Clinton confirmed as Secretary of State

By a 94-2 vote earlier today, the United States Senate voted to confirm Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State. Senator "Diapers" David Vitter of Louisiana (and D.C. madam infamy) and Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina were the dissenting votes. Apparently, Senator John Cornyn had his concerns addressed sufficiently to vote for Clinton's confirmation.

At one point during the debate, Senator John McCain, in a magnanimous attempt to halt the politics of the past, tried to cut off debate and get to the vote.

Just before a recess a few minutes ago so that senators could attend their policy luncheons, Senator John McCain, whose failed presidential bid resulted in his return to the Senate, tried to cut off the hours of debate and move quickly toward Senator Clinton’s confirmation. He argued that she must begin work on the world’s problems — the United States is fighting two wars, the fragile ceasefire over Gaza, a deteriorating situation with North Korea.

And then Mr. McCain, with the heft that only he could offer given his unusual situation, invoked yesterday’s inaugural wonderment. “We had an election and we also had a remarkable and historical time yesterday and this nation has come together as it has not for some time,” he said, noting the high popularity ratings of President Barack Obama. “The message the American people are sending us right now is they want us to work together and get to work right now.”

In this instance, John McCain is right. Now is the time to get to work. While the inauguration is still fresh in everyone's minds and good will is still in the air, it's time to get down to the people's business. Barack Obama promised change, but it's up to all of us to help deliver it.