The most popular parlor game in Washington right now is speculating who will replace Rex Tillerson as President Trump’s next secretary of state, a thankless job in an administration that has downgraded the role of the State Department and diplomacy overall. Her appointment would foretell a State Department that hews toward traditionally hawkish GOP positions, including forceful advocacy for freedom and human rights abroad. Her physical distance from the White House has allowed her to avoid internal conflicts and act independently. While his tendency to be overtly political makes some uncomfortable at the CIA, it would be an asset at the State Department. Some reports suggest that if Pompeo gets the State Department job, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)

Source: Washington Post October 23, 2017 00:00 UTC