The Obama Cabinet Thread

[akhhorus]

We did this for Bush four years ago, and it's time to do it now:

These spots are confirmed by Media reports:
AG: Eric Holder(pending the Senate Jud. committee giving them a green light.
HHS: Daschle
DHS: Janet Napolitano
State: Hillary Clinton
Treasury: Tim Geithner
NSA: General James Jones
DoD: Gates staying until the Iraq withdrawal plan is drawn up.
Energy: Steven Chu
Veterans Affairs: Eric Shinseki
Interior: Ken Salazar
Education: Arne Duncan
HUD: Shaun Donovan
Agriculture: Tom Vilasack(let the jokes begin)
Labor: Hilda Solis
Transportation: Ray LaHood
DNI: Dennis Blair

These are likely, but not confirmed:


Speculation(and I'll remove/add names as need be):
CIA
Commerce:

[Keino]

HHS? I am having a brain fart right now. What is HHS?

[redskin_rich]

HHS? I am having a brain fart right now. What is HHS?

Head of Homeland Security. Lord of the color coded warnings.

Or is it Health and Human services? lol

[akhhorus]

Head of Homeland Security. Lord of the color coded warnings.

Or is it Health and Human services? lol

Health and Human Service. DHS is homeland security.

[BurgundyNGold]

Health and Human Service. DHS is homeland security.
Exactly correct. And why HHS for Daschle? I would have thought that he would be in line for ED or something. Is this a health care reform appointment?

[akhhorus]

Exactly correct. And why HHS for Daschle? I would have thought that he would be in line for ED or something. Is this a health care reform appointment?

Bingo. Health care was always one of his pet projects in the Senate. And his close buddy Baucus is going to be in charge of Health care reform in the Senate.

[BurgundyNGold]

I'm not seeing a whole lot of Republicans yet, let alone any in positions of consequence. You might consider Gates, but really leaving him in the job is a matter of continuity if not self preservation.

[AliBabba]

Chuck Hagel has been mentioned as a possible SoS if H-Rod doesn't happen

[akhhorus]

I'm not seeing a whole lot of Republicans yet, let alone any in positions of consequence. You might consider Gates, but really leaving him in the job is a matter of continuity if not self preservation.

That list I provide is far from exhaustive. Hillary wasn't on many speculation lists(and wasn't taken seriously when she was) until it leaked that Obama talked to her in chicago.

[BurgundyNGold]

Chuck Hagel has been mentioned as a possible SoS if H-Rod doesn't happen
That's still not exactly the kind of reaching across the aisle bipartisanship I was expecting after Obama blowing the bipartisan horn like Gabriel. All major positions, save Gates, are being lined up for Dems first. That's not the spirit of bipartisanship that I was hoping to see. One might wonder if McCain actually would have included more Dems out of the gate, given his bipartisan history.

[AliBabba]

That's still not exactly the kind of reaching across the aisle bipartisanship I was expecting after Obama blowing the bipartisan horn like Gabriel. All major positions, save Gates, are being lined up for Dems first. That's not the spirit of bipartisanship that I was hoping to see. One might wonder if McCain actually would have included more Dems out of the gate, given his bipartisan history.
No but it's not like he's gonna tap Newt Gingrich.

The only republican names I've heard recently are Gates, Hagel, Powell, and McCain. McCain is obviously not happening based on yesterday's news and Gates is a hold-over, possibly a short-term one at that.

Hagel and Powell are not the most conservative members of the GOP true. In fact I don't know if Powell is member of the GOP at all anymore. And with what Hagel said yesterday he may have a card time swiping his card as well now, lol.

[Keino]

I heard last night on local news that Obama wanted to tap Charlie Crist for some spot, but I wasn't really listening, I had a social agenda I was trying to set into motion ;)

[akhhorus]

I heard last night on local news that Obama wanted to tap Charlie Crist for some spot, but I wasn't really listening, I had a social agenda I was trying to set into motion ;)

Ambassador to San Francisco?

[Keino]

Ambassador to San Francisco?

Maybe....I don't know....Like I said, I was all about me when the 11 o Clock news came on.....

[AliBabba]

Ambassador to San Francisco?
Bi-coastal Ambassador. Miami and San Fran.

[BurgundyNGold]

No but it's not like he's gonna tap Newt Gingrich.

The only republican names I've heard recently are Gates, Hagel, Powell, and McCain. McCain is obviously not happening based on yesterday's news and Gates is a hold-over, possibly a short-term one at that.

Hagel and Powell are not the most conservative members of the GOP true. In fact I don't know if Powell is member of the GOP at all anymore. And with what Hagel said yesterday he may have a card time swiping his card as well now, lol.
There are more than 4 Reps he could tap and they don't have to be conservative. Specter would be a decent pick, for example. So far, the Rep names seem to be token also-rans. Weak.

