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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton named Ellen Degeneres a "special envoy" for global AIDS awareness during a speech at the National Institutes of Health. 

In a letter to Degeneres, Clinton wrote:

"By lending us your energy, compassion, and star power to serve as our Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness, your words will encourage Americans in joining you to make their voices heard in our campaign to achieve an AIDS-free generation. The enormous platform of your television show and your social media channels will enable you to reach millions of people with the strong and hopeful message that we can win this fight."

To which Degeneres replied in a released statement:

"I'm honored to have been chosen by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as Special Envoy for Global AIDS awareness. The fight against AIDS is something that has always been close to my heart. And I'm happy that I can use my platform to educate people and spread hope. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go look up what 'envoy' means."

I trust Hillary—but, what do you think? A Smart or a less-than smart appointment? Clearly, Ellen's brand and immense popularity will bring recognition to this issue; I frankly can't see a downside to this appointment.