If confirmed, the Massachusetts Democrat would succeed Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in Obama's second-term Cabinet.
Clinton did not attend the Roosevelt Room announcement. She's recovering from a concussion sustained in a fall.
Obama said Kerry's political career and service has established him as a respected American voice around the globe. Obama said Kerry will not need on-the-job training.
Kerry has served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is a decorated Vietnam veteran who was critical of the war effort when he returned home to the U.S.
He has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since 1985.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/12/256416