[akhhorus]

There are more than 4 Reps he could tap and they don't have to be conservative. Specter would be a decent pick, for example. So far, the Rep names seem to be token also-rans. Weak.

There's no way Arlen Specter would take a Cabinet post. He'd see it as trying to clear a Senate seat since he's up for re-election in 2 years. I'd like to repeat this also:
"That list I provide is far from exhaustive. Hillary wasn't on many speculation lists(and wasn't taken seriously when she was) until it leaked that Obama talked to her in chicago."

[BurgundyNGold]

There's no way Arlen Specter would take a Cabinet post. He'd see it as trying to clear a Senate seat since he's up for re-election in 2 years. I'd like to repeat this also:
"That list I provide is far from exhaustive. Hillary wasn't on many speculation lists(and wasn't taken seriously when she was) until it leaked that Obama talked to her in chicago."
I'm not saying that your list is the foremost authority and I'll not hold you personally responsible if something other than what you listed as part of discussion has come to pass, lol.

And I know Specter wouldn't take the job, but there are many other Reps of similar temperament and distinction that could be discussed. My meh feeling so far is because it doesn't seem like anything different than politics as usual. If Obama ends up appointing a token Rep to DOT or something (read Leon Panetta) then he's no less partisan that W. That would be very disheartening.

[akhhorus]

I'm not saying that your list is the foremost authority and I'll not hold you personally responsible if something other than what you listed as part of discussion has come to pass, lol.

And I know Specter wouldn't take the job, but there are many other Reps of similar temperament and distinction that could be discussed. My meh feeling so far is because it doesn't seem like anything different than politics as usual. If Obama ends up appointing a token Rep to DOT or something (read Leon Panetta) then he's no less partisan that W. That would be very disheartening.

Its common knowledge he offered Sec-Energy to Arnold, but Arnold didn't want to go through the Senate hearing. Lugar wanted to stay in the Senate, or he would be the Sec-State. It'll be interesting. So far his choices-except for Daschle-have been out of left field.

[BurgundyNGold]

Its common knowledge he offered Sec-Energy to Arnold, but Arnold didn't want to go through the Senate hearing. Lugar wanted to stay in the Senate, or he would be the Sec-State. It'll be interesting. So far his choices-except for Daschle-have been out of left field.
I'm hoping we can get a solid mosaic of American leadership in his cabinet. I think that Obama has leadership qualities sufficient to guide such a diverse group for the benefit of the country.

That said, if he only has like minded people in his administration, he's losing out on a lot of experience and missing a huge opportunity to lead by example.

[RedskinsDave]

Change. Ha. Reaching across party lines. LMAO. Not being duped like Obama voters. Priceless.

[BurgundyNGold]

Change. Ha. Reaching across party lines. LMAO. Not being duped like Obama voters. Priceless.
You are the embodiment of hope, my friend, lol.

[akhhorus]

Edited for the DHS update.

[redskin_rich]

Edited for the DHS update.

What are her qualifications to run this important/futile department? Big name, popular? Can she bring together the intelligence of the FBI and CIA or will she just be another color coordinator?

[FanFromArizona]

Edited for the DHS update.

Is this confirmed? According to azcentral.com it's not......
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/19/20081119napolitano1119-ON.html

if it is, GOOD RIDDANCE JANET, take the photo radar with you [we're the first state with a statewide system, not just here and there, and of course they deployed it in metro Phoenix first on the major highways]

[FanFromArizona]

What are her qualifications to run this important/futile department? Big name, popular? Can she bring together the intelligence of the FBI and CIA or will she just be another color coordinator?

we've had to deal with illegal immigration at the state level because the feds won't.....she also has a background in the prosecutor's office, so she would be able to make recommendations to any changes in the enforcement laws.....

the vote is out on this one if she'll be able to effect change.....

[akhhorus]

Edited to reflect the HIllary confirmation and the multiple reports about James Jones.

[BurgundyNGold]

Is this confirmed? According to azcentral.com it's not......
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/11/19/20081119napolitano1119-ON.html

if it is, GOOD RIDDANCE JANET, take the photo radar with you [we're the first state with a statewide system, not just here and there, and of course they deployed it in metro Phoenix first on the major highways]
I get the distinct impression that you're not the only one who will be glad to see her leave AZ.

[CNYSkinFan]

I get the distinct impression that you're not the only one who will be glad to see her leave AZ.
McCain will too...she would have been his principle opponent in 2010

[akhhorus]

Edited since multiple sources are saying Geithner will be Treas. sec.

[BurgundyNGold]

McCain will too...she would have been his principle opponent in 2010
She might still be. ;)

[CNYSkinFan]

if she wanted to run better off staying in AZ and working her ass off. Going to DC mayh help her raise money but Obama's network could do that for her if they wanted.

