They couldn't get enuf Hil, once upon a time. These are just the elected officials and a first daughter.
PRAISE FOR HILLARY CLINTON
GOVERNORS
Bush, Jeb (Florida Governor)“Hillary Rodham Clinton, who many believe can win the 2016 Democratic nomination for president, if she wants it, is the winner of the 2013 Liberty Medal. The award is to be presented Sept. 10 to Clinton by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, chairman of the National Constitution Center and a possible contender for the 2016 Republican nomination. Politics aside, Bush praised Clinton in a statement released Thursday announcing her selection. ‘Former Secretary Clinton has dedicated her life to serving and engaging people across the world in democracy,’ Bush said. ‘These efforts as a citizen, an activist, and a leader have earned Secretary Clinton this year’s Liberty Medal.’” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/28/13; Constitution Center press release, 6/27/13]
Daniels, Mitch (former Governor of Indiana and current President of Purdue University)Gov. Mitch Daniels: “She is comprehensively experienced and has advantages that some of the other contenders would have to scramble to match in terms of her exposure to the world and… foreign policy.”FORMER GOV. MITCH DANIELS, Republican Indiana: Well both [Governors Scott Walker and Chris Christie] very courageous. Everybody you’ve asked me about so far, the common denominator is these are doers. They didn’t mark time. They’ve attempted, at least as best as I understand it, to tackle the very different problems of their very different states. And that is not a complete portfolio for someone who would be president, but it certainly is a useful attribute and one, of course, that has often been rewarded by the American people. >> MARK HALPERIN: how would Hillary Clinton do by the standards you’ve laid out for what we need in the next president? >> GOV. DANIELS: She is comprehensively experienced and has advantages that some of the other contenders would have to scramble to match in terms of her exposure to the world and many of the tough issues we are facing in foreign policy. >> JOHN HEILEMANN: Do you think she’d be a uniter as well as, in the same way as, you mentioned Jeb Bush governing as a uniter. Do you think Hillary Clinton would be a united? GOV. DAVIELS: One could hope so. I mean it’s a matter of choice really… [Bloomberg’s With All Due Respect, 2/5/15]
Huckabee, Mike (former Governor of Arkansas and attempted presidential candidate in 2008)Gov. Mike Huckabee: “I would have great respect for the formidable nature of Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.” S.E. CUPP: Well, I think the fact that there are so many potential contenders speak volumes about the idea of running against someone like Hillary Clinton. It doesn’t seem like anyone is all that intimidated by her. Do you find her intimidating as a potential opponent if you run? >> MIKE HUCKABEE: I think everyone would be an intimidating opponent. The only way to really run is either unopposed or scared. Those are the two options that you have as a candidate and so I don’t expect that any of us as Republicans will run unopposed. We better run scared and if I were to be fortunate enough to get the nomination, I would have great respect for the formidable nature of Hillary Clinton’s candidacy. Now, I don’t think she has the connected quality that her husband has. She’s more the policy wonk, the ideologue, less that incredible connector with people that Bill Clinton is. And I’ve known them both for a long time. I don’t think there’s anybody on the Republican side who might run for president who would have a better understanding of the Clintons than I would and maybe understand the background and so on but even having said that, Hillary Clinton is a rock star within the Democratic Party. But it’s interesting that while all the Democrats expected to run and most of them say they will support her, I am not convinced, first of all that she will pull the trigger when she has to and run, probably will, but maybe not. And if she does, I don’t think it is a foregone conclusion that she is the nominee or certainly not that she is elected president. I don’t think she will be elected president and let me say why when people say that well it’s inevitable. It was inevitable for Hillary Clinton to be the nominee in 2008 and this relatively unknown upstart junior senator who had sponsored zero legislation in his senate career, brief as it was, his name Barack Obama, came up and beat her, so let’s let recent history be a guide to what the future may hold. >> [CSPAN2’s BookTV Programming. 1/25/15]
Gov. Mike Huckabee described Sec. Clinton as “smart” and “tough.” According to Real Clear Politics, “Huckabee says the environment for him now is very different than it was in 2008 (when he ran) and 2012 (when he thought doing so). He said he has stronger name identification and donors. He recently launched a political action committee. He insisted that he would do a good job showing what the party is for, not what it is against — a criticism of and a challenge for the GOP. Among the other credentials he listed for himself is his familiarity with Hillary Clinton. When asked about the Democrat’s potential run for the White House, Huckabee said no Republican knows her better than he does, given their Arkansas connections. He described her as ‘smart’ and ‘tough,’ and cautioned that she should never be underestimated. ‘She’s a policy genius,’ he said. ‘But I don’t know if she has that same affable charm that her husband does. But then, who does?’” [Real Clear Politics, 9/15/14]
