An Enhanced Senate Role

8 Random Items for 11/21/2008 #7

An article in yesterday's New York Times mentions the possibility that, if Hilary Clinton doesn't accept the position of Secretary of State with the Obama administration, a new leadership position might be created for her in the Senate. This isn't necessarily a bad idea, but I don't think a new role is needed. I think she would fit perfectly into an existing role. Harry Reid should step down and her colleagues should install her as the new majority leader.

Hilary Clinton is no shrinking violet. She is a tough and effective partisan warrior that has the ability to simultaneously push a progressive agenda down the throats of the conservative Republicans while wooing the more moderate members to our side of a legislative debate. She is one of the most popular members of our party. She received over 18 million votes in the primary. Obama still won, but don't forget, it was a narrow victory.

As a majority leader in the mold of LBJ, Hilary could become one of the most powerful Democrats ever. She is practically guaranteed her seat for life in the Senate already. She could shape progressive legislation for a generation. The people who put Barack Obama in the White House deserve a majority leader who isn't afraid of being tough. Someone who is looking to pick a fight with those who stand against a progressive agenda. Someone who will get things done. That person is Hilary Clinton.

Of course, she'd make a great Secretary of State too.