[akhhorus]

if she wanted to run better off staying in AZ and working her ass off. Going to DC mayh help her raise money but Obama's network could do that for her if they wanted.

I know she's polling slightly ahead of Mccain in some early polls, but no way she beats him for that seat. McCain's too much of an institution in Arizona.

[CNYSkinFan]

I know she's polling slightly ahead of Mccain in some early polls, but no way she beats him for that seat. McCain's too much of an institution in Arizona.
McCain hurt himself big time and that state is changing. If McCain was not on the ticket it would have been blue this time around.

[akhhorus]

McCain hurt himself big time and that state is changing. If McCain was not on the ticket it would have been blue this time around.

I agree that AZ would have gone blue this year if not for him, but she would need Mccain to retire to get that seat. He's way too beloved in that state to lose it.

[BIGREDSKINSFAN1963]

if obama selects and nominates hitlery for SOS,does anybody else think that the gop guys asking her questions at the nomination hearings are gonna go out of their way to embrass the hell out of her like i do?

[CNYSkinFan]

if obama selects and nominates hitlery for SOS,does anybody else think that the gop guys asking her questions at the nomination hearings are gonna go out of their way to embrass the hell out of her like i do?
I know your new to the potomkac but we have a rule here...those who bring up Hitler have a small penis

[RedskinsDave]

McCain hurt himself big time and that state is changing. If McCain was not on the ticket it would have been blue this time around.

Oh bull. These "states are changing" thing is bunk. People are not more liberal but I hope the Dems assume they are. They are sick of Bush and they bought the crap Obama sold them and that's it. People are still less likely to describe themselves as liberal than anything else.

[Keino]

I know your new to the potomkac but we have a rule here...those who bring up Hitler have a small penis

And said penis is eternally limp.....

[Ibleedburgundy]

The post is reporting some union guys for chief administrator of the FAA but they need to get a DOT head first. Personally I wouldn't mind if they retained Sturgell but seeing as how he couldn't get confirmed, that's highly unlikely.

[CNYSkinFan]

Oh bull. These "states are changing" thing is bunk. People are not more liberal but I hope the Dems assume they are. They are sick of Bush and they bought the crap Obama sold them and that's it. People are still less likely to describe themselves as liberal than anything else.
The southwest demographics have been changing for a long time Dave. More hispanic, more urban, more progressive. You see that on the local level as well as the national level. Both Obama and Clinton had strategies to try and take the southwest (NV, AZ, NM, CO) all states that voted for Bush in 2004. The only thing that kept them close in those states at all was McCain. If Romney or Giuliani were the nominee the entire southwest would have been blue .

[BurgundyNGold]

With Hillary getting the nod over Hagel for DOS, I think that Obama has blown his chance at having a bipartisan cabinet -- as per his promise. The only thing he can do now is to have some token Leon Panetta-like appointee (a la Bush) to some minor cabinet post like DOT.

Ugh. He's not even inaugurated and he's already batting .000 on keeping his promises to the American people. Not a great way to start healing the wounds.

[BurgundyNGold]

The southwest demographics have been changing for a long time Dave. More hispanic, more urban, more progressive. You see that on the local level as well as the national level. Both Obama and Clinton had strategies to try and take the southwest (NV, AZ, NM, CO) all states that voted for Bush in 2004. The only thing that kept them close in those states at all was McCain. If Romney or Giuliani were the nominee the entire southwest would have been blue .
The demographics have changed in NV and CO, if you mean more new age, crystal spinners, lol. AZ voters still have a long way to go to get to center. And as for the Hispanic demographics in AZ, the vast majority of new Hispanic residents cannot vote, interestingly.

[RedskinsDave]

With Hillary getting the nod over Hagel for DOS, I think that Obama has blown his chance at having a bipartisan cabinet -- as per his promise. The only thing he can do now is to have some token Leon Panetta-like appointee (a la Bush) to some minor cabinet post like DOT.

Ugh. He's not even inaugurated and he's already batting .000 on keeping his promises to the American people. Not a great way to start healing the wounds.

Well when his first act as a candidate was to break his promise on campaign money, who would be surprised? Of course very little was made of that since no one wanted to slam the Chosen One.

[FanFromArizona]

I get the distinct impression that you're not the only one who will be glad to see her leave AZ.

You got THAT right, and I'm in the PND party! On the roads, I think we have more Cameras than we do cops.

[FanFromArizona]

She might still be. ;)

Will *NEVER* happen, when was the last time a Democrat was sent from here to a federal office? As they say, it must be SNOWING IN (you know what goes here) for AZ to elect a Democrat at the federal level.

[FanFromArizona]

I know she's polling slightly ahead of Mccain in some early polls, but no way she beats him for that seat. McCain's too much of an institution in Arizona.

McCain (and Republicans in general) are an institution here in Arizona...

[FanFromArizona]

I agree that AZ would have gone blue this year if not for him, but she would need Mccain to retire to get that seat. He's way too beloved in that state to lose it.

