. Officially sworn in on February 2, 2009
  3. Clinton's confirmation hearing began on the morning of January 13, 2009
  4. Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16-1 in favor of Clinton as secretary of State on January 15, 2009The New York Times: Senate Panel Backs Clinton (January 15, 2009)
  5. One opposing vote on Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Louisiana Senator David Vitter
  6. President Obama announced that Clinton was his choice for secretary of state at a press conference on December 1, 2008
  7. Clinton ran against Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination during the 2008 elections
  8. Clinton met with Obama on November 13, 2008, in Chicago to discuss the postThe Durant Daily Democrat: Democratic source: Obama, Clinton meet in Chicago (November 14, 2008)
  9. Reports said Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas planned to block a confirmation vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate on January 20, 2009FOX News: Clinton Faces Roadblock to Confirmation (January 20, 2009)
  10. Full roll call vote on Clinton's confirmation as secretary of state came on January 21, 2009FOX News: Clinton Faces Roadblock to Confirmation (January 20, 2009)
  11. Final roll call vote to confirm Clinton: 94-2
  12. First trip as Secretary of State: In February 2009 to Asia

• Policies

  Clinton has vowed to "reset" U.S. relations with Russia and said that she wants the countries to work together on key issues.Bloomberg: Clinton Assures Europe of Ties Before Russia Talks (March 6, 2009) In March 2009, she proposed an international conference on Afghanistan and said Iran, a neighbor to the country, would be welcome to participate. Clinton is also planning to establish diplomatic relations with Syria.Politico: For Clinton, Iran is Middle East key (March 6, 2009) She supports a two-state solution in Israel.International Herald Tribune: Clinton backs move to freeze out Hamas rule (March 4, 2009)

• Gift Mistake

  Clinton met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva on March 6, 2009. Clinton gave Lavror a gift to symbolize the new administration's intent to "reset" relations between Russia and United States. The gift included a button which was supposed to be imprinted with the word for reset in Russian. Unfortunately, there was a mistake on the button, which said "overcharge." Clinton said the mistake would be corrected.Politico: Clinton gift gaffe: "Overcharge" (March 6, 2009)

• First Trip

  On February 16, 2009, Clinton embarked on her first official overseas trip as secretary of state, traveling to Asia. Clinton stopped in Japan, China, South Korea and Indonesia. Clinton was discussedthe global economic crisis and climate change and human rights during her meetings with key leaders.CNN: Clinton visits Asia to send key message (February 16, 2009)

• Joe Biden Rivalry

  On January 19, 2009, Jill Biden said that Barack Obama had given Joe Biden the choice of vice-president or the job of Secretary of State. The gaffe occurred during a taping of the Oprah Show. She went on to say that the VP job was better for them because it didn't require as much travel. After Joe Biden was named as Obama's vice presidential pick, Clinton was nominated as the administration's choice for Secretary of State.USA Today: Biden could have had State job... (January 19, 2009)

• Senate Foreign Relations Committee Vote

  On January 15, 2009, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted in favor of Clinton's appointment as secretary of state by 16-1. The only opponent of Clinton's nomination was Louisiana Senator David Vitter, who sought a more complete disclosure of Clinton's donations to former President Bill Clinton's foundations.The New York Times: Senate Panel Backs Clinton (January 15, 2009) In remarks during the confirmation hearing, Clinton stressed the need for "smart power" and a "mix of diplomacy and defense" in U.S. leadership around the world.CNN: Official: Clinton to push U.S. leadership renewal (January 13, 2009) FOX News: At Confirmation Hearing, Clinton Prepares to Assume Role...

• Clinton Confirmation

  Clinton was confirmed 94-2 by the Senate on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, with only Republicans Jim DeMint and David Vitter voting against.The Hill: Senate confirms Clinton (January 21, 2009) The vote was delayed for one day by Texas Republican John Cornyn, who remained concerned about the fundraising efforts of Clinton's husband, Bill. Other Senators, including John McCain, had called for Clinton's quick confirmation.Wall Street Journal: McCain Lends Hillary Clinton a Helping Hand (January 21, 2009)

• Emoluments Clause

  A Constitutional clause titled the "Emoluments Clause" prohibits members of Congress from taking a civil position when that position's salary had been increased while the congressperson was in office. Since the salary for the secretary of state position had been increased for Condoleezza Rice while Clinton served on the Senate, the Emoluments Clause could have kept Clinton from the position if the salary had not been altered. On December 11, 2008, Congress lowered the position's salary by about $4,700, which would allow Clinton to take the job.CBS News: Sec. Of State Salary Lowered To Pave Way For Clinton (December 11, 2008)

• Quotes

  "The 16 to 1 roll call vote demonstrates the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's overwhelming support for President Obama's designee to be Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. America is fortunate that President Obama has chosen such a smart, talented and experienced individual to serve as our top diplomat. I look forward to working closely with Secretary of State-designee Clinton to restore our international relationships and America's place in the world."—John KerryThe New York Times: Senate Panel Backs Clinton (January 15, 2009)

  "Hillary's appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances. I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton is the right person to lead our State Department and to work with me in tackling this ambitious foreign policy agenda."—Barack ObamaCNN.com: Obama Rolls Out National Security Team (December 1, 2008)

  "I think so. What would you rather do, be senator or secretary of state?"—former Bill Clinton administration official on whether Hillary Clinton would take the position were it offeredPolitical Radar (ABC News): Secretary of State Hillary Clinton?... (November 13, 2008)

  "Hillary would make a fine secretary of state—a very important and powerful job. Moreover, making a clear commitment to choose her for this position would add much to Obama's appeal, given that his experience in foreign policy is particularly short."—Amitai Etzioni, Huffington PostHuffington Post: Hillary: the Next Secretary of State (February 14, 2008)

  "To appoint a very strong personality with an independent constituency into a Cabinet position requires a lot of courage."—Henry Kissinger, former secretary of state to Presidents Gerald Ford and Richard NixonVOA News: Kissinger says Hillary Clinton Would Be Outstanding Diplomat (November 16, 2008)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Hillary Rodham Clinton | Hillary Clinton Senate Seat | John Kerry | Bill Richardson | Sam Nunn | Tom Daschle | Chuck Hagel | Obama Transition Team | Team of Rivals | Barack Obama | Obama Administration | Frank Lowy | Caroline Kennedy | John Cornyn | George Mitchell

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