OBAMA'S NATIONAL SECURITY TEAM INCLUDES SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON

Terror attacks in Mumbai, violence in Pakistan, Russian conflict with Georgia, war in Iraq, and threats to the United States puts national security among the top points on the national agenda. Today, President-elect Barack Obama introduced his national security team and stated that our nations security challenges are just as grave as the current economic crisis. Earlier at a Chicago news conference, Obama nominated Senator Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. First, I would rather see Clinton as Vice President but her position as the leading cabinent member will definately provide her with more experience abroad (potentially for a later presidential run). Senator Clinton is already established and is well known across the world. Thus, this will make her a good Secretary of State in representing our country in the global arena. At first, this appointment came as a shock to me considering Clinton's lack of foreign issues present in her presidential campaign (I would expect something within the lines of social welfare). As for the rest of Obama's national security team there is expert CIA turned Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Marine General James Jones as National Security Advisor, former Supreme Court Judge and Obama campaign legal advisor Eric Holder as Attorney General Advisor, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano who has experience with immigration issues (border state) turned Secratary of Homeland Security, and National Secuirty Council member Susan Rice as United Nations Ambassador. I think this is a good team that can get things done and ultimately protect and promote our nation. Despite some inexperience with some members such as Susan Rice and Janet Napolitano, now is the chance for exposure. Some members like James Jones, Clinton, and Robert Gates are the ultimate picks for the job considering the wealth of experience and outlook for our nation. Obama wants to consult with military commanders before settling on a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The sixteen month timeframe is still a mission of Obama. I think analyzing the process of creating a political team is great for the American public to become involved in the direction of the nation. People now know who is part of the Presidents cabinent and team and can better influence policies.