Gov. Mike Huckabee, on Sec. Clinton: “She’s a policy genius.” According to Real Clear Politics, “Huckabee says the environment for him now is very different than it was in 2008 (when he ran) and 2012 (when he thought doing so). He said he has stronger name identification and donors. He recently launched a political action committee. He insisted that he would do a good job showing what the party is for, not what it is against — a criticism of and a challenge for the GOP. Among the other credentials he listed for himself is his familiarity with Hillary Clinton. When asked about the Democrat’s potential run for the White House, Huckabee said no Republican knows her better than he does, given their Arkansas connections. He described her as ‘smart’ and ‘tough,’ and cautioned that she should never be underestimated. ‘She’s a policy genius,’ he said. ‘But I don’t know if she has that same affable charm that her husband does. But then, who does?’” [Real Clear Politics, 9/15/14]
Huntsman, Jon (Utah Governor, later U.S. Ambassador to China)“It’s way too soon to tell. I’ve worked around Hillary Clinton while serving as ambassador to China, and all I can tell you as a Republican is she’s pretty good. She’s smart. She’s hardworking. She – she relates to all kinds of people, and I was very, very impressed working with her as a Republican. The Republican Party, as we always see in history, and these political tides, as Theodore White used to talk about, are inexorable and we’ll see them come in and come out and people will rise based upon the occasion and the circumstances that we face. And I have every belief that in a free market, which politics is for the most part, we’ll see the right kind of people step up before 2016.” [Bloomberg TV, 9/27/13]
Kasich, John (Governor of Ohio)John Kasich on Hillary Clinton: “I know her. I like her. I’ve worked with her.” BRET BAIER: How do you think Republicans fight a Hillary Clinton nomination? >> GOV. JOHN KASICH: I don’t think you have to run against her. I think you run for what you’re for. I think you create a vision for people that everybody is included. Everyone can rise. And we’ll be personally responsible here. So with Hillary, you know I know her. I like her. I’ve worked with her. They have cameras out following me around places where I go. They think I’m going to make a mistake. And you know, maybe I will. I’m as capable of that as anybody is. >> BAIER: So they have cameras following events? >> GOV. KASICH: Oh yeah. They go out and they got these trackers. BAIER: The Clinton people? GOV. KASICH: It’s called American Bridge. I don’t know who they all are. I like Hillary but look, the bottom line is you need tell people what you’re for. You can say where they have fallen down. But you need to be very clear in the things that you want to do and paint a vision. >> [fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, 1/22/15]
John Kasich: “I like Hillary.” BRET BAIER: How do you think Republicans fight a Hillary Clinton nomination? >> GOV. JOHN KASICH: I don’t think you have to run against her. I think you run for what you’re for. I think you create a vision for people that everybody is included. Everyone can rise. And we’ll be personally responsible here. So with Hillary, you know I know her. I like her. I’ve worked with her. They have cameras out following me around places where I go. They think I’m going to make a mistake. And you know, maybe I will. I’m as capable of that as anybody is. >> BAIER: So they have cameras following events? >> GOV. KASICH: Oh yeah. They go out and they got these trackers. BAIER: The Clinton people? GOV. KASICH: It’s called American Bridge. I don’t know who they all are. I like Hillary but look, the bottom line is you need tell people what you’re for. You can say where they have fallen down. But you need to be very clear in the things that you want to do and paint a vision. >> [fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, 1/22/15]
Perry, RickGov. Perry, on Sec. Clinton’s stance on Syria: “I think on that issue she was closer to being right than she has been on some other ones.” According to the U.S. News & World Report, “Rick Perry agrees with Hillary Clinton. Or at least, pretty close to it. Asked Tuesday at the Iowa State Fair whether he agreed with the former secretary of state’s assessment that a lack of prior U.S. intervention in Syria emboldened jihadists to penetrate Iraq, the GOP governor of Texas found some daylight with the potential future presidential rival. ‘I think on that issue she was closer to being right than she has been on some other ones,’ he replied.” [U.S. News & World Report, 8/12/14]
