Hillary Clinton For Secretary Of State, Ctd.

Marc thinks through the politics:

Don't believe reports that Max Baucus intends to take the lead role on health care legislation, anticipating a leadership vacuum because of Sen. Ted Kennedy's illness and a possible Hillary Clinton departure. What Baucus wants to do is make sure that his finance committee plays a key role, so he's found a way to invest in the debate.

I defer to Marc's reporting. But this idea just resonates with me as classic Obama. I don't think Clinton as secretary of state would be mere symbolism. And I think it's a brilliant way to coopt her without in any way demeaning her. More to the point: Dick Morris is furious and Drudge is trying to wish the story away. That tells you what smart politics this would be. The more I think about it, the more I support it. She did her duty this fall. And she is the kind of toughie who could be a real Iron Lady type with the Russians and Iranians. That global presence would be a better prep for a future presidential run (yes, I'll jump off that bridge when we get to it) and help separate her from her hubby. And if she turns Obama down, her leverage against him is weakened anyway. He did his best. Due diligence, and all that.

But I don't think it's a head-fake. And I think she may say yes.

(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty.)