Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Obama's dream cabinet pool
In the spirit of DKDC's post, this post has nothing to do with the concluded Democratic primary.
Now that Obama is the nominee, he needs to be thinking about his cabinet. There has been endless speculation about his VP, but there are much more important appointments to be made. It makes for entertaining speculation to try to decide who he should pick or to guess who he will pick. So I propose a TPM/office pool: Put your guesses/recommendations for cabinet appointments in the comments (include the rationale for your nominee).
I'll start the conversation:
The most important appointment for Obama is AG. The Bush administration has polluted the entire federal government with idealogues and partisan operatives. The corruption must be rooted out and punished. DOJ policies must be brought in line with the constitution.
I know everybody thinks he should pick Edwards, but I think he needs to pick someone with a completely non-partisan reputation. There are going to be a lot of prosecutions of Bush cronies and they can't look (and shouldn't be) politically motivated. The obvious choice is Patrick Fitzgerald. Problem is, if he takes Fitzgerald out of Chicago, where Fitz is investigating three of Obama's good friends (Governor Blagojevich, Mayor Daley, and Rezko), it will look like he's trying to interfere in those investigations. But who else could he pick that would fit the bill? James Comey? David Iglesias?
I imagine that Obama will try to build a bipartisan cabinet, but who of the GOP would you trust in any position?
I, myself, can only think of one: I think Chuck Hagel would make a great Sec of Defense. I don't trust him on any other issue, but I think he truely did learn the lesson of Vietnam: you don't use military force unless it is directly vital to our national interests and always remember that there is no such thing as an 'easy' or 'simple' war. He would also probably treat our troops a lot better than they have been treated under Bush's cronies.
What do y'all think? Give your nominees for Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, CIA/FBI/NSA chiefs, EPA chief, Department of Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, Departments of Energy/Education/Health and Human services, etc.
Comments (117)
Picking Fitzgerald is brilliant. The Rezko trial will be done long before November, and Fitzgerald is not prosecuting the case himself, anyway. His office is. And the office will continue to after he becomes AG and Rezko appeals his conviction(s)....
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I also like Chuck Hagel as SecDef; Jon Corzine somewhere (perhaps Treasury?); if not Bill Richardson, then either my girl Samantha Power or Susan Rice as Secretary of State. Non-cabinet: I can see Daschle as his Chief of Staff. And I want Jim Webb or Wesley Clark as Vice-President.
May 8, 2008 4:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fitzgerald is good if you want a nonpartisan prosecutor who's above reproach. But that's kind of the model Janet Reno was and while obviously she looks great compared with her successors, she did cause the Clinton White House some grief from time to time.
If you want an AG who will not only prosecute crooks but enforce anti-trust, civil rights and consumer law, take on big business (kind of the pre-hooker Elliot Spitzer NY AG model), one name to consider is Mike Moore, former AG of Mississippi who spearheaded the tobacco litigation. Edwards would also be a good choice in this mold.
May 9, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm OK with the AG causing the Obama White House some grief from time to time, in fact I want him/her to. I think unchecked power corrupts even the best leaders. With the super-majority Obama is likely to get, he needs someone looking over his shoulder, keeping him in line.
May 9, 2008 4:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bill Richardson and Joe Biden as VP and Secretary of State, in either order. Mike Gravel in the newly created position of court jester. Hagel or Wes Clark at DoD would be great. Kucinich as Energy Secretary (for his experience fighting corrupt utilities in Cleveland alone). I'd like to see fair traders at labor and commerce, though I'm not familiar with who those people would be. I'd serious consider giving Paul O'Neill (or a like-minded alternative)another shot at Treasury - he was on the right track before he got sacked.
Igelsias might be a little underqualified for AG, but nonetheless an inspired choice. The other cabinet posts, I can't really qualify an opinion.
May 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
For AG, how about that guy in New York who went after Wall Street and then... oh, well, never mind.
Seriously, I'd be for Fitzgerald, if it can be assured that it wouldn't look like the fix was in on Rezko, Blago, et al. Otherwise, I'd say go with a state AG or ex-AG who's made a name for going after corruption and gone to bat for the little guy. A Spitzer without the zipper problem.
May 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I must say, I was sure watching Spitzer's career with hope. He really would have been a good pick for AG, but, naturally that's all been blown out of the water by more than a little bit of hypocrisy.