According to The Frontrunner, “The Daily Caller (8/30, Levinson, May) reported that in 1993, then-Texas Agriculture Commissioner Rick Perry ‘praised the efforts of then-first lady Hillary Clinton to reform health care, a precursor to’ the ‘health care reform efforts’ of President Obama. The Daily Caller added, ‘In a letter to Clinton…Perry wrote: ‘I think your efforts in trying to reform the nation’s health care system are most commendable.’ ‘I would like to request that the task force give particular consideration to the needs of the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers, and other members of rural communities,’ Perry continued. … ‘Again, your efforts are worthy,’ Perry concluded, ‘and I hope you will remember this constituency as the task force progresses.’” [The Frontrunner, 8/31/11]
Schwarzenegger, Arnold (California Governor)“Also on Sunday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger praised the potential choice as a great move. ‘I think she is a very very bright woman and very experienced. I think this could be a great move,’ Schwarzenegger told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos.” [CNN.com, 11/16/08]
HOUSE
Blackburn, Marsha (Tennessee Representative)“On CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn said Clinton would be a good fit for the position. ‘I think that Hillary Clinton will probably accept that, from what I am hearing. I think it would be a nice gesture. I think that she is well qualified,” said the Republican congresswoman.’” [CNN.com, 11/16/08]
Duncan, Jeff (South Carolina Representative)Rep. Jeff Duncan: The Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement “opened up a million and a half acres in the Gulf of Mexico.” REP. JEFF DUNCAN, (R) South Carolina, 3rd District: That shell in deep water, I was to be part of implementing one thing I think the Obama Administration got right. You don’t hear that come out of a conservative’s mouth very often. The one thing the Obama Administration got right was a Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement signed with Mexico by Hillary Clinton in a summit in Cabo. It’s a mouth-full. I realize that. The Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement. It opened up a million and a half acres in the Gulf of Mexico. If you can think about a boundary between the United States and Mexico you think about that border in Texas and New Mexico, think about a maritime border or a maritime boundary, that border extending out into the Gulf of Mexico where we have territorial waters on the Mexican side and territorial waters on the U.S. side. Well under that maritime boundary are recoverable resources and for a long time that million and a half acres in that what they call the Western Gap part of the Gulf of Mexico was off limits. Nobody was producing. Mexico wasn’t producing, U.S. wasn’t producing. So they signed this Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreement said we’re going to allow that area to be produced. We’re going to allow those shared resources to be produced we’re going to share resources, technology, we’re going to share some of the regulations. Well, once they signed that agreement, we asked Ken Salazar, the Secretary of the Interior at the time, how about sending us the implementing language so we could implement that agreement. We would like to open up a million and a half acres of deep water in the Western Gulf to energy production because we believe there’s recoverable resources there that could go into that national security energy mix on American energy independence. He wouldn’t send us the implementing language. So after about a year of that Doc Hastings and I and a number of others on the committee working to get that I decided to write it myself… [CSPAN3, 1/20/15]
Grimm, MichaelRep. Michael Grimm: “I think it’s going to be very difficult for the Republicans to beat Hillary Clinton.”According to the Staten Island Advance, “The election is still two years away, and a lot can change in that time, but GOP Rep. Michael Grimm said he already knows who the most formidable Democratic candidate will be: Hillary Clinton. ‘I think it’s going to be very difficult for the Republicans to beat Hillary Clinton,’ Grimm (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) told the Advance Editorial Board, where he appeared with Democratic challenger Domenic M. Recchia Jr. ‘So I think that a lot of work has got to go into it.’” [Staten Island Advance, 10/23/14]
King, Peter (New York Representative)BANFIELD: I wonder if you think that the former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton’s comments about the secretary, and in my words, faking an illness, in his words, having a diplomatic illness to beat the band, are deserving of an apology.
KING: I certainly wouldn’t have said it, especially knowing Hillary Clinton and what a tough warrior she is. To me, there’s never a basis for that. Even if I didn’t agree with someone, you should always give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to a health issue. The only thing I’d say in Bolton’s defense, and I’m being sarcastic when I say this — it is hard for me to imagine Hillary Clinton ever being sick. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met in my life. But obviously, she was ill. It could have been serious. It wasn’t, thank god. And I would not have said what the Ambassador Bolton did. How he wants to handle it with her, that’s up to him. But I’m just delighted —
BANFIELD: Do you think he should apologize, Congressman? That was pretty serious —
KING: Oh, I would.