It would have been interesting to watch, Obama certainly put up some good numbers here.

On the one hand you've got the senior vote out here and on the other hand you got the Latino (Catholic) vote.

But you're right, McCain's name won him the state here.

[FanFromArizona]

The demographics have changed in NV and CO, if you mean more new age, crystal spinners, lol. AZ voters still have a long way to go to get to center. And as for the Hispanic demographics in AZ, the vast majority of new Hispanic residents cannot vote, interestingly.

But the ones that do vote are generally conservative, pro-lifers. You can't underestimate the Latino vote out here. And even more interestingly, most
legal Latino's they found favor a harsher anti-illegal immegration stance, since many of the (legals) here DID go through the long tedious process and feel that everyone else trying to come here should do the same thing.....

[Ibleedburgundy]

With Hillary getting the nod over Hagel for DOS, I think that Obama has blown his chance at having a bipartisan cabinet -- as per his promise. The only thing he can do now is to have some token Leon Panetta-like appointee (a la Bush) to some minor cabinet post like DOT.

Ugh. He's not even inaugurated and he's already batting .000 on keeping his promises to the American people. Not a great way to start healing the wounds.

I must have missed the part where "change" meant "more Republicans." What is it you thought he was proposing we change from? Conservative economics and Governance are an utter failure. Good riddance.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Well when his first act as a candidate was to break his promise on campaign money, who would be surprised? Of course very little was made of that since no one wanted to slam the Chosen One.

The Post had at least 3 editorials on that subject alone.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503193.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301994.html

And this front page article among others.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/19/AR2008061900914.html

So tell me another one.

[akhhorus]

I must have missed the part where "change" meant "more Republicans." What is it you thought he was proposing we change from? Conservative economics and Governance are an utter failure. Good riddance.

Obama promised during and after the campaign that he would appoint a bi-partisan cabinet. While the cabinet isn't finalized, BnG is right that it looks like that he's not going to appoint any to any prominent positions(depending on how much power Jones has as NSA).

[Ibleedburgundy]

Obama promised during and after the campaign that he would appoint a bi-partisan cabinet. While the cabinet isn't finalized, BnG is right that it looks like that he's not going to appoint any to any prominent positions(depending on how much power Jones has as NSA).

I've seen where Obama promised to appoint at least one Republican to the cabinet. If he retains Gates he will have lived up to that promise. Otherwise the model is Lincoln, whose cabinet was obviously filled with rivals (as we've heard a billion times by now (ugh)) but it really wasn't that bipartisan.

Does Jones really count as a Republican? I thought he was kind of an indy.

[akhhorus]

I've seen where Obama promised to appoint at least one Republican to the cabinet. If he retains Gates he will have lived up to that promise. Otherwise the model is Lincoln, whose cabinet was obviously filled with rivals (as we've heard a billion times by now (ugh)) but it really wasn't that bipartisan.

Does Jones really count as a Republican? I thought he was kind of an indy.

Gates isn't going to stay that long, even if he does stay(maybe a year at most). Thats not fulfilling the promise of a bi-partisan cabinet(unless he appoints a republican to take over for him). I know some prominent republicans have turned him down, but there's no excuse not to have at least 2 prominent republicans or 2 republicans in prominent places.

Jones is a republican. He plays it very close to the vest, but he's a GOPer.

[RedskinsDave]

I must have missed the part where "change" meant "more Republicans." What is it you thought he was proposing we change from? Conservative economics and Governance are an utter failure. Good riddance.

There was nothing conservative about Bush's governance. Nice try.

[RedskinsDave]

The Post had at least 3 editorials on that subject alone.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/15/AR2008021503193.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301994.html

And this front page article among others.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/19/AR2008061900914.html

So tell me another one.

Wow, editorials in the back of the front section where we know the average American never sees. The front page piece did almost nothing to mention his flip-flopping. The news I always talk about are the network news, where most dumb Americans get their information. So tell me another one.

[RedskinsDave]

I think at the very end of the campaign Obama whispered that he was only kidding about a bipartisan cabinet and so therefore he is not a liar. When he keeps a promise it will be the first time.

[shally]

With Hillary getting the nod over Hagel for DOS, I think that Obama has blown his chance at having a bipartisan cabinet -- as per his promise. The only thing he can do now is to have some token Leon Panetta-like appointee (a la Bush) to some minor cabinet post like DOT.

Ugh. He's not even inaugurated and he's already batting .000 on keeping his promises to the American people. Not a great way to start healing the wounds.

why would you expect that to happen ?

he has the GOP on the ropes.. might as well go for a knockout..

[RedskinsDave]

why would you expect that to happen ?

he has the GOP on the ropes.. might as well go for a knockout..

I don't think anyone would care about the make up of the cabinet had he not promised a bipartisan one.

