Obama: My choice for secretary of state is John Kerry

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Wars and al-Qaeda was entrenched in their safe havens.

Many -- lines as were bright and America's standing in the world -- up.

We're past four years but we've begun a new -- of American leadership.

We ended the war in Iraq.

Put the al-Qaeda core -- a path to defeat.

And more winding down toward Afghanistan.

We strengthen our alliances including an Asia -- new coalitions to meet global challenges.

It stood up for human dignity from North Africa to the Middle East to -- We still of course face great challenges but today I can say with pride that the United States is safer.

Stronger and more respect in the world.

In this work I've been grateful for an extraordinary national security team.

-- -- on has been a part of that and I'm grateful to him.

Of course.

One of most important people in this whole transformation has been our outstanding secretary of state.

My friend sector Hillary Clinton.

Hillary wanted very much to be here today but she continues to recuperate.

I had a chance to -- were earlier today and she is in good spirits and could not be more excited about the announcement that I make it.

Over the last four years Hillary's been everywhere both in terms of her travels which -- -- represented American more countries -- -- previous secretary of state.

And -- her tireless work to restore global leadership.

And she's looking forward to getting back to work.

And I am looking for to paying tribute to her extraordinary service.

In the days to come.

Today though I'm looking you have to my second term.

And I'm very proud to announce my choice for America's next secretary of state.

John Kerry.

In a sense John's entire life has prepared for this role.

As the son of a foreign service officer.

He has a deep respect for the men and women of the State Department.

The role they play -- advancing our -- and values.

The risks they undertake and the sacrifices that they make along with their families.

Having served -- valor and Vietnam.

He understands that we have a responsibility.

To use American power wisely.

Especially our military power.

And he knows from personal experience that when we send our troops in harm's way we must give them the sound strategy.

A clear mission.

And the resources that they need to get the job done.

In an extraordinarily distinguished senate career and as chairman of the foreign relations committee.

Jobs played a central role in every major foreign policy debate for nearly thirty years.

We turn the page on a decade of war he understands that we've got to harness all elements of American power and ensure that -- are working together.

Diplomatic and development.

Economic -- political.

Military and intelligence.

As -- the power of our values which inspired so many people around the world.

There's John has said we are an exceptional nation not because we say we are -- because we do exceptional facts.

And I'd say that one of the more exceptional things we've seen in recent decades was when job helped lead the way along -- Folks like John McCain and others to restore our diplomatic ties with Vietnam.

When he returned for the country -- and so many others have fought so long ago it sent a powerful message.

A progress and if you want.

Over these many years jobs earn the respect and confidence of leaders around the world he is not going to need a lot of on the job training.

He has earned the respect and trust of his senate colleagues Democrats.

And Republicans.

I think it's fair to say that few individuals.

Know as many presidents and prime minister's.

Or grass or foreign policies as firmly as John Kerry and this makes him a perfect choice to guide American diplomacy in the years ahead.

A personal level job has been a way -- a I've appreciated -- partnership in helping to advance so many of my foreign policy priorities including the ratification of the new start treaty.

I call us talents and diplomatic skills on several occasions.

On complex challenges from Sudan.

And south Sudan to the situation in Afghanistan and each time he has.

Been exemplary.

Of course I also have to say thanks because John invited young Illinois State senator address the Democratic Convention in Boston.

I was proud to serve whether.

The foreign relations committee.

Under the tutelage of Joseph but.

And and where we all became friends.

But of course that nothing brings two people closer together than weeks of debate prep.

Jobs -- -- to working with you instead of debating here.

Finally I want it back to race.

As someone who came to this country as an -- she understands the shining values that America represents the world.

The former -- at the United Nations she appreciates our interest can be advanced in partnership with others.

Reza thank you so much for me jobs partner in this -- -- -- I have to say you know I think I speak for John and drove myself there we just left any -- always.

Funeral a man who exemplified the very best.

The US senate tradition.

And so.

I know that -- won't be easy what the senate 3% of the U -- And I think it's fair to say that they're going to be some great child.

An uncertain world will continue to test our nation.

But even -- all the challenges that we face.

I have never been more confident.

More optimistic.

That if we act -- wisdom and with purpose.

We're guided by our values.

And we remind what binds us.

Together as Americans.

The United States will continue.

To lead in this world for our lifetimes.

So -- I'm very grateful that -- agreed to take on this new assignment.

I'm confident that the senate will confirm you quickly.

I guess you won't be able actually appear.

And preside at the same time.

So we'll have to figure out how that works.

But I know that you're going to be an outstanding secretary of state.

Thank you so much -- And they -- -- as expected the president announcing that he will nominate John Kerry senator.

From Massachusetts.

To become our next secretary of state and saying he hopes that he experiences and easy confirmation he is expected to do just that.

He's widely respected in foreign policy circles particularly on the democratic side but is it believed to have enough support -- the Republican side to sail through a confirmation wanna bring back in Chris --

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Obama: My choice for secretary of state is John Kerry

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