BANFIELD: — I mean, pretty serious, very, very strident comments.
KING: Again, all I would say is I would — if I was the one who said it, I would.
[CNN, 1/3/13]Ryan, Paul (Wisconsin Representative, 2012 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee)Rep. Paul Ryan: “She’s [Sec. Clinton’s] very formidable. She’ll raise a lot money, she has a lot of name ID.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Republicans need not be cowed by the prospect of taking on Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2016, said U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, one of the leading Republican contenders to do just that. ‘She’s very formidable. She’ll raise a lot money, she has a lot of name ID,’ the Wisconsin native and former Republican vice presidential nominee said during a stop in Tampa Bay to promote his new book. ‘But I think Hillary Clinton is very beatable because a Hillary Clinton presidency is basically the same thing as an Obama third term. I don’t think she’ll be able to shake that.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/24/14]
MISCELLANEOUS
Bush Hager, Jenna (daughter of President George W. Bush)Jenna Bush Hager: “But we admire Hillary Clinton very much. I mean, she — as a woman, I admire her. She’s done a lot for our country and she’s a great public servant.” JENNA BUSH HAGER: President Clinton has become a dear friend. We call him — I call him a brother — my dad calls him a brother from another mother. You know, he didn’t have a close relationship with his father. He didn’t have a relationship with his father. And so in some ways my grandfather has become like a surrogate father for him. RONAN FARROW: Does the same warmth extend to Hillary Clinton and a potential Hillary Clinton run? BUSH HAGER: Well, I guess it depends who she’s running against, right? But we admire Hillary Clinton very much. I mean, she — as a woman, I admire her. She’s done a lot for our country and she’s a great public servant. I see her around New York and I’m always talking about Chelsea’s baby and I think they have a personal friendship that my dad even said that you know, obviously if there’s a Bush-Clinton part deux, you know that wouldn’t ruin any friendships. [MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports, 11/11/14]
SENATEBrownback, Sam (Kansas Senator, later Governor)“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Madam Secretary. I appreciate your being here, appreciate the way you represent us around the world and your high energy levels.” [Testimony Before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Program,” 2/24/10]
DeMint, Jim (South Carolina Senator, later head of the Heritage Foundation)“I am optimistic and hopeful about your role as secretary of State. And despite the news accounts that say that I’m the one that’s going to ask you the hard questions about potential conflicts of interest, I have no questions about your integrity.” [Demint remarks, Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, 1/13/09]
“You’ve, I think, taken an international leadership role in, I think, raising the pressure levels in Iran.” “In Iran, obviously, that’s a big issue. My concern is timing. You’ve, I think, taken an international leadership role in, I think, raising the pressure levels in Iran. But in my conversations with people in Israel and their concern that – well, my concern is that we may be only a few months away from some type of action that could destabilize the region. And I don’t sense in the Congress the urgency of timing here of what we need to do and how quickly. And again, I appreciate you taking the sanction idea a step further, but I would like to hear a comment there and just ask your comment on a couple, a few other areas.” [“Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” 2/24/10]
Graham, Lindsey (South Carolina Senator)“Even some Republicans in Congress acknowledge the skills she has brought to the job, though they remain critical of many administration policies. ‘I think she’s represented our nation well,’ Senator Lindsey Graham, the Republican from South Carolina, who as a member of the House served as one of 13 managers in the 1998 impeachment trial of Clinton’s husband, told me in an interview in his Senate office. ‘She is extremely well respected throughout the world, handles herself in a very classy way and has a work ethic second to none.’” [New York Times, 7/1/12]
“It was a good briefing. I never got to ask a question, it was over. You know, Secretary Clinton and Bob Gates are really national treasures in my view. You know, very good people. I like President Obama.” [CNN, 3/30/11]
Lindsey Graham on Hillary Clinton: “She’s smart, prepared, serious.” The following exchange occurred on Fox News: KASICH: “Bay — Bay, you’ve got — you got John McCain who says, and I quote, ‘I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.’ Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican, says, ‘She’s smart, prepared, serious.’ John Warner, sort of the dean of the United States Senate, Republican, conservative, says she has a remarkable core of inner strength. These are people who have worked with her for seven years.” [Fox News, 5/28/07]
Lindsey Graham: “Secretary Clinton is a great choice to be our secretary of state.” In a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in 2011, Senator Lindsey Graham stated: “Leon Panetta was an outstanding choice. Let me be bipartisan here for a moment. This is an outstanding national security team put together by President Obama. I hope he will listen to them. Secretary Clinton is a great choice to be our secretary of state; Leon Panetta, great follow on from Secretary Gates; General Petraeus, CIA director. Good national security team.” [Sen. Graham speech at Council on Foreign Relations, 9/15/11]