[Ibleedburgundy]

There was nothing conservative about Bush's governance. Nice try.

Sure there was. They deregulated everything from environment to financial. They lowered taxes. And they delivered on the one issue that trumps every other issue combined in the minds of conservatives: two supreme court nominees who are pro-life.

98.6% of self-identified conservatives voted for dubya even after they had 4 years to see how he operated. Conservatives own the failure.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Wow, editorials in the back of the front section where we know the average American never sees. The front page piece did almost nothing to mention his flip-flopping. The news I always talk about are the network news, where most dumb Americans get their information. So tell me another one.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=5201819&page=1

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25259863/

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/06/19/politics/fromtheroad/entry4193971.shtml

you can google it yourself and get about 15 bazillion hits ranging from every news source.

[RedskinsDave]

Sure there was. They deregulated everything from environment to financial. They lowered taxes. And they delivered on the one issue that trumps every other issue combined in the minds of conservatives: two supreme court nominees who are pro-life.

98.6% of self-identified conservatives voted for dubya even after they had 4 years to see how he operated. Conservatives own the failure.

What did you expect them to do, vote for the two most liberal senators?

[RedskinsDave]

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/TheNote/story?id=5201819&page=1

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25259863/

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/06/19/politics/fromtheroad/entry4193971.shtml

you can google it yourself and get about 15 bazillion hits ranging from every news source.

Yes, everyone covered it. That doesn't change the fact that it was a blip on the radar screen. There was more coverage of Obama's place smelling bad.

[Ibleedburgundy]

What did you expect them to do, vote for the two most liberal senators?

Amazing how the Dem nominees are the most liberal every year. Damn shame John Kerry and Bernie Sanders swung massively to the right this year to make room for hardcore socialist fringe leftists Obama and Biden.

But if that is your assertion, clearly there is a liberal mandate. I mean damn, if America chose the most liberal Senator over a tried and true moderate conservative war hero, clearly far leftism is what America wants. In that case I don't think there should be any Republicans anywhere near the White House let alone in the cabinet. :)

[RedskinsDave]

Your beef is with the groups who rate their voting record.

[BurgundyNGold]

I must have missed the part where "change" meant "more Republicans." What is it you thought he was proposing we change from? Conservative economics and Governance are an utter failure. Good riddance.
When you run on a platform of "change" based on "an end to partisanship and bickering" and then promise to "have a bipartisan cabinet, with Democrats and Republicans" people who vote for you tend to believe you. When you don't do what you say, that "change" seems a whole lot like politics as usual.

[Fathead]

When you run on a platform of "change" based on "an end to partisanship and bickering" and then promise to "have a bipartisan cabinet, with Democrats and Republicans" people who vote for you tend to believe you. When you don't do what you say, that "change" seems a whole lot like politics as usual.



Yeah, breaking promises doesn't seem to be a huge "change" from how politics has run the last 200 years in this country.

[Ibleedburgundy]

When you run on a platform of "change" based on "an end to partisanship and bickering" and then promise to "have a bipartisan cabinet, with Democrats and Republicans" people who vote for you tend to believe you. When you don't do what you say, that "change" seems a whole lot like politics as usual.

There are already two Republicans in the cabinet (unofficially).

Not you in particular, but a lot of people seem to be deducing quite a lot of specifics from the simple word "change." It wreaks of Republicans trying to make hay out of nothing.

If we have a halfway competent administration, that in itself would constitute enormous change.

Obama is also rumored to be considering delaying his tax increases for the upper bracket. Republicans are screaming that he is going back on his promise even though they agree with this potential move. Not to mention he said himself on the campaign trail that he might do this. Anyway, addressing taxes as a matter of balance and circumstance rather than with idealogical rigidity also strikes me as a huge change.

[Ibleedburgundy]

Yeah, breaking promises doesn't seem to be a huge "change" from how politics has run the last 200 years in this country.

Perhaps you could point out which promises he has broken regarding this thread.

[BurgundyNGold]

There are already two Republicans in the cabinet (unofficially).

Not you in particular, but a lot of people seem to be deducing quite a lot of specifics from the simple word "change." It wreaks of Republicans trying to make hay out of nothing.
When someone explicitly touts his outsider status and runs on a cornerstone of changing politics as usual and ending the divisive, debilitating partisanship that has plagued Washington, it is not out of bounds to expect him to show that he means what he promised early on. When Obama specifically delcared that he would have a bipartisan cabinet, it is not unreasonable to expect it or to be disappointed when it doesn't happen.

If we have a halfway competent administration, that in itself would constitute enormous change.
Obama ran on a message of bipartisanship and hope as the cornerstone of change. That message got my vote. I don't accept the concept that "anything different is change".

