With the tenacious battle that was Election ’08 behind us, many are excited with the optimism that the next four years may bring under Obama/Biden. Others within the party have begun to speculate as to how the new party of power will operate atop our nation’s political system, as well as how the democrats will create cohesion among the group following an intense battle between Obama and Clinton. With feedback on this topic, fellow students weigh in on one question.

Do you think Hillary Clinton will be offered a cabinet position or a special assignment and what should it be?

John Gillette, ’10 Wilmington De. – “I personally feel that she will not be offered a position. While Obama may be grateful for her support, he will probably want to distance himself slightly so that he can enact his own policies.”

Tyler Gunderson, ’09 Elmira, Ny. – “I do not believe that Hillary Clinton will be offered a cabinet position. If she were to be assigned a cabinet position though, I think she would be assigned to secretary of commerce.”

Trevor Serine, ’10 Mohnton, Pa. – “No, due to the fact that Obama would instantly be creating a person in a position of power that is seen within their party as a rival. Although the old saying goes, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”, if I were Obama, I wouldn’t want to give a rival any more power or authority, especially because if she does well in a cabinet position that just gives her supporters more cause to back her and oppose Obama.”

Sekani Tembo, ’11 Bridgewater, Va. – “I don’t think Hillary Clinton will be offered a cabinet position; but, I think her being given a special assignment, possibly a member of some sort of committee, sounds like a reasonable option.”

Donald Carpenter, ’10 Huntingdon, Pa. – “I think Hillary Clinton will be offered a position in President Obama’s cabinet for two strategic reasons. First, it will further unite the Democratic Party by involving Clinton and her supporters in our new government, and secondly, it will decrease the chances of Clinton supporters voting against President Obama in the 2012 election.”

Christopher Bender ’10, Juniata Online Journalist