Madame Secretary: Hillary Rodham Clinton

By April MacIntyre Nov 21, 2008, 21:11 GMT

Senator Hillary Clinton addressing the 2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, USA. Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the nomination for secretary of state after additional discussion with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role, the New York Times reports on 21 November 2008. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will relinquish her seat and accept the position of secretary of state, representing the Barack Obama administration, reports The New York Times.

According to the paper, Obama’s office told reporters her  nomination is “on track” but Clinton associates "only confirmed Friday afternoon that she has decided."

“She’s ready,” said the Times source.

The two had to take time to get used to the idea of working so closely together according to the report.

Clinton’s spokesman issued a statement Friday afternoon stating her nomination is not final. “We’re still in discussions, which are very much on track,” he said. “Any reports beyond that are premature.”

The Times noted the vetting process, and that lawyers for Mr. Obama and former President Bill Clinton "combed through his finances and crafted a set of guidelines for his future activities intended to avoid any appearances of conflict of interest should she take the job."

Once a first lady, Clinton has a head start in diplomatic relations. She traveled the world for eight years, visiting more than 80 countries, reports the Times.

The appointment of Hillary Clinton was commented on by reporter Bob Woodward. FishbowlDC published an advanced transcript of this weekend's "The Chris Matthews Show", in which the Washington Post reporter had this to say about Clinton's nomination:

Said Woodward: "Being president is about control, and tell me who ever controlled Bill or Hillary Clinton. They can't control each other."

"I think it's because Warren Buffett and Paul Volcker and others have convinced Obama, 'You're going to have to focus like a laser on the economy. That's issue Number One. And give Hillary and Bill the world.' ... I think people are fantasizing or smoking something if they think Joe Biden's going to call Hillary Clinton up and say, 'This is what we want you to do.' "