Obama is also rumored to be considering delaying his tax increases for the upper bracket. Republicans are screaming that he is going back on his promise even though they agree with this potential move. Not to mention he said himself on the campaign trail that he might do this. Anyway, addressing taxes as a matter of balance and circumstance rather than with idealogical rigidity also strikes me as a huge change.
He needn't delay his rollback of the Bush tax cuts on income taxes. He should, however, scrap his plans to raise capital gains taxes anytime soon. The latter will affect market liquidity (which will be a problem for the forseeable future), the former does not.

[RedskinsDave]

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/k1a.jpg

We all voted for Obama!!

[BurgundyNGold]

http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/k1a.jpg

We all voted for Obama!!
Right, Dave. I get the feeling that you'd cut your own pinky finger off in disgrace before you voted for a Dem, lol.

[flave1969]

Can we have some opinion on the selections and whether they make good sense? Very interested in your views on the key selections and whether they fit the roles they are linked with.

[akhhorus]

Can we have some opinion on the selections and whether they make good sense? Very interested in your views on the key selections and whether they fit the roles they are linked with.

Well, the full cabinet isn't in yet, but my sense of it so far:

His economic team is very competent(whether or not I agree with their philosophy) and full of eggheads who believe in intervention to prevent destruction essentially.

His foreign policy team: Gates, Biden, Scowcroft(who will be an advisor somewhere), General Jones, Susan Rice, Steinberg and Hillary will be interesting to watch. None of them are "birds of a feather" foreign policy wise. Jones, apparently, has been promised a 'kissinger' type role in shaping foreign policy at NSA, so expect a lot of contention between him and Hillary over issues(which might be intentional).

So far: a lot of IQ points in his cabinet so far, but a lot of strong personalities.

[shally]

Well, the full cabinet isn't in yet, but my sense of it so far:

His economic team is very competent(whether or not I agree with their philosophy) and full of eggheads who believe in intervention to prevent destruction essentially.

His foreign policy team: Gates, Biden, Scowcroft(who will be an advisor somewhere), General Jones, Susan Rice, Steinberg and Hillary will be interesting to watch. None of them are "birds of a feather" foreign policy wise. Jones, apparently, has been promised a 'kissinger' type role in shaping foreign policy at NSA, so expect a lot of contention between him and Hillary over issues(which might be intentional).

So far: a lot of IQ points in his cabinet so far, but a lot of strong personalities.

trying to create Camelot II-- the return of the Harvard pipeline

[Ibleedburgundy]

It always seems like fun at the time. Then the photo surfaces.

Two guys, some beer and a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton have created fresh grief for the young and uninitiated to Washington Rules.

In the latest blog scandal-ette, Jon Favreau, a Holy Cross valedictorian and 27-year-old wunderkind speechwriter for Barack Obama, was captured clutching the prospective secretary of state's, um, pectoral area, while a fellow reveler, wearing an "Obama Staff" T-shirt, nuzzles Clinton's ear and holds a beer bottle to her smiling lips.

The photo popped up on Facebook for a couple of hours before being removed... too late.

...

Only Hillary Clinton has made light of the "incident," hereinafter known as Night of BBB (Boys Being Boys). In an e-mail to The Washington Post's Al Kamen, a Clinton adviser wrote: "Senator Clinton is pleased to learn of Jon's obvious interest in the State Department, and is currently reviewing his application."



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/11/AR2008121102774.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

good to see Hillary has a sense of humor about the whole thing.

[akhhorus]

Bill Richardson withdraws as Commerce Sec nominee.

Link (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010400858.html?hpid=topnews)

[RedskinsDave]

Clean as a whistle.

[shally]

Bill Richardson withdraws as Commerce Sec nominee.

Link (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010400858.html?hpid=topnews)

arrogance.. how does a guy like that run for president?.. what would have happened if he was elected president and this comes up...?

[RedskinsDave]

arrogance.. how does a guy like that run for president?.. what would have happened if he was elected president and this comes up...?

If it was Obama the media would look the other way. Nothing to see here.

[CNYSkinFan]

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy....Judas

[RedskinsDave]

Is Hillary next?

An upstate New York developer donated $100,000 to former President Bill Clinton (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/bill_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-per)’s foundation in November 2004, around the same time that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/c/hillary_rodham_clinton/index.html?inline=nyt-per) helped secure millions of dollars in federal assistance for the businessman’s mall project.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/washington/04clinton.html?ref=politics

[shally]

Is Hillary next?



http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/washington/04clinton.html?ref=politics

there are so many snakes hiding under the clinton's beds that it is only a matter of time

[shally]

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy....Judas

you think the clintons had anything to do with this info being released ??
they have to be bitter about richardson.. just asking ?

oh, and it looks like we are going to have another comedian (i should say clown) in the senate afterall.. franken pulling away in the recount

[Ibleedburgundy]

oh, and it looks like we are going to have another comedian (i should say clown) in the senate afterall.. franken pulling away in the recount

I am very disappointed in your reaction here. I thought there was going to be some serious drama resulting in your head exploding.