Lindsey Graham on Hillary Clinton: “We have become, actually, good friends.” “Graham quipped that his relationship with Clinton is a good example of that. ‘We have become, actually, good friends. And that was a surprise to both of us,’ he said.” [Voice of America, 2/3/07]
Lindsey Graham said if he and Hillary can’t work together, America’s best days are over. “Graham quipped that his relationship with Clinton is a good example of that. ‘We have become, actually, good friends. And that was a surprise to both of us,’ he said. But joking aside, he said failing to cooperate would have dire consequences. He told the audience that if the Hillary Clintons and Lindsey Grahams of the world can’t work together, America’s best days are over.” [Voice of America, 2/3/07]
Lindsey Graham on Hillary Clinton: “[I] share the stage with her – I consider that a compliment.” “Over the last few years, Sens. Lindsey Graham and Hillary Clinton have become a Capitol Hill odd couple, working across party lines on issues ranging from their mutual support for invading Iraq to their shared concern over vanishing manufacturing jobs and inadequate health care for military reservists… Graham said the two of them often come at problems from different directions, but share an interest in important policy issues. ‘Certainly, she’s a national figure, and to share the stage with her – I consider that a compliment,’ he said. ‘We’ll probably have totally different agendas that we think are best for the country, but the point is to speak boldly about problems that require bipartisanship and solutions that are essential to us surviving as a country in the 21st century.’” [The State, 1/28/07]
Lindsey Graham: “Senator Clinton and I have been fortunate to have very good allies in this effort and Congress has stepped up to the plate to meet the health care needs of our Guard and Reserves.”[Senator Graham press release, 9/29/06]
Lindsey Graham: “The Graham-Clinton TRICARE efforts have gained support from many groups including the National Guard Association of the United States, the Reserve Officers Association, and the National Governors Association.” [Senator Graham press release, 9/29/06]
Gregg, Judd (New Hampshire Senator)“U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) today issued the following statement upon U.S. Senate confirmation of Senator Hillary Clinton to be the Secretary of State. Senator Gregg, the Ranking Member of the State and Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee, stated, ‘Today’s overwhelming confirmation of Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next Secretary of State is a testament to the well regarded talents and qualifications she will bring to the job of overseeing our nation’s foreign policy. Like Secretary Condoleezza Rice, Senator Clinton will be a positive voice to carry America’s message around the world. As the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee tasked with funding State Department activities, I look forward to continuing my work with Senator Clinton to advance our nation’s interests through U.S. diplomatic programs and activities.’” [Gregg press release, 1/21/09]
Inhofe, Jim (Oklahoma Senator)“Today in voting to confirm Senator Clinton as Secretary of State, I voted for someone who is well qualified and someone I know I can work with on a range of issues. To be certain, there are many areas where Senator Clinton and I disagree. However, I appreciate her recognition of the need to combat al Qaeda’s efforts to seek safe havens in failed states in the Horn of Africa, which is something I have worked to accomplish through my many trips to Africa and my legislation to establish global partnerships. I strongly agree with her support of Israel’s right to defend itself. Finally, I appreciate her challenge to Iran to end its nuclear weapons program, and her pledge to work to end Iran’s and Syria’s dangerous behavior so that they instead become constructive actors in the Middle East. Diplomacy has a crucial role, but I also trust and will ensure that where stronger efforts need to be made, U.S. foreign policy will include the strong arm of military where diplomacy fails. Furthermore, Senator Clinton has demonstrated a willingness to work across the aisle, as we have worked together on legislation through our positions the Senate Armed Services Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee. The bottom line, though, is that Senator Clinton’s experience and expertise in foreign relations will serve this country well, and I look forward to working with her in her new role.” [Inhofe press release, 1/21/09]
Kyl, Jon (Arizona Senator)“Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona also said Clinton would be a good choice for the post. ‘It seems to me she’s got the experience, she’s got the temperament for it,’ he said on Fox News Sunday. ‘She would be well-received around the world.’” [CNN.com, 11/16/08]