May 9, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
VP: Gov Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; Sen, Jim Webb of Virginia; Gov. Ed Rendell
Sec of State: Sen. Joe Biden; Samantha Powers; Bill Richardson
Sec. Of Defense: Sen. Chuck Hagel; Jim Webb; Sam Nunn; Wesley Clark
AG: John Edwards; Patrick Fitzgerald; David Iglesias
DHS: Sam Nunn or Sen. Joe Biden
Sec of Health and Human Services: Elizabeth Edwards
Sec. of Ed: Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island
Sec. of Treasury: Mayor Michael Bloomberg of NYC
May 8, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chafee's a great call. If an Obama presidency ended up encouraging the resurgence of the nearly-extinct Liberal Republican, that would be good for everybody.
May 8, 2008 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree, Lincoln Chafee would be an inspired choice.
May 9, 2008 11:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
ya, i'd defintely be down for some liberal republicans. Hell, even so "not-as-conservative" republicans would be nice right now
--jake
May 9, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've gamed this myself and I like the following: Hagel or Clark for Defense, Richardson or Biden for State, Hart for Homeland Security, Edwards for AG.
The VP position really confounds me. I don't see any of the names being kicked around as hand in glove. My personal preference is a pipe dream: Hagel switching parties and nullifying McCain completely in the general. Obama/Hagel would be unbeatable, folks.
Most likely we are looking at Richardson. My political instincts say Rendell for executive experience and Midwest support. All of this talk of Webb seems crazy. He's a loose canon, in a very good way, but Obama doesn't need more reminders to voters of being green in the gills.
May 8, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Forgot to mention that I would love to see Hillary promised Senate Majority Leader. She would be amazing in this role and a real force. In fact I can't see a better job for her anywhere. That would be the best way for Obama and Clinton to work together for Change with a capital 'C.'
May 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you want the DLC running the Senate again? Hillary's populism is nothing more than an election year facade.
Gimme Feingold as Majority Leader, TYVM
May 9, 2008 2:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely. The senate runs on seniority, and Clinton doesn't have it. Let's see how she does the rest of her term, and the next, before considering her for that spot. If she continues her pre-candidacy slide to the center, I say no way.
May 9, 2008 10:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Feingold would be a dream for that position.
May 9, 2008 12:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like Hart for Homeland Security or maybe National Security Advisor. He definitely needs to be in Obama's cabinet.
Hagel for VP would be tactically smart against McCain but he'd have to be a weak VP. He's pretty far right on the economy (and, in fact, everything other than war). I'd rather have him as Sec of Defense where he could actually be more than a symbol and where I'd trust him more than I would some Dems.
What about Sam Nunn as VP? He might be a good foil for McCain (if you could muzzle him on school prayer, gays in the military, etc. etc).
I think Obama would be wise to put some of Hillary's vocal supporters in his cabinet as well.
May 8, 2008 6:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ditto on Gary Hart for DHS. Perfect choice.
May 9, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
However, I've got to take issue with Sam Nunn -- as VP or any Cabinet post. He's a classic corporate conservative and establishment insider. As VP nominee, he would bring nothing in the way of appeal to a key constituency and would undermine Obama's change message, and as a Cabinet member, I'd much prefer a Republican iconoclast like Hagel or independents like Bloomberg and Chafee to him.
May 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hagel has been one of Bush's biggest backers, on everything but the Iraq war. I'm from Nebraska, and I can tell you that he'd be a terrible VP pick. I admire the guy for standing up about the war. I respect him, but I don't agree with him about ANYTHING else. Secretary of Defense would be a good slot for him, but on every other issue, he's firmly with the right-wing.
May 9, 2008 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
I guess I have been educated on Hagel. I originaly thought he would be a great VP pick. In light of WCG comments, maybe secretary of defense would be better. I just cant get over how much balls he showed in standing up to Bush on the war. I would like to commend him for that.
May 9, 2008 11:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, he is good on defense issues and the war, but that doesn't mean he should be a ticket topper.
May 9, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
VP: Gov Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas; Sen Jim Webb of Virginia
Sec of State: Sen. Joe Biden; Bill Richardson
Sec. Of Defense: Sen. Chuck Hagel; Sam Nunn
AG: Patrick Fitzgerald; Joe Cotchett
DHS: Lee Hamilton
Sec of Health and Human Services: Elizabeth Edwards (full credit to BlueStateRepublican...this is inspired, and it puts her endlessly ambitious husband in his place, he cannot be a critic positioning himself for his next run for president)
Sec. of Ed: Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island; Sen Barbara Boxer
Sec. of Treasury: Bob Rubin
Let Al Gore name the head of EPA. Offer Sen Joe Lieberman Secretary of Agriculture or Transportation, to get him out of the Senate.