[CNYSkinFan]

I am very disappointed in your reaction here. I thought there was going to be some serious drama resulting in your head exploding.
yeah me too. I thought at least an attempted sepuku or something like that

[shally]

yeah me too. I thought at least an attempted sepuku or something like that


i am a beaten down dog....

[shally]

i do want to say one serious thing..

the LAST thing this nation, and obama need at the start of his term is distraction from handling of the nation's dire financial situation.. if the stuff over blago, kennedy and richardson lead to 6 months of paralysis of the legislative branch of government as all these ridiculous scandals unfold, we are going to head off of a financial cliff.

i dont agree with much of what paul krugman has to say.. but he is right that if obama has to take his eye off the economic ball, we are all going to suffer.. there is little benefit for the GOP spending time pointing out the obvious deficiencies of the Dem party in general.. there is even less benefit for the Dems to spend precious time trying to sweep the scandals under the rug..

all need to get past this. dump or prosecute the villains.. but we need no fiddling while financial Rome burns all our houses down...it is neither the path for GOP redemption nor the the path for Dem dominance

[RedskinsDave]

The restoration of the Clinton cabinet continues.....inexperienced Panetta to lead CIA. Keep the change lemmings.

Nice to know our least experienced POTUS ever has chosen a politician to lead our most important agency.

[akhhorus]

The restoration of the Clinton cabinet continues.....inexperienced Panetta to lead CIA. Keep the change lemmings.

Nice to know our least experienced POTUS ever has chosen a politician to lead our most important agency.

Looks like CIA director Panetta is DOA. Feinstein and Rockafeller came out and slammed the pick. Without them, it doesn't pass the Intel committee.

[RedskinsDave]

Feinstein actually made a wise statement by saying that the CIA should be led by someone from the intel community. She must have had a stroke.

[BurgundyNGold]

Looks like CIA director Panetta is DOA. Feinstein and Rockafeller came out and slammed the pick. Without them, it doesn't pass the Intel committee.
This is a puzzling pick.

On another note, I'm glad to see that "end to politics as usual" and "reach across the aisle" in a "spirit of bipartisanship" is alive and well in Obama's cabinet selection process.

Ugh.

[Ibleedburgundy]

The biggest criticism of Tenet was not that he was focused on the wrong things. He had the CIA focused on AQ and Bin Laden before 9/11. The criticism by internal reports was that he was not a good executive, and then there's the obvious criticism that he was a yes man who cooked and politicized intelligence reports to give his new boss everything he asked for. Tenet didn't facilitate the sharing of intel and he didn't follow up with the appropriate ops. The Panetta choice makes sense in this context in that he is known for his ability to organize, and he's distinguished to a point where he's probably not going to just cave to Obama's demands and tell him what he wants to hear. Although I don't think Obama is weak-minded like dubya or Lyndon Johnson to the point where he shoots the messenger, Panetta has a history of pushing back.

Hayden may have gone a long way in cleaning up after Goss and Tenet, who knows. But he can't be retained because his views are so opposed to Obama's regarding torture and domestic surveillance.

Not saying I think Panetta is the ideal choice, just that I can see why at this point in time Obama would go for a guy who is into processes, administration, and organization, particularly when you look at who his choice for DNI is.

[CNYSkinFan]

This is a puzzling pick.

On another note, I'm glad to see that "end to politics as usual" and "reach across the aisle" in a "spirit of bipartisanship" is alive and well in Obama's cabinet selection process.

Ugh.
B&G I know you are on this kick yet because Obama is not picking a ton of republicans in his cabinet....but Obama alaso promised dramatic change from the Bush administration. So it will be hard to find qualified GOP in the top levels that are willing to serve in the Obama administration AND not part of the Bush administration which I think we can all agree was inept at most areas of government.

Reachign across aisles does not neccessarily mean appointing republicans. It has to do with policy discussions and legislative efforts. Since we can not judge that yet, thenb your worries are premature.

AND OF COURSE heis cabinet is going to look alot like Clinton's. Clinton's administration was only 8 years ago and the creme of the crop for the Dems were involved in that Administration. Many democrats who worked hard on both Clinton and then Obama's campaign were actually hoping for the return of many of the leaders that brought us 8 years of relative peace and prosperity. Sure some of the liberals are getting mad, but isn't that a good thing? Obama putting country over the wishes of many of his pown supporters?

Obama understands that it is not time for amateur hour. Teh economy and America's status in the world are at a danerous precipice. He isn't going to put a former horse dealer as head of Fema, he is bringing the grownups back to fix the mess of the last 8 years. I for one think it is not only appropriate, but that is the change I voted for.