Lugar, Richard (Indiana Senator)“I’ve frequently said the foremost criteria for selecting a National Security Cabinet official should be whether the nominee is a “big leaguer” who has achieved extraordinary accomplishments, is well- known to the world, understands both process and policy, and can command global respect. In Senator Clinton, President-Elect Obama has boldly chosen the epitome of a ‘big leaguer.’ Her qualifications for the post are remarkable. Her presence at the helm of the State Department could open unique opportunities for United States diplomacy, and could bolster efforts to improve foreign attitudes toward the United States. She has a longstanding relationship with many world leaders that could be put to great use in the service of our country. Her time in the Senate has given her a deep understanding of how United States foreign policy can be enriched by establishing a closer relationship between the Executive and Legislative branches. She is fully prepared to engage the world on a myriad of issues that urgently require our attention.” [Lugar remarks, Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, 1/13/09]
“I especially appreciate the strong and visible commitment that you, Secretary Clinton, have made in addressing global hunger.” “SENATOR LUGAR: While some threats share solutions, others require us to prioritize policies commensurate with relative immediacy of the threats. I especially appreciate the strong and visible commitment that you, Secretary Clinton, have made in addressing global hunger. Unless nations work together to reverse negative trends in agricultural productivity, we may experience frequent food riots, and perhaps even warfare over food resources. We almost certainly will have to contend with mass migration and intensifying global health issues stemming from malnutrition…. Over the course of the last year, the Administration under your leadership has undertaken its own intensive study of food security.” [“Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” 2/24/10]
“I want to thank you for your leadership in Honduras… that was a situation that appeared to be moving out of control, and I think you and your Department have got it on a good track.” “SENATOR DEMINT: A couple of points. First, I want to thank you for your leadership in Honduras. As you know, that was a situation that appeared to be moving out of control, and I think you and your Department have got it on a good track, trying to restore relationships within and around Honduras. I get very good reports there from what the State Department’s doing.” [“Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” 2/24/10]
McCain, John (Arizona Senator)
McCain: “It is well known that Hillary Clinton and I have a good relationship.” MATTHEWS: I think you’re running again. How about this? If you have to choose, because I’ve seen your office will you are like Barry Goldwater’s permanent replacement in the United States Senate. Let me ask you about Hillary Clinton. This is obviously our headline question tonight. By the way, the book is “Thirteen Soldiers.” It’s really a good read about our history and I think it really does talk about the foot soldier, the regular guy out there and all your resentments, about the experience, I think, in Vietnam are really healthy for people to read. Let me ask but this race. Do you think it’s going to be, do you think Hillary has got the competence to be president? >> MCCAIN: Well, I’m sure that whoever the American people select, I would support that. Do I think that she is good on foreign policy issues? I think this is a legitimate question. Look, it is well known that Hillary Clinton and I have a good relationship. We have — >> MATTHEWS: Well, don’t you agree on a lot? >> MCCAIN: We do agree on a lot. But I think it is a legitimate question if you said, Secretary Clinton, tell me a concrete accomplishment while you’re, during your tour as secretary of state. I think she may have trouble answering that. >> MATTHEWS: You mean a lot of input but not output? >> MCCAIN: Well, she traveled to a lot of countries. She is a great representative of America, kind of a rock star status, visited more countries than any other secretary of state. But what concrete policy or decision or whatever it is that she, was she responsible for? And I think she would have trouble answering that. >> [MSNBC’sHardball with Chris Matthews, 11/19/14]
McCain: “She is a great representative of America, kind of a rock star status, visited more countries than any other secretary of state.” MATTHEWS: I think you’re running again. How about this? If you have to choose, because I’ve seen your office will you are like Barry Goldwater’s permanent replacement in the United States Senate. Let me ask you about Hillary Clinton. This is obviously our headline question tonight. By the way, the book is “Thirteen Soldiers.” It’s really a good read about our history and I think it really does talk about the foot soldier, the regular guy out there and all your resentments, about the experience, I think, in Vietnam are really healthy for people to read. Let me ask but this race. Do you think it’s going to be, do you think Hillary has got the competence to be president? >> MCCAIN: Well, I’m sure that whoever the American people select, I would support that. Do I think that she is good on foreign policy issues? I think this is a legitimate question. Look, it is well known that Hillary Clinton and I have a good relationship. We have — >> MATTHEWS: Well, don’t you agree on a lot? >> MCCAIN: We do agree on a lot. But I think it is a legitimate question if you said, Secretary Clinton, tell me a concrete accomplishment while you’re, during your tour as secretary of state. I think she may have trouble answering that. >> MATTHEWS: You mean a lot of input but not output? >> MCCAIN: Well, she traveled to a lot of countries. She is a great representative of America, kind of a rock star status, visited more countries than any other secretary of state. But what concrete policy or decision or whatever it is that she, was she responsible for? And I think she would have trouble answering that. >> [MSNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, 11/19/14]
