The woman expected to re-build America’s standing abroad, says her country must be more smart in its dealings with the rest of the world. Hillary Clinton was speaking at the Senate hearing which must confirm her as Secretary of State. Accompanied by her daughter Chelsea, but not by husband Bill, Clinton faced only gentle questioning from senators eager to move on from the Bush years.

“I believe that American leadership has been wanting, but is still wanted,” said Clinton. “We must use what has been called “smart power,” the full range of tools at our disposal. Diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural. Picking the right tool or combination of tools, for each situation. With smart power, diplomacy will be the vanguard of our foreign policy.” Clinton has survived last year’s Democratic nomination battle, when she described Barack Obama’s foreign policy ideas as “naive.” Her critics worry about her husband’s global charitable foundation, saying donors could curry favour with the Obama administration. But even leading Republicans have said they will endorse her as Secretary of State.More about: USA

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