About Hillary Clinton

President-elect Obama named Ms. Clinton as his choice for the job at a press conference Dec. 1. He said of the New York senator, "She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. ... She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders, who will command respect in every capital and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world."

The former first lady and, most recently, Democratic presidential hopeful would seek diplomatic victories on problems her husband largely failed to solve, from North Korea to Israel and Iran. Even her critics acknowledge that her tenacity and attention to detail could make her an effective diplomat. Her foreign-policy doctrine, though, is considerably to the right of Obama's.

She needs to be formally nominated and approved by Senate. Ms. Clinton will give up her Senate seat to join the Cabinet.

Clinton takes the reins at State Department - January 22, 2009 - Proclaims the start of a new era of robust U.S. diplomacy

Senate confirms Clinton as secretary of state - January 21, 2009 - President Obama's pick wins overwhelming majority

Senate panel backs Clinton as secretary of state - January 15, 2009 - WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted overwhelmingly on Thursday for Hillary Rodham Clinton to become the next secretary of state, with lawmakers saying they were hopeful her leadership would mark a turn from warfare toward diplomacy.

Clinton moves to widen role of State Dept. - December 23, 2008 - Obama administration wants diplomacy as 'critical tool in America's arsenal'