McCain: “I admire the fact that she is admired throughout the world and a very effective secretary of state.” “First of all, Secretary Clinton is admired and respected around the world. She and I have been friends for many years. We used to travel together…. So, I have — I admire the fact that she is admired throughout the world and a very effective secretary of state. I also think that John Kerry will do a credible job as secretary of state. He has a world of experience. And John Kerry and I don’t agree on a lot of issues, but we have a relationship which was forged years ago. And so I have confidence that he will carry out the president’s agenda and serve the president. Now, I wouldn’t nominate, very frankly, as friendly as we are, wouldn’t nominate him to be secretary of state. I would have my own selection. But I respect the president’s selection in this case. I do have significant and serious questions for Senator Hagel.” [Fox News, 1/23/13 (video 5:12)]
McCain: “We are proud of you. All over the world where I travel, you are viewed with admiration and respect.” McCain: “Thank you, Madam Secretary. It’s wonderful to see you in good health and as combative as ever. It’s — we thank you. We thank you for your outstanding and dedicated service to this nation, and we are proud of you. All over the world where I travel, you are viewed with admiration and respect.” [Foreign Relations committee hearing, 1/23/14]
McCain: “We are proud of you. All over the world where I travel, you are viewed with admiration and respect.” McCain: “Thank you, Madam Secretary. It’s wonderful to see you in good health and as combative as ever. It’s — we thank you. We thank you for your outstanding and dedicated service to this nation, and we are proud of you. All over the world where I travel, you are viewed with admiration and respect.” [Foreign Relations committee hearing, 1/23/14]
“Sen. John McCain said Monday that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would be a ‘very formidable’ presidential candidate in 2016. Speaking in Chicago at an event with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the Arizona Republican praised Clinton’s work as secretary, according to Bloomberg News. ‘I don’t think there’s any doubt that Secretary Clinton would be a very strong candidate,’ McCain said. ‘I don’t think there’s any doubt she has widespread support. Her work as secretary of state, with the exception of this issue of Benghazi — which isn’t going away — I think has been outstanding. I think she would be viewed by anyone, Republican or Democrat, as a very formidable candidate for 2016.’” [Politico, 10/28/13]
According to The Christian Science Monitor, “At a Monitor-sponsored breakfast for reporters on Wednesday, Senator McCain, the 2008 Republican candidate for president, was asked to rate President Obama’s national security team. ‘I think the international star is Secretary Clinton,’ McCain said. ‘She has done a really tremendous job.’” [The Christian Science Monitor, 4/6/11]
Senator McCain: “I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.” According to The New York Times, “It was during their joint trip to Iraq in late February 2005 that Mr. McCain and Mrs. Clinton appeared via satellite on ‘Meet the Press,’ an appearance that put their civility on display. When Mr. Russert asked Mr. McCain at the end of the interview whether he thought Mrs. Clinton would make a good president, Mrs. Clinton came to his rescue, saying: ‘Oh, we can’t hear you, Tim!’ ‘Yeah, you’re breaking up,’ Mr. McCain added, laughing. But then he said: ‘I happen to be a Republican and would support, obviously, a Republican nominee, but I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.’” [The New York Times, 7/29/06]
Sen. McCain: “I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.” According to The Washington Times, “‘I am sure that Senator Clinton would make a good president,’ Mr. McCain said. ‘I happen to be a Republican and would support, obviously, a Republican nominee, but I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good president.’” [The Washington Times, 2/21/05]
McConnell, Mitch (Kentucky Senator, Current Senate Minority Leader)Mitch McConnell: “We’re good friends.” According to Kasie Hunt’s interview with Mitch McConnell on Hillary Clinton’s upcoming trip to Kentucky to campaign for Alison Lundergan Grimes, Mitch McConnell stated, “Hillary Clinton’s been here [to Kentucky] before. She was here the day before the election the last time I ran. We’re good friends. She’s doing what candidates for president do. One thing I think is noteworthy though, Alison Grimes doesn’t have any trouble announcing she voted for Clinton even though apparently she doesn’t want to say she voted for Barack Obama. [MSNBC’s Way Too Early, 10/15/14]
“Because of all of these positive developments, I applaud Secretary Clinton’s recent decision to exchange ambassadors with Burma for the first time in 20 years. Of course, the Government of Burma still has a substantial way to go to achieve real and lasting reform.” [McConnell remarks, 1/26/12]
Murkowski, Lisa (Alaska Senator)“Thank you Mr. Chairman. And welcome to you, Senator Clinton. Thank you for your leadership, for your willingness to step forward and assume this very, very important position for our country, for the nation. I truly appreciate all that you are poised to do and what you have done in the past.”
