Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research

I appeared on Fox and Friends to discuss the meeting between McCain and Obama, as well as the possibility of Obama tapping Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.  Here are my thoughts and the video:

Obama/McCain Meeting

• Obama is doing what every great President aspires to do, reunite the country after a tough campaign. Nearly every President-elect in modern times has done the same.

• I wouldn’t expect much to come out of this meeting. There is virtually no chance that Obama would offer McCain a job in the administration. It is probably just as farfetched to think that McCain would accept the position.

• However, I do think that Obama is being sincere. He’s facing a country that is in a dire economic crisis, entrenched in two wars, and facing a plethora of other problems domestically. The first thing you want to do is to bring the powers that be in DC together, make friends and allies and prepare to deal with the problems.

• This meeting with McCain is likely on-par with his meeting with Hillary Clinton. He wants to bring all of his enemies back into the fold, because he’s going to need a lot of support.

• Don’t expect Obama to put together a “Team of Rivals.”  Remember that this is the same guy that dimissed members of the media from his campaign if their publication failed to endorse him.  Obviously, he doesn’t suffer opposition well.

• A “Team of Rivals” in this day and age is likely impossible, because every argument and disagreemtn would be leaked to the press.

Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State

• Hillary would be a horrible choice for Secretary of State. Sure – she’s likely qualified to do the job and do it well; however, the last thing you want is to add someone to your cabinet that is spending four or eight years running for your job.

• I think she would accept. She can’t get any higher in Senate leadership currently, so the only way to get more exposure is to take a job like this. It would be great for her, but bad for Obama – and possibly the country.

• The Secretary of State has to be unencumbered. The person in that position has to not be distracted with political consequences of tough decisions, especially in a world whose economy is suffering.

• I think Obama met with Hillary Clinton for the same reason he is meeting with John McCain, repairing his relationship with two movers and shakers who can persuade members of their respective parties to support Obama’s policies, budgets and legislation. It is critical to get them both on-board.