On Demand
Junior Senator
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Glenn Thrush, senior Congressional correspondent for Politico.com, talks about potential replacements for Hillary Clinton in the Senate, once she's confirmed as Secretary of State.
Question of the Day: Who would you like to see replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate?- About the Brian Lehrer Show »
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Tapes and Transcripts »
- Latest Episode »
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
YOU PRODUCE The Brian Lehrer Show
Be a listener-producer with facts, questions and people you'd like to hear on the air.
More
The Brian Lehrer Show Scrapbook
Visit the scrapbook for daily photos and miscellany from The Brian Lehrer Show.
More
Shop at Amazon!
The Brian Lehrer Show picks
Start your Amazon shopping on WNYC.org and a portion of your total purchase goes to WNYC.
More
Comments
Refresh
Eliot Spitzer
It doesn't matter they're all a bunch of liars and crooks.
Including Barack W. Bush.
Thomas Souzzi.
I'd like to see Mark Green appointed to the Senate.
He's been a tireless public servant and is beholden to no special interests.
BILL CLINTON
NY State Senator Diane Savino
Elliot Spitzer. As all the cards fall at Wall St., mortage collapse, AIG he is looking prescient. Just read his Washington Post article in light of today's events and it is chilling. Clearly he was "done in" for his attempts to protect us. Do you really think he's the only politician to visit a prostitute?
No established politician. I am an unemployed music teacher. How about me? I am more than happy to take Senator Clinton's place.
I would hope that Paterson not feel constrained by identity politics or regional balance: Jerrold Nadler should be senator.
Anthony Weiner or Hiram Monserrate or Christine Quinn, I would like to see one of these 3
Bill Clinton. I'm not kidding.
REP. JOE CROWLEY(D-QUEENS)
CUOMO. BUT NOT ANDREW.... MARIO!
I feel it should be a well qualified latino as we are a huge part New York City and New York States population that can not be ignored. We have an African American Governer by a fluke, we have a Senator Chuck Schumer, we have a Mayor Bloomberg, we dont have any latinos that I know, appointed to any high level positions.
Jerry Nadler. On merit although he clearly does not fit the Clyde Haberman profile from his NYT article.
Eliot Spitzer!
Nydia Velasquez
Congresswoman Nydia Velazques who worked very hard for Hillary Clinton in her campaign. It should be a woman who is picked and having a progressive woman who can represent the Latino community and small business would be very helpful now. We need someone to defend the immigrant population who has been so under attack in the country under the Bush administration.
Spitzer! New York isn't a Puritan state—I just moved to Wisconsin and we have a pro-pot Socialist in the capital's mayoral seat. If we can do that, then you can have Spitzer. It's time to stop pretending we're a bunch of uptight pilgrims.
Carol Bellamy, Nita Lowey, Carolyn Maloney.
I've got it. How about a good-looking guy who's half black with no leadership experience but who has written a few books:
Malcolm Gladwell!
I suggest Hamilton Fish V, president of the Nation Institute and scion of several old NY families.
I would like to see Kristen Gillibrand appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat.
She's been a good Representative from Upstate NY and she's a woman
Plaxico Buress.
Come on, give him a shot.
Yes, Eliot Spitzer.
You see, there's this guy out there who has already demonstrated that he is committed to public service and that the people of New York State elected to statewide office, and he's not busy while being in the prime of this life (for this kind of thing). He's underutilized.
Why not? Because he had an affair? That's his private life, and really should have no bearing on his ability to serve. Because he hired a prostitute he is disqualified? What about Sen. David Vitter?
This guy has not been -- and will not be -- convicted or even charged with a crime there. There was no misuse of public funds or public power.
If one of the big reasons given to waive term limits was that Bloomberg is so ideally suited to deal with the national financial crisis, we can move past our prurient interests so let a man who's been investigating Wall St. malfeasance lend his expertise to the senate. After all, it's congress who is going to be enacting new legislation to govern Wall St, not the local mayor.
Eliot Spitzer.
Bill Clinton should be tapped to fill Hillary's spot in the Senate.
Kristen Gillibrand
She has been a good Represetative from Upstate NY
She's a woman.
How about Carolyn McCarthy? She would be terrific, knows her way around Washington and might be a fine senator.
Carolyn McCarthy...would be great.
NYC Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden or NYU President John Sexton. If we're choosing among politicians, then Nadler, Louise Slaughter, or Mark Green (to second a previous comment).
Louise Slaughter or Nita Lowey
Eliot Spitzer.
John Hall!
Howie Hawkins, who should have been included in the 'debates" with Hillary Clinton and John Spencer in 2006.
Giuliani, or a Republican. We need some balance in Congress. That's the whole point of how Congress established -- to have a system of checks and balances.
not one of the usual suspects, like Caroline Kennedy?
and that was the so-called NY Senate "debates" in 2006
Suha Arafat
Thomas White, Jr. or Melinda Katz!
Giuliani, or a any republican. We need balance in Congress.
Me too, Eliot Spitzer. We (read: You all) screwed him, let's all unscrew him. He's good and gets the job done.