[BurgundyNGold]

B&G I know you are on this kick yet because Obama is not picking a ton of republicans in his cabinet....but Obama alaso promised dramatic change from the Bush administration. So it will be hard to find qualified GOP in the top levels that are willing to serve in the Obama administration AND not part of the Bush administration which I think we can all agree was inept at most areas of government.
I'm on this kick because Obama said that I should be looking out for it. As it is, his scarcely more bipartisan that Bush 2.0's. As for qualified Republican's not serving in his cabinet, it would be one thing if the names were discussed, interviews held and then declinations made. It's then lack of anything beyond a few Rep names being discussed -- in the press only -- that never advance beyond that stage.

I'm not really on much of a kick and I'm not saying that his choices have been bad. It's just that, at this point, those of us who believe his calls for bipartisanship would like to actually see it. So far, it has left a lot to be desired given how high Obama set the bar for himself.

Reachign across aisles does not neccessarily mean appointing republicans. It has to do with policy discussions and legislative efforts. Since we can not judge that yet, thenb your worries are premature.
I agree, but Obama distinctly painted a picture of a cabinet of both Reps and Dems. I am disappointed that his cabinet is barely moreso than Bush 2.0's initial cabinet. This may be because it is Bush, lol.

AND OF COURSE heis cabinet is going to look alot like Clinton's. Clinton's administration was only 8 years ago and the creme of the crop for the Dems were involved in that Administration. Many democrats who worked hard on both Clinton and then Obama's campaign were actually hoping for the return of many of the leaders that brought us 8 years of relative peace and prosperity. Sure some of the liberals are getting mad, but isn't that a good thing? Obama putting country over the wishes of many of his pown supporters?
Like I said, I don't have a real problem with any of Obama's selections so far. I just would have preferred to see something more than lip service on the whole bipartisan cabinet thing.

Obama understands that it is not time for amateur hour. Teh economy and America's status in the world are at a danerous precipice. He isn't going to put a former horse dealer as head of Fema, he is bringing the grownups back to fix the mess of the last 8 years. I for one think it is not only appropriate, but that is the change I voted for.
And I too have taken notice that, so far, all of the appointments have been qualified, save perhaps the Panetta choice. That does give me confidence on that front, but it does not detract from the lack of follow through on the bipartisan cabinet thing. In the end it might not matter much. Indeed, it probably won't. But for now, before his first 100 days, it is a negative thing in my mind that he didn't follow through more on that.

[shally]

This is a puzzling pick.

On another note, I'm glad to see that "end to politics as usual" and "reach across the aisle" in a "spirit of bipartisanship" is alive and well in Obama's cabinet selection process.

Ugh.


i am sure the democrat base is watching intently as well.. he is limited in how far he can go..
debts have to be paid

[akhhorus]

I don't 100% agree with what Bob Baer is writing here about Panetta, but its a valid argument:

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1869824,00.html


Leading Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee Jay Rockefeller and Dianne Feinstein have already criticized the choice of Panetta, claiming the CIA needs to be led by an experienced intelligence professional. But right now, political clout and the ability to be a strong advocate for the CIA far outweigh the virtues of being a professional spy and knowing the difference between a "live drop" and a "dead drop." A professional from the ranks would be eaten up by Hillary Clinton at State or Bob Gates at Defense. Or he or she would end up like Bill Clinton's CIA director, Jim Woolsey, who was shut out of the White House, ignored, and became irrelevant.

[akhhorus]

Sanjay Gupta of CNN is the new surgeon general. I'm not making this up.

[BIGREDSKINSFAN1963]

obama could have given some thought to wesley clark.
being a career army officer would give him insights that few people
outside of the military could see.

[CNYSkinFan]

Sanjay Gupta of CNN is the new surgeon general. I'm not making this up.
well the surgeon general has been reduced to joke proportions anyways...

but this is the first pick where I can say the person is clearly not qualified....I guess every administration needs one.

[akhhorus]

well the surgeon general has been reduced to joke proportions anyways...

but this is the first pick where I can say the person is clearly not qualified....I guess every administration needs one.

Gupta is qualified, but its terrible political theater.

[RedskinsDave]

Gupta is qualified but its funny all the same. I wonder how he'll spin his debate with Fatdouche Moore over the movie Sicko. He debated the merits (or lack thereof) of socialized health care.

[shally]

Sanjay Gupta of CNN is the new surgeon general. I'm not making this up.

you have to be kidding me ? a non practicing neurosurgeon ?
too bad crichton died, i bet that is who obama really wanted ?

other than being an MD what is it that makes him qualified to be surgeon general ?

[dj_stouty]

other than being an MD what is it that makes him qualified to be surgeon general ?

It was between Gupta and Dr. Dre, but Dre had too many projects going on to make the commitment....

[shally]

It was between Gupta and Dr. Dre, but Dre had too many projects going on to make the commitment....

how about Dr J then ??? i am sure he has room on his calendar ??