Half of the fun of thinking about a new Obama administration is betting on Cabinet picks. The blogosphere is already abuzz with arguments and suggestions, some of which are based on leaks from the mainstream media while others are wild speculation.
Representative Rahm Emanuel, known as “Rahmbo” to his friends (and enemies) in Congress, has already agreed to take a position as Obama’s White House chief of staff. Emanuel worked in the Clinton White House, and is known equally as a centrist, a hard-core partisan, and a ruthless operator, not to mention the largest recipient of Wall Street money outside of presidential campaigns.
But Emanuel was chosen for his ability to push an agenda, twist arms until they break, and get bills passed. He’s not afraid to offend, and so the reaction to his appointment has been mixed, but no one disputes that he is a tireless worker and an effective one.
The position of Treasury secretary is the most buzzed about at the moment, no surprise with the deepening economic crisis. But the buzz also comes because topping the list of names being discussed is Lawrence Summers, known both as Clinton’s Treasury secretary and as the former president of Harvard University, who left his post after implying that women might have less intrinsic ability in math and science. Few people doubt Summers’ own economic brilliance, but we might suggest that “no-drama” Obama could find an equally brilliant mind who doesn’t feel the need to denigrate others.
Another important post in the new administration is that of Attorney General. Much of the blogosphere liked John Edwards for the job, before his admission of having cheated on his wife made him persona non grata.
The top name being tossed around for the position is Janet Napolitano, current governor of Arizona and former Arizona attorney general and U.S. attorney. Napolitano is hugely popular in Arizona, and has been discussed as a candidate for John McCain’s Senate seat in two years. The negative to her joining the Cabinet would be handing the governorship to Arizona’s Republican Secretary of State, but she’s already a member of the Obama transition team, fueling the speculation that she’s the favorite for the job.
We haven’t heard quite as much talk about Secretary of State, but the top two candidates are widely considered to be John Kerry and Bill Richardson. Richardson, with five Nobel Peace Prize nominations and experience in the Clinton Cabinet, is the kind of experienced politician who still maintains the “change” message, and should be the top of anybody’s short list for the position. Additionally, his appointment would reinforce Obama’s commitment to diversity. Kerry is a well-known statesman, but could be used in other positions.
The current Secretary of Defense is widely rumored to be keeping his job for a while longer. Robert Gates replaced Donald Rumsfeld, and is far less of a neoconservative ideologue, but there is some pushback against this idea simply because it conflicts with the “change” message, especially on the Iraq war.
Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy and longtime Obama adviser, and Senator Jack Reed, a veteran who serves on the Armed Services committee, are possible replacements.
Some other names being tossed around for Cabinet posts are two Kennedys, Caroline and Robert F. Jr, for Education and Environmental Protection, respectively. Caroline has also been mentioned as a possible ambassador to the United Nations. Max Cleland, the former Senator from Georgia who left three limbs on a battlefield in Vietnam, has been mentioned as a possible Army secretary, and Colin Powell’s name was floated in connection with Education as well, though he’s said he won’t serve.
Another prominent Republican named in the speculation about Cabinet posts is Chuck Hagel, another decorated Vietnam veteran who is retiring from the Senate. Hagel has been mentioned in connection with Defense as well. Appointing Hagel would reflect Obama’s commitment to bipartisanship, while still choosing a Republican who was opposed to the Iraq war.
The rumor mill keeps churning, and announcements are expected soon for an administration that has to hit the ground running. Obama will enter office with extremely high expectations, and his Cabinet selections will be an early indication of the direction he plans to take, and his priorities in office.
But for now, in the afterglow of the election victory, it’s fun to pick a dream team and argue a case for your favorites.
I believe if the current secratary of state is doing a good job and has been greatly successful whether Republican or Democrat that particular person should be asked first if they would like to remain secratary of state under the new presidential administration rather than wasting a lot of time and money on a replacement that will have to be trained in that area. Please consider doing this first before making a change on this order. Thank you!
Most sincere Gregory.