ADVANCE WORD FROM HILLARY - AT 11:35 A.M. ET:  As we reported earlier, Hillary Clinton's new act premieres today before the Council on Foreign Relations, with choreography by Bill Clinton.  It will be followed by a round-the-world tour, with bookings in only the finest places. 

We now have some advance quotes from secretary:

"...we will remain clear-eyed about our purpose. Not everybody in the world wishes us well or shares our values and interests. Some will seek to undermine our efforts. In those cases, our partnerships will help constrain or deter their actions. And to these foes and would-be foes, let me say: You should know that our focus on diplomacy and development is not an alternative to our national security arsenal. You should never see America's willingness to talk as a sign of weakness to be exploited. We will not hesitate to defend our friends and ourselves vigorously when necessary with the world's strongest military. This is not an option we seek. Nor is it a threat; it is a promise to the American people."

Hmm.  Fascinating.  While we're assured that this speech has White House approval, the tone, the style, is not Obama, it's Hillary.  Words like "arsenal" would not fall from Obama's lips.  And the windup, "...it is a promise to the American people" is something Obama would never say.  I mean, the people he knows back in the coffee houses of Hyde Park aren't waiting around to be promised military force, except maybe somebody else's.

And, on Iran:

"Iran can become a constructive actor in the region if it stops threatening its neighbors and supporting terrorism. It can assume a responsible position in the international community if it fulfills its obligations on human rights. The choice is clear. We remain ready to engage with Iran, but the time for action is now. The opportunity will not remain open indefinitely." 

Obama has, in fact, said that, but not as toughly.

Of course, these are all words.  Whether this administration has the spine to translate them into action, if the need arises, is the fundamental test.  But the possibility of an open split between Hillary and Barack, in my view at least, is substantial. 

July 15, 2009