Politics

McCain to Kerry: ‘Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary’

Alexis Levinson Political Reporter
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WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain perhaps made his preference for secretary of state even more clear Monday at a press conference, when, taking the podium from Sen. John Kerry, he said, “Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.”

Kerry is considered one of the final contenders to be nominated as secretary of state when Hillary Clinton steps down from the post. He has also been mentioned as a candidate for defense secretary.

The other person being touted for secretary of state is United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice. Rice has been embroiled in controversy about her role in the aftermath of the September 11, 2012 attacks on the U.S. embassy in Benghazi.

McCain has been one of Rice’s most vocal critics and said that he would have very big concerns during confirmation hearings were she to be nominated to head the State Department.

Senate Republicans have indicated that they would much prefer their Senate colleague Kerry be nominated to the post.

Kerry, taking the microphone back from McCain, joked, “Thank you very much, Mr. President.”

The two were speaking at a press conference in support of the U.N. Disabilities Treaty.

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