frankly, she's untested as a mediator. >> reporter: some see clinton's experience as a politician is an asset, since she will understand not just policy but politics. how the palestinian and israeli leaders can solve the negotiations back home. >> she's got the best type of political mind that knows where you need the point of principle and knows where you need the subtlety and compromise. >> reporter: secretary clinton has requested historical background material, looking at past efforts in the region to see what worked and what did not. what she found is sometimes, a ruthless ability to manipulate and to bluff is what works. >> you need to be really tough. and probably, pretty devious. >> reporter: in 1975, the ford white house, frustrated with israeli intransigence during a peace negotiation, claimed the u.s. was reassessing its middle east policy. but it was not true. years later, secretary of state henry kissinger admitted the reassessment was "theater. there was nothing to reassess." >> you really need to look at life or the negotiation as if it