May 8, 2008 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you think Gore would be interested in being EPA chief himself? That agency has long languished under Republican attack, but under the right leadership it could be doing what it was designed to do (and what the supreme court recently confirmed it is required to do.)
Or does Obama need a new cabinet position for Gore: Climate Czar?
(p.s. I love these responses. Recommend if you want to keep the game going)
May 8, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is already a cabinet level post for protecting the environment. It is called the secratery of the interior. If gore would take it he should have it.
May 9, 2008 3:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was just thinking the same thing. Fighting global warming will require a multi-agency effort anyway and Gore needs a position "higher" than a mere cabinet secretary.
May 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would be fine with virtually all of your choices except three: Nunn (for reasons stated above), Lieberman (jumping parties to back McCain should disqualify him) and Rubin -- been there, done that, too corporate, wrong on trade. However another Goldman Sachs alum -- Corzine -- I think would be good at Treasury.
May 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
What about Sherrod Brown for VP? I don't know much about him but did see his name brought up if Obama was of the school of thought that the VP should build on/accentuate the President's positives rather than make-up for their perceived or real weaknesses.
May 8, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Valerie Plame for Director of the CIA!
(just kidding...probably)
I haven't seen any thoughts about who could clean up the FBI,CIA, and NSA, and I don't really know who would be qualified. Any thoughts? Are there any big success stories of cleaning up really corrupt police departments? Any great State AGs out there?
I basically want Patrick Fitzgerald for everything.
May 8, 2008 6:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd take Sibel Edmonds.
May 8, 2008 11:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Siebel Edwards should definitely get Scott Bloch's post: Office of Special Counsel, charged with protecting whistleblowers.
May 9, 2008 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I mentioned this in the VEEP post, but I like Obama/Feingold or Obama/Waxman.
May 8, 2008 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love Fantasy Cabinet.
Atty General, Eric Holder
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/08/eric_holder_joins_obama.html
I LOVE Fitz here, though
Sec State George Clooney. (kidding.)
Veterans Affairs, Max Cleland
Commerce, Bloomberg
Ambassador to UN Al Gore
Agriculture, Daschle or Gephardt or Vilsack
Labor, Edwards, Maria Elena Duranzo (co-chair of 50 state drive)
God, Eliz Edwards as HHS is so great I can't stand it. Julie Gerberding?
Education, Carol Moseley-Braun, Dodd
homeland Security Lee Hamilton
transportation, Rep. Jim Oberstar, MN
HUD bill Bradley
May 8, 2008 8:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Obama should make Hillary Sec of Health and Human Services so she can get her universal health care plan passed this time!
May 8, 2008 8:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
How many of them should be announced to the voters before the election. Would it be a disadvantage, or and advantage to show the people what kind of a government they were going to get.?
How would McCain respond?
May 8, 2008 9:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
May 8, 2008 11:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know (or care) anything about Hagel's war heroism but would say that Hagel was one of the earliest, most vocal, and most consistent war critics on Iraq in the senate. And he was also one of the most credible--a very red politician in a very red state, he sacrificed his own career in politics to oppose the war (he retired this year because he knew he could not win again):
On the surge:
On the Republicans in '08
Like I said, I think he learned the lessons of Vietnam. In fact, I want Hagel as SecDef to temper Obama's hawkishness about Al Qaeda. Yes they are the right enemy but Afghanistan is a quagmire too. It doesn't matter the "rightness" of the war if it is unwinnable (because pointless bloodshed is wrong).
Oh, and sorry about the spelling mistakes. It's hard to type when your cat keeps stepping on the keyboard.
May 9, 2008 11:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
AG - ABSOLUTELY Fitzgerald.
SecDef - Hagel, without question.
CIA - Plame.
FBI - I dunno for sure, but somebody with an FBI career.
EPA - Gore (if he doesn't get VP, which I'd prefer), but with a LOT more power.
DHS - Abolish it.
Veteran's Affairs - Colin Powell.
Dept. of Energy - Roll it up into EPA (or vice versa) - Gore again.
