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Subscribe to RSSJohn Kerry, the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is President Obama's pick to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state after U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice withdrew from consideration. A Silver and Bronze star recipient, Kerry has played a role in every major foreign policy debate for nearly 30 years. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.
Updated 2:20 p.m. -- Saying that his new pick for the nation's top diplomatic job is "not going to need a lot of on-the-job training," President Barack Obama announced Friday his nomination of Senate Foreign Relations Committee head and onetime Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry as the next Secretary of State.
"I think it's fair to say that few individuals know as many presidents and prime ministers or grasp our foreign policies as firmly as John Kerry," Obama said at the announcement at the White House as Kerry stood at his side. "And this makes him a perfect choice to guide American diplomacy in the years ahead."
Kerry, who has been considered the overwhelming frontrunner for the job since U.N. ambassador Susan Rice withdrew herself from consideration, is likely to face few hurdles during his Senate confirmation.
First elected in 1984, Kerry served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy and became a famed demonstrator against the Vietnam War. Since his failed presidential bid in 2004, he has risen to prominence as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, going on high-profile visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan and helping to negotiate an arms treaty with Russia.
"Having served with valor in Vietnam, he understands that we have a responsibility to use American power wisely, especially our military power," Obama said of Kerry. "And he knows from personal experience that when we send our troops into harm's way, we must give them a sound strategy, clear mission, and the resources that they need to get the job done."
The former presidential nominee also served as Obama's stand-in for Mitt Romney for debate preparation during the 2012 campaign, a role Obama referenced in announcing Kerry's new assignment.
"John, I'm looking forward to working with you instead of debating you," he joked.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry, D-Mass., leads a hearing Dec. 20 on the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
Rice, the president's reported original pick for the job, faced vehement opposition from some Senate Republicans who questioned information she presented in the immediate wake of the Benghazi consulate attacks in September. Faced with a bruising potential confirmation battle, she withdrew herself from the running for the Secretary of State post on December 13.
Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who had been fierce critics of Rice’s potential nomination reacted warmly to the choice of Kerry Friday. McCain said he has “confidence in his ability to carry out" the job while Graham called Kerry "a solid choice."
If confirmed, Kerry will replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has indicated she will step down from the post early next year.
Clinton was unable to attend the White House announcement, said the president, who noted that she is still recuperating from a reported illness but that she "could not be more excited" about Kerry getting the nod.
In a lengthy written statement, Clinton called Kerry "an excellent choice."
"President Obama and I have often asked Senator Kerry to undertake delicate diplomatic missions and to deliver difficult messages," she said in praising his past diplomatic and political experience. "He has forged strong relationships with leaders around the world. As I have learned, being able to talk candidly as someone who has won elections and also lost them is an enormous asset when engaging with emerging or fragile democracies."
Assuming Kerry is confirmed and therefore resigns from the United States Senate, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will appoint a temporary replacement for Kerry's seat before a special election held between 145 and 160 days from his resignation date.
Republican Sen. Scott Brown, who was defeated in November by Elizabeth Warren, is possible candidate in that special election, while several Massachusetts House members are also eying a run on the Democratic side.
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Boy, the downhill slide never ends - we get rid of "do anything for political reasons Hillary" to essentially the "Vietnam traitor who sided on Hanoi's side against our own troops". Why don't we just appoint President Morsi to be our Sec. of State? What a mess this administration is and the country too! Let's just keep making a mockery of our country and keep voting for this self righteous elites until we don't have a country anymore and no respect from the rest of the world's governments!
Ellis,
I know you, you're the Jacka$$ that writes into the Columbian all the time. Get out of Vantucky!
Kenneth Ellis 2040866 are you still spouting those stupid lies perpetrated during the presidential campaign wherein Kerry, a decorated war veteran, was "swift boated" into defeat???? He fought bravely in the Vietnam War but spoke out against the war after he returned home. That does NOT make him a traitor. Many of us who came of age in the 60's were adamantly against the war. IT WAS WRONG. The men and women who fought and died there were not wrong, but fighting the war WAS WRONG. And it accomplished exactly NOTHING. Stop denigrating a fine statesman like Kerry who has dedicated his adult life to public service based on decades-old LIES and get a life.
Thank You "Tricky Dick" for ending the war started by that SS robber LBJ
Although I do believe John Kerry is well qualified for the Sec'y of State post, I think the GOP crucified Susan Rice so the president would nominate Kerry, giving them a chance to pick up another Senate seat in Massachusetts.
