Thaindian News

Washington, March 17 (IANS/EFE) Hillary Clinton does not plan to remain as US secretary of state if President Barack Obama wins a second term in 2012 and has “no intention” of making another run for the presidency, she said in an interview with CNN.

Clinton responded with a simple “no” to successive questions by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about serving as secretary of state, secretary of defence or vice president in a second Obama administration.

Her answer was the same when asked, “Would you like to be president of the United States?”

Reports earlier suggested that Clinton would take Vice President Joe Biden’s place as Obama’s 2012 running mate, or replace Robert Gates at the Pentagon if he steps down as defence secretary.

“You know, I had a wonderful experience running (for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination) and I am very proud of the support I had and very grateful for the opportunity, but I’m going to be, you know, moving on,” Clinton said.

When the news anchor cited Twitter messages urging Clinton to run for president in 2016, she said: “Well that’s very kind, but I am doing what I want to do right now and I have no intention or any idea even of running again. I’m going to do the best I can at this job for the next two years.”

Clinton was elected to the senate from New York in 2000 and entered the 2008 Democratic presidential field as a favourite, but was later overtaken by Obama.

The post of secretary of state was “the best job I could ever have”, Clinton said.

“There isn’t anything that I can imagine doing after this that would be as demanding, as challenging or rewarding.”

“I want to be part of helping to represent the United States at this critical moment in time,” she said.

–IANS/EFE
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