GAO (or whatever it's called these days) - Bunnatine Greenhouse.
NSA - the first career military intelligence officer with a good record, and willing to waterboard John Poindexter. OK... a guy can dream, can't he?
May 8, 2008 11:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also, in response to the many who have advocated Patrick Fitzgerald for cabinet posts, I'd like to offer a word of caution. I know that all of you followed the Plame story very closely, and perhaps even viewed the George Ryan story with some interest.
The popular image is that Fitz is extremely careful, non-partisan, professional, and full of integrity. But I'm sure many of you have also wondered, along with me, why Fitzmas never brought us the heads of Rove, Cheney, Addington, etc. Without getting into great detail here, I think a good starting point is to follow Jeffrey Wright's character in the movie Syriana... he plays a prosecutor who puts on the mask of integrity, but cuts deals behind the scenes. Again, without making this too long-- I think of Fitzgerald as such a deal cutter.
May 8, 2008 11:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
All prosecutors are deal-cutters to some extent--it's in their job descriptions. But I think Patrick Fitzgerald wanted very much to get Rove and Cheney but in the end he did not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they had committed a crime. That is the standard he has to use and he couldn't proceed without that. He made very clear in his indictment of Libby that Libby's perjury and obstruction should be harshly punished because it protected Cheney from justice--that whole "throwing sand in the umpire's eyes" metaphor he used.
I would not trust a prosecutor who put on show trials, with indictments that he knew he couldn't prove because he just knew they were really guilty or because, while not a crime, he thought their actions were wrong. I don't think he cut a deal with Rove and Cheney. He didn't cut a deal with Ryan. He didn't cut a deal with Lord Black, John Gotti, or Osama bin Laden (Fitzgerald was the first to indict him). And he won't cut a deal with Daley or Blago or Rezko.
May 9, 2008 11:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't think Elizabeth Edwards or Samantha Powers should get spots, I just don't think they are qualified. They can be advisers or something. I think he should pick women who are in politics.
May 9, 2008 12:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Although I don't share the enthusiasm for an E. Edwards pick as some in this thread, I completely disagree that either of those women are unqualified. Unless I'm misunderstanding you, politicization of these spots has been exactly the problem over the last eight years. Samantha Powers, for one, is more qualified than almost anyone currently working for the federal government. We need people like her--that are actually experts in the field they're appointed to--if we're going to undo the last eight years.
May 9, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly!
May 9, 2008 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Webb is the best idea for VP. Obama needs to shore up his toughness factor and buy some military cred and the entire Pentagon HATES Clark. Also Clark is pretty tied in with Clintons.
Richardson as Secretary of State- perfect.
Bloomberg at Treasury? Would he take it? Seems a bit of a step down.
I like the Hagel/Def and Chafee/Ed ideas. Both would be assets. And I feel so bad for Chafee getting booted by Whitehouse. I like the extra blue seat, but we lost one of the good guys to get it.
I think Vilsac for Agriculture.
Edwards- that would be great but she would never do it.
So here is my totally crazy pick. Obama renames Housing and Urban Development to be the Secretary of Housing (drop the Urban) and make the perview shared equally between rural and urban America. Then appoint to head the department...just think about first!... MIKE HUCKABEE! Yes, it sounds crazy, but I think the guy is genuinely decent. He tried to do a lot of good for people in his pathetically poor state. He was also far more eloquent and understanding than any Democratic leader during the Wright fiasco. I do think the government does not pay enough attention to rural America.
How does Obama appoint Clinton Majority Leader? First, he would have to give that idiot Daschel some big prize he DOES NOT deserve, then strong arm EVERY OTHER SENATOR that has seniority over her out of the way. Lot of trouble to go to for someone who tried to malign you for a year.
Also, Obama's mentor Durbin has to be given something.
Souldn't Sec of State be a natural born American since it is in succession? They couldn't run for election after taking office. Not that is all that likely.
May 9, 2008 12:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't believe so.
When Madeleine Albright was Sec State the issue was fully aired. Succession jumps over people like Albright (born in Czechoslovakia), to the next person in line who is able to hold the office of the Presidency.
May 9, 2008 10:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think having a first term Senator as a VP pick would not be so good...and I dig Webb a lot (I have a Webb sticker on the back of my car). I wish he could get the former Gov/future Senator Mark Warner as his VP. Lots of executive experience there. Sam Nunn would also be a great pick...very sharp on foreign affairs/tons of experience/gravitas, etc.
