Hillary Clinton Denies Reports She Wants World Bank Presidency
As James Joyner reported this morning, Reuters reported yesterday that Hillary Clinton was contemplating a move to the Presidency of the World Bank. Those reports have been quickly shot down by Clinton’s staff and the White House:
Hillary Clinton’s staff is denying a Reuters news report that the secretary of state wants to be president of the World Bank.
Reuters reported that Clinton has discussed with the Obama administration and made clear to the World Bank her interest in succeeding World Bank president, Robert Zoellick, when his term expires in mid-2012. It is unclear whether or not Zoellick intends to seek a second term.
Meanwhile, the Guardian newspaper is reporting Clinton’s spokesman, Philippe Reines, flatly denied the claim.
“Story is 100% untrue. Reuters is wrong,” Reines told the Washington Post.
In an official statement, Reines added: “Secretary Clinton has not had any conversations with the president, the White House or anyone about moving to the World Bank. She has expressed absolutely no interest in the job. She would not take it if offered.”
The White House also moved to deny the reports. “The story is wrong,” said White House press secretary Jay Carney. “Completely wrong.”‘
Take it for what it’s worth, I suppose. Obviously, Clinton might still consider the job if it were offered and, of course, she wouldn’t want to acknowledge anything while she is still Secretary of State.
That’s always the problems with these rumors and denials. As I noted to Alex in the comments of the other thread, people routinely deny their interest in another job until they take it. Coaches are NEVER considering that job from that more prestigious school. Governors are NEVER running for president. Cabinet officers are NEVER angling for a better gig. Until they are.