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Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State

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Will bring to the job: A distinctive background and unique skills. As first lady, she traveled the world for eight years, visiting more than 80 countries, not only meeting with foreign leaders but also visiting villages, clinics and other remote areas that rarely get on a president’s itinerary. Former Secretary of State Warren Christopher called Mrs. Clinton "a naturally gifted diplomat."

Currently employed as: U.S. Senator from New York; elected 2000; reelected 2006

Is linked to Mr. Obama by: President-elect Barack Obama and Mrs. Clinton fought perhaps the most polarizing nomination battle in decades, but in recruiting her for his cabinet, Mr. Obama chose to turn a rival into a partner.

Carries as baggage: Her husband, former President Bill Clinton's extensive business and philanthropic activities around the world could pose conflicts of interest.

During their primary battle, Mr. Obama argued during the primaries that it was time to move beyond the Clinton era and in particular belittled her claims to foreign policy experience.

Mrs. Clinton is seen as fiercely loyal to Israel, which can be both a plus and a minus, Middle East experts say. While her pro-Israel record as a senator from New York might cause her to be viewed with suspicion in the Arab world, it could give her credibility to ask Israel to make tough choices for peace. Mrs. Clinton staked a position during the primaries to the right of Mr. Obama on Iran. She voted in favor of a measure asking Mr. Bush to declare Iran’s 125,000-member Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organization.

Biography includes: Born on Oct. 26, 1947 ... raised in Park Ridge, Ill. ... graduated from Wellesley. ... earned her J.D. Yale University,.... married to former President Bill Clinton ... daughter Chelsea.

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