Reply #37: "'entirely likely' that the former president could be dispatched to India and Pakistan "

[ProSense]

Democratic Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.), who also appeared on the program, said Obama is about to name “a superb group of people.”

Lugar said he would vote to confirm Clinton, even though he acknowledged that questions could be raised about the dealings of her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

“I think that the wide-ranging activities of President Clinton are very substantial on this earth. They will continue to be,” Lugar stated, adding, “I don’t know how, given all of our ethics standards now, anyone quite measures up to this who has such cosmic ties. But I think the Obama campaign people have done a good job in trying to pin down the most important elements, and at this point hopefully this team of rivals will work.”

Reed said that he expects both Clintons “will be very judicious in what they take on.”

Both senators agreed that Bill Clinton could still serve as a mediator or U.S. emissary in the international arena.

Reed said that it is “entirely likely” that the former president could be dispatched to India and Pakistan to smooth over tensions there following the terrorist attack in Mumbai. Clinton has garnered a lot of good will in the area after leaving office because of his work there following the devastating tsunami.

Lugar added that Bill Clinton “could do a great job there,” adding, “And for that matter, in lots of places.”

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Wow, Hillary gets the title, Bill gets the job?

Edited to add transcript:

REED: Well, I think this arrangement sets up a framework of transparency and disclosure. And I think that’s a significant and important aspect of the confirmation process for Mrs. Clinton, Senator Clinton.

As it goes forward, I think, though, I think the presumption will be that both the Secretary of State Clinton and president, former President Clinton will be very judicious in what they take on, because there’s a new dimension here. The secretary of state and the former president are married, and I think that’s going to set the standard.

But I think they’ve put up a good framework. This disclosure, this transparency is the right way to go.

STEPHANOPOULOS: How about in the question of the mediation? Does -- if, for example, and President-elect Obama did talk about this in the campaign -- having perhaps President Clinton serve as a mediator between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. There would not necessarily be a conflict there if he chose to have President Clinton do that. But you’re smiling. You don’t thing it is likely anymore?

REED: No, I think it’s entirely likely. And I don’t think there will be a conflict. And I think also, in terms of specific assignment, that, to your question, George, what more can be done? Well, in that context, there might be some arrangements that should be disclosed, some additional self-imposed restrictions that the president would take. But in the context of a specific mission from President Obama, I think that’s where these judgments could be made.

I think he would be a superb addition to our international diplomacy.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Do you agree with that on India and Pakistan, as a mediator, President Clinton?

LUGAR: Yes, I think he could do a great job there. And for that matter, in lots of places.

But, as I say, this is an unprecedented situation historically.

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