A favorable shift for Clinton

WASHINGTON —

Long considered one of the nation's most polarizing figures, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton steps into her new role as America's chief diplomat this week with a Senate confirmation hearing that is likely to look more like a tribute than an examination of a controversial politician.

Clinton has fanned political passions as first lady, as New York's junior senator and as a presidential candidate. Yet, she is collecting rhetorical bouquets from Republicans as she prepares for today's committee appearance that will open the way for her fourth public incarnation, as secretary of state.

"Very knowledgeable," Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said after a private meeting with her Thursday. "Her appointment is a net plus for the administration and the country."

"She's been tested in a lot of ways," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., who called Clinton a "known commodity."

The warm reception reflects in part the courtesy the Senate extends to its own and to a popular new president. But it also shows how attitudes from across the political divide have eased over the course of Clinton's long presence in public life.

"She's now a fixture of American politics; this gives you a sense of how people can be gradually accepted," said Ross Baker, a political scientist at Rutgers University and a former congressional staff member. "Her record's familiar, and they don't see her as mysterious or fear they're going to be booby-trapped by her."

Conservative attitudes toward Clinton have changed as she has detailed her foreign-policy views, which lean toward the center or even the center-right. She has been hawkish on the defense of Israel and tough on Iran, and said during her presidential campaign that the United States would "obliterate" the Muslim country if it attacked Israel.

Isakson said he found a long discussion with Clinton on the Middle East to be "very satisfactory."

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, has scheduled a committee vote on Clinton's nomination two days after the hearing, reflecting his confidence that her confirmation won't require more lengthy debate.

However, one issue likely to produce some discomfort is that of President Clinton, whose foundation has received millions of dollars from foreign governments and businesses, raising questions of potential conflicts of interest.

His foundation last month released contribution records and has promised to disclose future donations annually.

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., the ranking minority member of the committee, intends to raise the issue in his opening remarks. Other senators also intend to make clear that the subject causes them some concern.

But senators and aides said they didn't expect the topic to overshadow all others, because the lawmakers want to explore Sen. Clinton's views on the full range of foreign-policy issues. Andy Fisher, a spokesman for Lugar, said he expected close questioning on the topic, but added: "I don't expect it to be protracted throughout the day."

One question that may not be settled until today is whether Hillary Clinton will bring her spouse and family to her hearing, as is Senate custom for Cabinet nominees.

Her aides said that, because of scheduling issues, it was not clear whether the former president would accompany his wife.

While having him there — sitting behind her in the audience — would have some advantages, it also could prompt questions about the former president, said Tom Korologos, a lobbyist and longtime congressional aide who has helped prepare nominees for such hearings. "Will he travel with her?" Korologos asked. "Who gets off the plane first?"

Korologos believes it would be a mistake for the former president to appear.

Yet some panel members are eager for Bill Clinton to play a role in his wife's job as secretary of state.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said after a meeting with Hillary Clinton that he wants Bill Clinton to provide advice and would favor a formal role if that's what President-elect Obama and Hillary Clinton want.

"I would be comfortable with getting his help on a whole series of fronts," Casey said.