Yesterday evening, the BBC Radio 4 "PM" programme reported that Hillary Clinton was being considered by the Obama transition team for Secretary of State. I was struck by how clever this would be. There have been further reports since.

Why do I think it is clever?

• Hillary is a big beast in the Democrat jungle and her supporters in the Party will not be happy if this is not acknowledged by the new administration.
• Obama will no doubt feel more comfortable with her "on the inside pissing out" than "on the outside pissing in".
• She needs to be offered a role with sufficient stature that turning it down would look bad
• On the other hand, I'm sure that Obama doesn't want her anywhere near domestic policy where he has an agenda to deliver.
• Ditto economic policy, foreign or domestic.
• Anything that also puts Bill on a leash would be good news for Obama.

All in all, being offered Secretary of State acknowledges her and neuters her in equal measure. Clever.