There are lots of great choices. A few names to consider -
Elizabeth Holtzman, Ronnie Eldridge, Mark Green, Carl McCall, Jerrold Nadler
Absolutely no way should it be Eliot Spitzer. He disgraced his office and the state with his disgusting, reckless behavior and he's a hypocrite. You can't attack on Repubs on ethics and then choose someone as radioactive as Eliot Spitzer to join the Senate.
Caroline Kennedy or Bobby Kennedy Jr.
Caroline is a great eductaion advocate. RFK jr. for his environmental work.
Newt Gingrich
I'll put my bid in for Senator Hillary Clinton. She'll be much better as the Junior Senator from New York than the chief diplomat for the United States of America.
andrew weiner, then we won't have to worry about him being mayor. i just couldn't stand to see him everyday
How about an UPSTATE Democrat that could bridge the divide and bring together the state's interests? Senator Schumer more than adequately reps NYC
RFK, Jr.
Period. 'Nuff said.
Bob Kerry?
Bill Wled, darkhorse.
CAROLINE KENNEDY !!!
Brian Lehrer. Seriously, who is better informed? and more articulate?
Second choice: Reverend Calvin Butts.
Please let's not invoke race into this. How about the most qualified person?? huh?? Whatever happened to that?
I was ready to say Christine Quinn, but changed my mind: I want to keep her here.
OK you want a woman, if not Eliot then how about Silda Wall Spitzer? She's got my full confidence.
How about someone who has no Presidential ambitions and who doesn't have a national agenda?
I want a good old fashion hack who can get as much as he can from the Federal Budget for New York.
seth, he who is without sin....
PLAXICO IS CURRENTLY A RESIDENT OF nj.
HE MAY BE A GUEST RESIDENT
Seriously: Gilbrand -- a member of Congress from the Glens Falls Area.
Christie Brinkley. Good name recognition. Fund raising - Billy Joel can help out. She is a single mom.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn...for sure. One strong, intelligent woman to replace another strong, intelligent woman.
I want to get rid of Christine Quinn...COMPLETELY! PLEEZE.
Mahmoud Abbas
It should be the BEST PERSON for the job--the senate seat--, regardless of race, color, gender, sexuality, religion, political ties, etc. And Although, a politician would be the best person for the senate seat, politics should be put aside when Patterson makes his decision.
Andrew Cuomo left HUD in shambles and with a few sexual discrimination lawsuits following him.
How about someone who'll actually work for NY?
NYS Senator Suzi Oppenheimer
Nita Lowey. I agree that she was screwed out of the nomination by Charlie Rangel who pushed her aside in favor of Hillary because he felt they needed a well-known person; the same argument Rangel rejected when it was suggested that McCall step aside in favor of Andrew Cuomo. Rangel said it was "Carl's time" but not Nita's. Lowey's positions and record is almost like Hillary's and it would be as if she never left.I reject the notion that a minority has to be appointed because there is none otherwise. If they can't get elected on their own, appointmenrt is the worst kind of patronizationj.
Christine Quinn! let's get another openly gay person into the Senate
Once Hillary clears, Bill Clinton will do whatever he wants in terms of speaking or deal-making. What are they going to do, fire her?
Clinton...interesting...but I want him to run for mayor...
I don't want Bill Clinton, I'm tired of dynasties and rehashes. We've had our fill of Bush and even Kennedy.
Oh good, he's not interested.
why hasn't anyone said michael bloomberg?
Richard Williams from Larchmont NY!!
There, you got 1 vote!
Bess from Manhattan: So you want to replace one bought woman with another? Okay, maybe that was too harsh on Senator Clinton, but really... What has Christine Quinn proved herself accomplished at other than political gamesmanship, neighborhood protectionism, and being readily susceptible to influence from big business?
I think that the primary criteria for a senator from New York should be their ability to do the job of representing the states interests and the people. I am disheartened that your guests are focusing on fundraising and maintaining the democrats control of every congressional and senate seat. We want someone with experience and knowledge of the state as the senator. I would love it if Nina Lowey would change her mind and serve the state as our senator.
Not Nydia Velazquez! She's been my 'representative' since the start. Her constituent services have wasted my time, and she doesn't even respond to letters about policy. I can't see giving her a promotion. If my district weren't so gerrymandered (we are spread into three counties) we'd have a better shot at replacing her.
RFK Jr. just dropped out, according to NY Times.
“I have spent lots of time thinking about it,” Mr. Kennedy said in an interview. “I have spent time talking with my uncle, by brothers, my cousin and, of course, my wife. And I think I’m in a good position right now doing what I’m doing.”
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/robert-f-kennedys-son-not-interested-in-senate-seat/
We need Western New York Representation--Brian Higgins or Byron Brown
Gee, I was serious about Silda Wall Spitzer, your guest laughed. I really think she's qualified.
charles baron
I love Peter King, but Mario Cuomo would be a good Dem.
Sigh. So disappointed Howie Hawkins wasn't mentioned on the air.
