WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov. 8 (DPI) — Some Democrats here are whispering that John Kerry’s get-his-hands-dirty approach as Secretary of State – and his conspicuously tangible results on Iran and elsewhere — stand in uncomfortably sharp contrast to the style and record of his predecessor.
None of that would matter much if Kerry’s predecessor wasn’t preparing to run for president.
The National Journal’s political columnist Michael Hirsh last month picked up on Kerry’s accomplishments as secretary, but he refrained, initially at least, from suggesting Hillary Clinton’s stature may suffer for it:
http://www.nationaljournal.com/white-house/john-kerry-a-diplomatic-one-man-band-20131011
In a video discussion later in the month Hirsh, Newsweek’s former political correspondent, took a slightly stronger tone, saying Kerry was more willing to “get his hands dirty” in global hotspots.
Kerry has played an central role in US diplomacy disarming the Syrian regime of chemical weapons, and pushing Iran to an agreement with Western nations on its nuclear weapons program. Last week, Kerry personally smoothed the relationship with Saudi Arabia, strained in recent months by the US’s unwillingness to arm Syrian rebels or take other military action there.
Earlier this year John McCain, longtime Senate colleague and friend, sarcastically told an audience that Kerry was doing a “shitty job” as Secretary of State:
http://thehill.com/video/senate/298817-mccain-curses-in-joking-jab-about-kerry-job-performance
Not all media has arrived at the conclusion that Kerry has outperformed his predecessor:
http://www.thenation.com/article/176979/john-kerry-terrible-secretary-state#