I like Hagel as SecDef...it is in line with Bill Clinton appointing a Republican to the post when he was prez.
Agree that Richardson would do well as Sec of State.
Sorry, I don't think Valerie Plame has the experience to be the head of FBI/CIA; and people would see it as too much of "stunt" appointment. Like sticking your thumb in the eye of the Bushies (not that there is anything wrong with that).
Sherrod Brown would be a good choice somewhere...he would shore up some of the Ohio vote which is very much needed.
May 9, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Durbin could be Interior or Energy.
You mean that idiot Reid : )
Obama has said he does not feel he has to shore up his foreign policy bona fides but prefers someone in an area he feels weaker in. So the question is, what does he feel weak in? Besides bowling.
May 9, 2008 12:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
For anyone nominating senators as VP: No way. Dems are going to need every senator they can get so they can cast aside that fucking turncoat Lieberman.
May 9, 2008 2:12 AM | Reply | Permalink
Unless they come from a safely "blue state", such as the Junior Senator from New York.
May 9, 2008 6:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Who is that? I remember Schumer, but when I try to think of the other one I just get a big blank.
May 9, 2008 9:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Completely agree, unless state rule mandates appointments of the same party, and chosen by a D-governor.
May 9, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
VP: Al Gore
Sec of State: Gov. Bill Richardson
Sec of Defense: Gen. Wesley Clark
Sec of Energy: Ralph Nader (kidding), Sen. Patty Murray, WA
Sec of Treasury: Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Senate Majority Leader: Sen. Hillary Clinton
Chief Foreign Policy Advisor: Madaline Albreight
Foreign Policy Advisor: Fareed Zakaria (the guy's brilliant)
Hillary Clinton could also be good for Sec. of Education or Health and Human Services
Secretary of Snark: Keith Olberman
May 9, 2008 3:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Lots of great ideas above!
Trying to synthesize my ideas with the ones I most respond to of yours. To be true to his campaign rhetoric he needs to have some Republicans here (just as Santos asked Vinick to be Sec. of State and Kerry asked McCain to be veep ;-) ):
Secretary of Defense - Hagel, Lugar, Nunn
Secretary of State - Biden, hands down. If not, perhaps Samantha Power or Susan Rice.
EPA chief - Anyone but industry heads. My dog, perhaps. Bring back Carol Browner?
Department of Homeland Security - Hamilton or Kean. If not, then Hart.
CIA - Plame (*not* kidding!)
Energy - Schweitzer
Veterans Affairs - Cleland
Education - Dodd
HHS - someone from CDC?
Attorney General - Edwards, Iglesias (or one of the other fired attorneys), Fitzgerald, Waxman (give that boy more than just subpoena power!)
Transportation - Oberstar
HUD - Bradley
New: Global Warming - Gore
New: Poverty - Clinton (put her $$ where her mouth is...)
Lincoln Chafee totally represents the kind of Republican Obama would want to encourage. But what post he's best suited for I have no idea.
Cadmus' idea to "[o]ffer Sen Joe Lieberman Secretary of Agriculture or Transportation, to get him out of the Senate" is inspired!
Chief of staff is such a personal relationship, a person Obama has to be 100% comfortable with and totally trust, that I don't think any of us can speak to that.
Veep? That's the $64,000 question. Knee-jerk answers are Webb, Warner, Brown, or Richardson, though I agree with Hunter that we need to preserve and build that Senate majority at all costs so maybe the first three are off limits. Schweitzer has occurred to me, to show Obama's serious about expanding the base and reaching out to western voters. I also agree that Obama/Hagel would be unbeatable, as jcfinsf notes -- what a magnet for independents and some GOPers -- if he could finesse the choice of a Republican with the party. But one of the female governors may be better to win back the Hillary supporters who keep telling pollsters they'll never vote for Obama.
But, he's gotten this far against such great odds -- I trust him to make the right picks for all these spots! :)
May 9, 2008 3:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Why not put an anti-war activist as head of DOD?! It's our party!
May 9, 2008 3:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmm, sort of a conservative group here. Nunn? Hagel?
- Gary Hart for SecDef.
- I'm toying with the idea of Hillary Clinton for AG. If she decided to serve on the side of good once again, her tenacity would be a great asset, and it's a critical position after Bush/Cheney.
- Vilsack for Education, of course.