Western New York representation--Byron Brown or Brian Higgins.
I agree with both #61 and #63, but this will be a political appointment fraught with backroom deals, gamesmanship, and ulterior motives. This isn't an appointment for the people of New York.
please no one from upstate
Having worked in local journalism, I got to know a lot of politicians from Long Island and by far one of the mist tireless advocates of the voters in my observation was and is Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. She is a Democrat is a solidly Republican, blue collar suburban town, Mineola, the county seat in central Nassau. She has name recognition because of the family tragedy that inspired her public service and coverage of it, including a TV movie. She was a nurse and a Republican before she ran and would bring, as she does in Congress, a great deal of insight in our health crises and she'd bridge the aisle divide.
Cuomo the Elder, a maestro.
Elise from Jersey City, While I agree it would be wonderful to have another openly gay person in the US Senate, from all I know of her, the only thing Christine Quinn has done for the LGBTQ community is prove there is no need to fear having openly gay representatives because they will be no less or greater a crook than their heterosexual counterparts. Who Ms. Quinn sleeps with shouldn’t be a qualification or disqualification for appointment.
#56 hjs,
We have many, many extremely talented and smart people from which to choose. My point is that picking Spitzer would be like having the circus come to town. His transgressions might not matter to you, but I don't want an incoming US senator who is weighed down by scandal and sleaze from the moment he's sworn into office. Let's be thankful for the many talented people we have to fill this seat.
More people to consider- John Hall, Maurice Hinchey, Charles Barron, Bill Perkins
in order of choice
Robert kennedy jr.
Gail Brewer
Andrew Cuomo
Danny Goldberg
Elizabeth Holtzman
Deborah Glick
Stanley Crouch
jerry nadler
Paul Schindler
I would have put Spitzer on top if I thought the Governor could be an independant thinker.. but I know that is not possible.
jim fouratt
I propose Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney to replace Senator Clinton. She has been a leader in the Congress on legislation to benefit women and families. She has fought tirelessly for New York City and would be an effective advocate for New York State. She has a track record of getting things done and when it comes to addressing the needs of women and families, like Hillary Clinton, she does not take no for answer. She has the qualifications, the experience, and the toughness to be a great senator for New York.
in order of choice
fernado ferrer
Robert kennedy jr.
Gail Brewer
Andrew Cuomo
Danny Goldberg
Elizabeth Holtzman
Deborah Glick
Stanley Crouch
jerry nadler
Paul Schindler
I would have put Spitzer on top if I thought the Governor could be an independant thinker.. but I know that is not possible.
jim fouratt
seth
"having the circus come to town." really DC, a circus coming to DC, they'll have to fight the other circuses.
i don't think anyone
"disgraced his office and the state with his disgusting, reckless behavior" by having sex with a consenting adult.
BUT he's a hypocrite
Spitzer won't be the next senator and there are lots of better people
did u see eva posted yesterday
hjs,
For the nanosecond, we're in good shape. Obama won, he picked Hillary for his cabinet (so hopefully the PUMAs will now accept Obama as legit), and David Patterson will appoint anyone but Spitzer to fill Hill's seat.
On the dark side, Saxby Chambliss will win today and Norm Coleman still has a chance of pulling it out in MN.
I didn't see eva's post, I'll check it out. Thx for the heads up.
i still say PUMA was a covert GOP org.
Seeing all the good choices people have listed so far, it's almost too bad NY only has 2 Sen seats.
It would be great if Obama could find jobs in his admin to offer some of these people who won't get selected by Patterson to fill Hillary's seat.
Having worked in local print media before starting a family, I came to know Long Island politicians relatively well. One of the most tirelessly devoted to public service and the constituency was and is Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy. She is a Democrat in a staunchly Republican town with popular Republican Pasta Nights and a very blue collar outlook. She's held her seat through Republican Congressional majorities because of her service. She has some star power with a made for TV movie about her family tragedy that inspired her service. She was a nurse and a Republican for running, experience to help us in our health care crises and bridge the aisle divide.
On PUMAs
Either way Seth and HJS, both the Senator’s supporters from the primaries and a couple of people in the GOP seem to be thrilled with her nomination to this post. Can’t wait for her tactic of thinly veiled racial, cultural, and theological innuendo to win over the Jews, Muslims, and Christians of the Middle East and spread peace across the land.
Go with what you know… I say Spitzer.
Can there be any doubt? How about Gary from Manhattan.
Seth,
I hate to tell you this, but I really would like Spitzer back.
If only because Wall Street hates him so much. He was prescient. And flawed. But...
And hjs is right, and really funny, with that circus quote.
Spitzer was set up. I mean, he walked into it. But let's get over it. A fallen man is a stronger, better man. Oedipus redeemed himself in the end, right? So can the Spitz!
Bring back the Spitz!
Joe Lieberman, a great American and a great Democrat. He could be in the senate from two states. Word.
Leave a Comment
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
1 | 2 | Next | Back to EpisodeEmail addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. WNYC reserves the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the WNYC.org Comment Guidelines before posting.