Risch, James (Idaho Senator)“Secretary Clinton runs a tight ship….” “SENATOR RISCH: Your team, both the team that you assigned here in Washington, D.C., and the team that was on the ground in Haiti, particularly Ted Coley from your operation and Katherine Farrell, who was on the ground there in Haiti, were very, very helpful to the people in Idaho and were very responsive. When we – some of us – congressional delegation jumped in and attempted to assist those people. As you know, many Americans are unaware of the difficulties they face when they get ensnared in the criminal system in other countries, and it can be very befuddling. They don’t understand why they don’t have the same constitutional rights. They don’t understand that the facilities in which they’re being held aren’t up to the same type of facilities here in the United States. But your organization was very, very responsive. I want to thank you for that. When the media asked, me, I told them Secretary Clinton runs a tight ship, particularly in these kinds of instances. So I wanted to pass that on to you. We have also received communication from some of the families thanking us and thanking your organization, so I wanted to pass that on to you. Thank you so much for what you did, without any reference to what the facts of the situation were there or what actually happened as far as the actual situation, just as far as what the State Department was able to do, you did, and we’re appreciative of that. Thank you.” [“Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,” 2/24/10]
Simpson, AlanSen. Alan Simpson: “Hillary never turns her head when she’s talking to someone. She is absolutely riveted.” According to Bloomberg’s coverage of oral histories assembled by the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, “Alan Simpson, the former Republican senator from Wyoming, in 2005, recalling his and his wife Ann’s early interactions after talking to Hillary Clinton at the 1993 inauguration. ‘About two weeks, three weeks later, we were invited to the White House. I don’t remember what it was; it wasn’t a large group, maybe 50, 40. I watched Hillary as she began to visit with Ann. Hillary never turns her head when she’s talking to someone. She is absolutely riveted. She doesn’t look around like, ‘Oh, hi there Tilly; how are you?’—or divert her attention from the person she’s talking to. That’s a gift. You have to have that in politics. There were people around—it was adulation: ‘We want to talk to Hillary.’ She must have spent about 15 or 20 minutes with Ann on mental health issues. . . Anyway, I thought that was fascinating.’” [Bloomberg, 11/15/14]
Snowe, OlympiaBoston Globe: Sen. Olympia Snowe said Sec. Clinton and former Gov. Jeb Bush are likeliest to govern in a bipartisan fashion. “Among the field of presumptive presidential candidates, Snowe said former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and former Florida governor Jeb Bush are likeliest to govern in a bipartisan fashion.” [Boston Globe, 1/23/15]
Voinovich, George (Ohio Senator)“I know you’re focused on Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan, but probably more than maybe some other Secretary of State, I know that you’re interested in that region [the Balkans].” “SENATOR VOINOVICH: Last week, I was in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia with Senator Shaheen. And I know you’re focused on Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan, but probably more than maybe some other Secretary of State, I know that you’re interested in that region. We have spent a lot of time, a lot of money, and I’m concerned that if we don’t pay attention to it, all of the progress that we have made may be for naught.” [Ohio Sen. George Voinovich remarks, Senate testimony, 2/24/10]
Warner, John (Virginia Senator)“Despite her lack of seniority on the Armed Services Committee, she won the admiration of its senior members. Sen. John W. Warner of Virginia, then chairman, described Clinton as ‘very industrious. She does her homework very carefully.’” [CQ Member Profile]
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