Barack Offers Hillary Secretary of State?

Huffington Post reports that President-elect Barack Obama has offered Senator Hillary Clinton the Secretary of State position.

This seems like such an odd choice for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. For Barack, he is appointing a foe to one of the most important cabinet positions. And why, as Josh Marshall asked a few days ago, would Clinton give up what is probably a Senate seat for life? Could she be setting herself up for a campaign for President in 2012 or 2016? Marshall doubts that:

That strikes me as deeply, deeply improbable. Never an easy thing to challenge a sitting president of your own party, next to impossible to do it from his own cabinet. I don't have an answer on why either party would want this appointment. But that ain't the reason.

I have a few thoughts. First, this could be an empty olive branch. Barack might have offered Hillary the position knowing that she would not accept in an early attempt to unify the Democratic party before he is inaugurated. Second, Barack could be genuine about his desire to surround himself with a cabinet and advisors who will challenge his actions. Hillary would certainly be that.

Of course, keep in mind that this has not been substantiated by a solid newspaper. But Huffington Post is typically pretty accurate.

UPDATE: Barack Obama also meets with Governor Bill Richardson about the Secy of State job.