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Friday, Nov 21, 2008 8:15 PM UTC

Clinton to accept nomination?

The New York Times says Hillary Clinton has decided she's ready to become secretary of state; the Clinton camp says nothing's final yet.

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Topics: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama, War Room,

Clinton to accept nomination?

Hillary Clinton has reportedly been wavering about whether or not to leave the Senate for the State Department, but according to the New York Times, she’s now made her decision. Clinton is ready to accept the nomination to become secretary of state, the Times’ Peter Baker reports.

Baker sources his story to two unnamed “confidants” of Clinton’s. He writes:

Mrs. Clinton came to her decision after additional discussion with President-elect Barack Obama about the nature of her role and his plans for foreign policy, said one of the confidants, who insisted on anonymity to discuss the situation. Mr. Obama’s office told reporters Thursday that the nomination is “on track” but Clinton associates only confirmed Friday afternoon that she has decided.

“She’s ready,” said the confidant. Mrs. Clinton was reassured after talking again with Mr. Obama because their first meeting in Chicago last week “was so general,” the confidant said. The purpose of the follow-up talk, he added, was not to extract particular concessions but “just getting comfortable” with the idea of working together.

A second Clinton associate confirmed that her camp believes they have a done deal.

Baker says nothing will be official until after Thanksgiving. That’s consistent with previous reports about the timing of any announcement.

Contacted by Salon, Obama transition aides declined comment.

Update: Philippe Reines, a senior advisor to Clinton, e-mails Salon’s Mike Madden, “We’re still in discussions, which are very much on track.  Any reports beyond that are premature.”

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon. More Alex Koppelman.

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