Obama queries Clinton on Cabinet

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Multiple Democratic sources tell CNN that President-elect Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton had a "serious discussion" Thursday to gauge Clinton's interest in the post of secretary of state, if she were offered it.

Clinton's response is unknown, although multiple sources agree that she was left with the impression that if she were interested in the post, it would be hers.

"There was a serious discussion to determine whether, if offered secretary of state, she would accept it," said a source close to the Obama transition team.

In these circumstances, that source added, a president-elect does not meet with potential Cabinet secretaries unless he is serious about making an offer.
–From CNN's Gloria Borger, Jessica Yellin and Sam Feist