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TIPSHEET: Kerry likely to be more traditional secretary of state
Expect new secretary of state John Kerry to be a “more traditional” secretary of state than his predecessor Hillary Rodham Clinton, says historian Thomas Schwartz of Vanderbilt University.
Kerry, who was approved by the Senate Jan. 29 by a vote of 94 to 3, “might deliberately choose a style focused more on high-level negotiating and securing agreements,” said Schwartz, an expert on the history of international relations.
Clinton was a well-traveled secretary of state, known for holding town meetings and other events in many countries designed to highlight her efforts to promote the role of women and encourage democracy, Schwartz said.
Kerry, in contrast, is more likely to “re-start the Middle East peace talks or make an initiative toward Iran,” Schwartz said.