Limbaugh stunned Clinton named for State

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NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Conservative U.S. radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh labeled as "brilliant" President-elect Barack Obama's nomination of Hillary Clinton for secretary of state.

In an interview for Barbara Walters' "The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008," Limbaugh said he was stunned by Obama's selection and surprised Clinton accepted.

Obama made the announcement Monday as he named his national security team, which included retaining Robert Gates at Defense and naming Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano for homeland security, Eric Holder for attorney general, retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones for national security adviser and Susan Rice as U.N. ambassador.

Limbaugh said the nomination of Clinton was "a brilliant stroke by Obama."

"You know the old phrase 'You keep your friends close and your enemies closer?'" Limbaugh asked. "He puts her over at secretary of state, how can she run for president in 2012? And then she's got to run against the incumbent? And be critical of him, the one who made her secretary of state?"