The Five Most Important People in American Politics Right Now Who Aren’t Barack Obama

Mark Halperin’s list:

1. John Podesta

2. Rahm Emanuel

3. John Kerry

4. John McCain

5. The next chair of the Republican National Committee

Does this mean he goes along with the argument for Kerry as Secretary of State? Of course Kerry can also be important as an Obama ally and member of the Senate, especially if he winds up Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Incidentally, Kerry’s spokesman has denied that Kerry is interested in the Secretary of State position, but such statements don’t mean very much.

2 Comments

  1. 1
    beachmom says:

    I guess it depends on how Halperin perceives power — in the Senate vs. SoS.  I think Kerry is more powerful as a Senator since he would be involved with a wider variety of issues, not just foreign policy.  But, we’ll have to wait and see.  As soon as Obama names an SoS, we will know.  I think Kerry would only take that cabinet position.

  2. 2
    Ron Chusid says:

    I think being top dog in one area might make one more powerful than having some involvement in  many issues. If Kerry has power it will most likely come from foreign policy, but that could be as either Secretary of State of Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

    It would be a surprise if Kerry wound up with any other cabinet position, but if for some reason he isn’t offered SoS I also wonder how he would be as Attorney General. I don’t see him being offered this, but that is another position I could see him doing a good job in.

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