- Dr. Kissinger turned my offer down to be Secretary of State. He said he’s perfectly happy doing what he’s doing.
- Herman Cain • Relating an offer of his Secretary of State position made to Henry Kissinger. Kissinger, now 88, served as National Security Adviser under Nixon, and Secretary of State under Ford, but has not held a government position since. This is pretty bizarre — in the first place, Henry Kissinger is a phenomenally divisive figure in America history, heralded as a savvy elder statesman by some and an evident war criminal by others. He’s also plainly far older than we suspect most Americans would be comfortable with for such a demanding cabinet position. Further, he cited unavoidable conflict of interest due to his financial associations when he resigned as chair of the 9/11 commission, which seems disqualifying for a job like the Secretary of State. source