“President Barack Obama has nominated Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) for Secretary of State,” the Huffington Post reports, noting, “Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, will replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton” (12/21). “Kerry is expected to sail to confirmation, with both Republicans and Democrats praising the nomination,” the Associated Press/Huffington Post notes (Cassata, 12/21).

“Kerry, the former presidential candidate who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee … is noted for having the experience, gravitas and relationship-building skills that could help him succeed Hillary Clinton, the outgoing top U.S. diplomat,” CNN writes (Yellin/Sterling, 12/21). The Center for Global Health Policy’s “Science Speaks” blog examines Kerry’s record of global health involvement, stating, “As a nominee for the post of Secretary of State, John Kerry comes with a record of involvement in global health issues, with the potential to extend the role of international diplomacy to address preventable death and disease in partnership with other countries” (Barton, 12/24).