After reading the news today, it seems more apparent than before that this pick is a mistake. I think it's distracting from other transition efforts and causing unnecessary tension among staff members. Politico even reported that the decision was "greeted with ambivalence" by members of the transition team.
This story has taken over the news cycle, and whether or not this 'ambivalence' actually exists, the press will continue reporting it over the next week. As an Obama supporter since early 2007, this is a discouraging first impression of his presidency.
Clearly time has not healed all wounds from the epic Democratic primary, but I noticed the audience on "The Daily Show" applauded enthusiastically when Jon Stewart mentioned Sen. Clinton might become Secretary of State. I think it's a good choice because she has a knowledge of the bureaucracy and of foreign affairs that is rivaled by none, she is universally known and respected, and she has been a longtime advocate for oppressed women in the developing world and for education in Africa. Still, it seems almost self-destructive that President-elect Obama would want her in a position that in terms of its visibility is second only to the President's. Maybe he subscribes to the adage, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."
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