Political Perceptions: Does Bill Stand in Hillary’s Way?

Will former President Bill Clinton’s foundation stand in the way of Hillary Clinton’s selection as secretary of state? Politico’s Glenn Thrush writes: “Barack Obama isn’t likely to offer the Secretary of State post to Hillary Clinton unless he’s given assurances Bill Clinton’s global charitable foundation won’t create future conflicts of interest with foreign governments, according to a person familiar with the situation.” He reports that “Obama has apparently favored Hillary Clinton, his former rival, as frontrunner for the State Department job since before the Nov. 4 election, one Democratic official said.” So it isn’t clear “why the foundation issue has emerged as a potential barrier just now: During the primary campaign, Clinton’s team made it clear Bill Clinton would serve as a goodwill ambassador, but would significantly curtail his overseas fundraising if his wife won the White House.” While Clinton’s foundation has earned praise for its work fighting AIDS and poverty, Thursh says, “it ... (link)