Miller, the Middle East expert at the Wilson Center, cites legendary former secretaries such as Henry Kissinger, James Baker and George Schultz as diplomats who were empowered to create the policies that their presidents then implemented.

CNN: Obama nominates John Kerry to be secretary of state

It is a stand-out record, one that makes her the equal of the likes of James Baker, George Schultz or Henry Kissinger among our leading modern secretaries of state.

CNN: President Hillary Clinton? If she wants it

Thomas Friedman, a New York Times columnist, argues that, if they want to have a successful foreign policy, presidents need to have a close personal bond with their secretaries of state: witness Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger or George Bush senior and James Baker.

ECONOMIST: Lexington