How quickly an inconvenient time in history is forgotten if you are a Kennedy. 'Ted' was drunk when drove off the bridge on 'Chappaquiddick' and he failed to 'try' to save the young lady in the car who drowned. 'Ted' should have been tried for 'manslaughter'. But he is a Kennedy and is above the law. And the 'robotic' voters of Massachusetts continued to re-elect him till he died.
Well he will pick up where Hilary left off making a total mess of the world situation.I wonder what country he will apologized first Iran or Egypt?I bet Russia Pultin won't stop laughing for days,if you only as strong as your leader we mighty weak.
King Arthur made the statement that right makes right and it has been many years since this country has had any right on its side.
Three out of four Kennedys gave their life fighting for this country.
and don't forget how fat ass Ted gladly gave Mary Jo Kopecknee's for a good time too!!
The only ones who fight for our Country are the American Soldiers not the filthy lying democrat criminal politicians like the drunkard Barstool Kennedy.
The democrat party of waste fraud and abuse needs to be eradicated and imprisoned.
Hahahahaha
Rob, Kerry hold a Bronze Star, A Silver Star, and Three purple Hearts, You call him un-American
McCain destroyed 2 jets in the Bahama's. 2 more jets in the Med, and was forced to either volunteer for combat duty or recieve a dishonorable discharge,,,,,,,Then,,,,,,,,Wrecked his plane and was captured and,,,,,,,,,,,You call HIM a hero, hahahahahahaha
Yippee! He's out of Massachusetts. Maybe we can find someone who will actually do something for us. This is truly a great Christmas present.
Obama should mention a new name about every 15 minutes or so,,,,,,,Maybe even start naming House Republicans as a possibility for various appointments just to see them eat each other alive, LOL
Now THIS is entertainment :D
Not half as much as your mug shot though.
Good one Bob Bob Bob Bob,,,,,,,,,
Another traitorous democrat POS being promoted by The Communist Party USA caucusing criminal organization of democrats that fiend for power and tax payer dollars. Anyone who thinks this filthy rich lying pos is worthy of any position of power in our Government is a willing criminal accomplice. This creep is a straight up traitor. The democrat party of waste fraud and abuse belongs in prison not positions of power.
Communism is not now nor has ever been a threat to this country.
that's a quote from Joe Stalin, isn't it?
Kerry has the experience to bore everybody to death, so that's good, I guess.
It looks like the loonie right has take n over the asylum. What's the problem? not enough of you voted so you come on this site and ramble your traitorous garbage?
You spout the founders and the constitution an how everyone you don't agree with is anti american. you have no idea what the CONSTUTION even says because half of you cant even read.
try not looking through the hate filled lens that RUSH and FOX NEWS have created for you and use a little thought of your own.
John Kerry sucks, period. He is just another do nothing Washingotn liberal. Obama would have never wanted him for that office if he had any soul. He will do just has he is told, just like Clinton did. These people don't give a rats behind what we the public think about them. They have no moral compass to guide them just an ever lasting lust for power over all people. Like has been said many times, YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET FOLKS SO STICK AROUND AND WATCH THE FUN AS THEY STICK IT TO US EVEN MORE WHILE WE REMAIN IN A TRANCE LIKE STATE OF NEVER ENDING MIND CONTROL. Merry Christmas
Wait.. are we talking about the same Sen Kerry.. From MA? That coulnt even get me my welcome home bonus after leaving the Army? The one whos own office, couldnt produce anything to the treasury to prove my residency in the state? Even though Im still listed in the white pages, paid state taxes too, registered to vote in, my DD-214 shows my home of record.. But yet he signed a letter back to me stating he and his office has fixed said issues, and all I needed to do was apply? Even after I had applied 3x times? So anyways.. 6 yrs later, I still havent recieved it, and was told to just let it go? C'mon man.. I like Obama.. not everythign I agree with, as this choice. But I guess failing to serve one wounded veteran makes up for any other shortcoming , by everythign he's been able to do?
O this is great, a moron leading a moron, good choice.
Wonder what the Taliban would tap Barry and Kerry for?
Barry and Kerry - sounds like an ice cream company...be a lot better for America if they ran an ice cream company...you know, do their fair share for the economy...
yeah two diggle berries on the butt hole of the Country.
It took more courage to demonstrate aganist the war than it did to go along with the war. Unarmed protesters went up aganist heavily armen National Guard and law enforcement types. Four dead in Ohio. If you were in a fire fight in Vietnam you at least had a gun to defend yourself with.
