Source: The New York Times | By David Stout
President-elect Barack Obama called for “a new dawn of American leadership” on Monday as he formally introduced his national security team, led by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as his nominee for secretary of state.
“We will strengthen our capacity to defeat our enemies and support our friends,” Mr. Obama said in Chicago. “We will renew old alliances and forge new and enduring partnerships.”
The new president said he was sticking to his goal of removing American combat troops from Iraq within 16 months, which he called “the right time frame,” and that this would be accomplished with safety for the troops and security for the Iraqi people.
He introduced his team one by one, starting with Senator Clinton, his former bitter rival for the Democratic presidential nomination; then Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who will stay on, at least for a time, in the new administration; Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander, to be national security adviser; Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona to be secretary of homeland security: Susan E. Rice to be ambassador to the United Nations, and Eric H. Holder Jr. to be attorney general.
All of the nominations had been forecast, and the president-elect’s announcement contained no surprises. It did, however, contain some not very thinly veiled criticism of the Bush administration.
“Hillary’s appointment is a sign to friend and foe of the seriousness of my commitment to renew American diplomacy and restore our alliances,” Mr. Obama said, apparently alluding to the effects of President Bush’s Iraq policy — which the president-elect has bitterly criticized — on America’s international relationships.
The choice of Senator Clinton to be the country’s top diplomat has drawn the most attention in recent weeks, in part because of the months-long duel between her and Mr. Obama for the nomination that once was viewed as all but certain to go to her. But the bitterness of their contest seemed all but forgotten on Monday, as Mr. Obama introduced the senator as “my dear friend.”
“Mr. President-elect, thank you for this honor,” Senator Clinton said. “If confirmed, I will give this assignment, your administration and our country my all.”
Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. called the group “one of the most talented national security teams ever assembled.”
Mr. Obama said he chose his team because he believes in “strong personalities and strong opinions.”
“I think that’s how the best decisions are made,” he said.
Senator John Kerry, the Massachusetts Democrat who will become chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said, “President-elect Obama has chosen a terrific national security team to protect our security and help restore America’s rightful place in the world.” s He promised a “swift and fair confirmation process.”
New York’s other Democratic senator, Charles E. Schumer, called Ms. Clinton “a terrific partner to work with in the Senate, and a great friend.” He said he would miss her presence in the Senate but was sure she would make an excellent secretary of state. Mrs. Clinton’s spokesman, Philippe Reines, told the Associated Press that Mrs. Clinton would keep her Senate seat until she is confirmed in her new post.
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