John Kerry as the new Secretary of State

[CBHagman]

3. I'm glad to hear of your support.

Frankly, though I was actually a swing state volunteer during John Kerry's campaign for the U.S. presidency, I had my doubts about his nomination as secretary of state. He's a good egg, a fine speaker, and as well-informed a senator as we have, but I worried he'd be a stiff or somewhat anticlimactic choice following the rapturous reception (and warm sendoff) Hillary Rodham Clinton received from State Department employees.

There was no need to worry. He was confirmed overwhelmingly by the Senate, even in these acrimonious times, and I have no doubt he will do a terrific job. And his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, will be a great source of insight and feedback.