Bill Clinton didn't have one to defend himself. He refused to go and be issued one for Vietnam because he didn't have any BAllS!!!
prog -
Spoken like a boy still in short pants...it's a shame that the draft isn't still in affect...of course if it was you'd be a Canadian...
There is this small matter with hillary, perjury, lying and misleading the American people, to clear up first. It ain't over and fat lady is NOT singing. It would behoove Kerry to do what he needs to expedite the process but then that would endanger his chances of a nomination...what a tangled web they have weaved-right to the top.
No matter how hard the republicans try they cannot make something out of Benghazi that was not there.
You have not read the report I take it...too bad.
I have read and listened and there is not anything to indicate that she lied in any way and this was a security issue, not her call. Mistakes were made but none were deliberate and did not involve any deception and that goes for Rice to.
Sorry Prog1 history is going to prove you wrong on this one. our government was irresponsible and this led to the death of brave men who had more courage than any body in this administration.
Don't hold your breath. Obama will coner it up just like he did fast and futious.
Well, now that is settled let's move on to the budget and fiscal cliff.
Notice how all of Obama's appointments are experienced liars and deceivers of the truth? Obama knows how to pick em, Hillary lied about Benghazi and her concussion, Rice lied and lied, Kerry lied about his swift boat experience in Vietnam. Obama lies day after day and misleads the American people.
Obamacare will cost 4 times more than Obama presented. Obama said during his campaign that he wont got after guns, and now he's first in line.
Obama supporters are all getting disability for lack of common sense.
Romney lost because he said he was going to put America to work and all the Obama supporters didnt want to lose their benefits.
Kerry holds the Bronze star, Silver Star, and THREE Purple Hearts
This un-American WAR HERO is a perfect choice to drive Republicans into a frenzy, LOL
Bo Bo...he was bumbling coward that was more of a danger to himself and his men than to the enemy. He put himself in for the metals and they were approved just to get his skinny coward's ass out of combat and away from real US fighting men.
The SOB wrote his on awards. How long was he in Vietnam?? Chicken @!$%# SOB
LOL,,,,,,,Apparently you have NEVER been in the Military, Let alone in combat
FU A hole How about 41 yrs and 5 yrs combat
LOL,,,,,,,,,And all in the Boy Scouts apparently
Your fagot A was probably in the Girl Scouts
You can hear the other countries of the world laughing.
At every Republican in office as they chase their own tails around in circles??
Why does it matter if they are laughing? Better that they laugh rather than hate us.
I've figured out how Obama is able to appear so intelligent. He surrounds himself with people intellectually inferior to him.
You just figured that out? Kids and 3rd world illiterates. That is about 60% of his base. The rest are liars and crooks. (lawyers and unions)
This guy was and still is a disgrace to this country. How could any Military person support this Bxxxxd. John Kenedy sent me to Nam twice and I for sure never threw my ribbons away or protested against what my country wanted me to do.
CWOCL
You hit the nail on the head brother...or protested against what my country wanted me to do. We served! Honor, integrity, loyalty, and duty. As long as we have those we will always be a cut above. I know I would have been proud to have served with you...and I am grateful I never had to serve with anyone like Kerry. I did meet Norman back in the day. And again in 1991.
CSM USA RET Airborne Infantry 23yrs
JOhn Kerry is the Mitt Romney of the Democratic party.
A wealty, out of touch, wasp elite. All is back to normal, the good ol boy club is back!
I am a wasp and you are right...things are getting back to normal...slowly.
killer....they just dont' get it... I mean look at Bo Bo.... Not too many Mensa meetings being attended or missed there! And Prog1.? Probably has an I.Q. plus or minus a couple of points of his neck size. LOL
Lord...why did you make life so hard.....by making liberals so FRIGGEN STUPID???
Bob,,,,,,,,,You have proven your ignorance a dozen times on one page
Thank You, LOL
Take off the clown face BoBo
Kerry - you must be joking! That phony self-proclaimed war hero? Who scratched his hand in manipulating a machine gun and gave himself a medal? That bloviating gasbag, functional moron - who voted for the war before he voted against it? That felon who accused American soldiers of war crimes? "Unfit for command" book tells you all you need to know about that far-left nincompoop.
You have congressman Olsen saying he is a war veteran, he flew the wrong way into Iraq for 45 seconds. Look it up! Please give me a break on who are veterans are and what they do. I Have a neighbor and it took 40 years before they recognized him for a Bronze star.