As Barack Obama mulled naming his former Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State, Bill Clinton's "complicated" global business interests could jeopardise her prospects
WASHINGTON: As US President-elect Barack Obama mulled naming his former Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State, her husband Bill Clinton's "complicated" global business interests could jeopardise her prospects, according to observers.
Former President Bill Clinton's international business dealings, global foundation and penchant for going off script could present a significant obstacle to Hillary becoming the top US diplomat, the observers were quoted as saying by the media here.
On the one hand, the ex-President's established relationships with world leaders could instantly make the 61-year-old New York Senator a welcome face in embassies around the world. On the other, Clinton's complicated global business interests could present future conflicts of interest that may result in unneeded headache for Obama, CNN reported.
Two officials with Obama's transition team said they were investigating Bill Clinton's finances and post-presidential dealings. As part of the early vetting process, the team is looking for any negative information that could throw the prospect of Hillary as Secretary of State into jeopardy.
A particular issue could be the donor list of Bill Clinton's global foundation, which might show connections to international figures who push policies that might conflict with those of the new Obama administration.
Obama has asked Hillary if she would consider being his Secretary of State and her response is expected this week, CNN reported.
Since exiting the Oval Office in 2000, Clinton has reportedly raised over USD 500 million for the foundation, which has doled out millions for AIDS relief in Africa and other charitable causes around the world.
Clinton has also reportedly solicited funds from international business figures connected to human rights abuses that Hillary has outwardly criticised, including the governments of Kazakhstan and China.
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