- Richardson ... I need to be convinced before thinking he'd be scandalproof.
- Chafee is an independent now, so he doesn't actually make it bipartisan, but I hope there's a role for him somewhere.
- Edwards for Labor.
- Daschle will be Chief of Staff.
I note how white and male my list is so far, so I'm stopping before it gets worse.
May 9, 2008 5:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Biden for Sec of State or Defense; Richardson for Sec of Labor; Rendell or McCaskill for VP (depending on the approach to bringing back Hillary supporters); Hagel for Sec of Defense if not Biden; Edwards for Attorney General?; Al Gore for Sec of Energy or EPA head; Chief Foreign Policy Advisor: Fareed Zakaria (*_*).
May 9, 2008 5:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because cabinet choices are almost never announced before the election, it might not hurt his chances to get elected, but because "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" was a "compromise" in response to legislation that Sam Nunn had forwarded to prevent the full integration of the armed services, I don't think his choice would sit well with the gay community.
Otherwise, I'm of the school that Hillary will be the VP nominee and I think Edwards should be offered the AG; I understand the OP's reasoning that Edwards might be considered too partisan, if we were to go after the current administration, but I don't really think that's on anybody's radar and such a think could harm Obama's efforts to "bring us all together".
Richardson would be an OK Sec of State, but he fell right back into being the Governor of New Mexico, so I don't know that he'd leave his kingdom for the post.
May 9, 2008 6:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Also, former Republican Senator William Cohen of Maine got pretty good marks as Clinton's Secretary of Defense; He knows the landscape and could hit the ground running, so if he were interested in serving another term, I'd have to throw his hat into the ring.
May 9, 2008 6:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Cohen was all for going to Iraq and the surge. He got it wrong and is part of an entire group that got it wrong who presently serve as Hillary's foreign advisory team...and she now wants to obliterate and defend every OPEC country in the ME.
Cohen and Albright can go home and never darn be allowed to work on foreign policy again if we want whats best for America.
May 9, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dick Cheney
May 9, 2008 7:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Would love to see Biden in there somewhere ! VP would be great, but I think he has said he does not want it. If he did accept, he would bring instant credibility towards "experience" and foriegn relations. Also, he knows the back rooms of the house/senate better than anyone - and I think he could shake things up !
May 9, 2008 8:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just a few ideas;
VP: Al Gore, Tim Kaine, Mike Easley, Joe Manchin, Anthony Zinni, Wesley Clark, Blanche Lincoln, Jay Rockefeller, Mark Pryor, Bill Nelson, or Jeff Bingaman
State: Biden if he'd leave the senate but if not Richardson
Treasury: Bloomberg if he'd take it or Robert Riech
Defense: Hagel, Clark, or Zinni
AG: Patrick Fitzgerald or Robert Kennedy
Homeland: Bob Kerrey or Max Cleland or any of my Defense picks
Interior: Brad Carson or Kathleen Sebelius
Agriculture: Gephardt or Vilsack
Commerce: Corzine or Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Labor: Robert Riech or Chaffee
HHS: Mrs. Edwards or Maria Shriver
HUD: Bill Bradley or Cruz Bustamante
Transportation: Oberstar or Peter DeFazio
Energy: Nader (getting him to not run in 2012) or Albert Wynn
Education: Chaffee or Caroline Kennedy
VA: Tammy Duckworth or Max Cleland
Chief of Staff: Daschle
UN Ambassador: Jimmy Carter or Colin Powell
Press Secretary: Keith Olbermann or Chris Matthews
*Peace: Kucinich
CIA/FIB/NSA/EPA: no idea who'd be good I'll leave that up to our President
May 9, 2008 8:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Knew I forgot one; Joseph Patrick Kennedy II another one for Energy
May 9, 2008 8:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't have any names, since I am not that versed about people in politics, who can run any government agency. What I do think though, is that the Obama administration should be multicultural and truly reflect the diversity we claim here. It literally should be like a rainbow, with all people represented, like Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Muslims and other minority groups we don't usually see in high places. Let's make this happen.
May 9, 2008 9:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
Only one very important recommendation: Amory Lovins for Secretary of Energy. He'd be more important than the others, combined, with respect to our future.
May 9, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is a great thread! I don't have any names to add, but I DON'T want to see Hillary Clinton anywhere! Sorry, but she's shown her true colors this year, and it isn't anything I want in our government,... in any capacity. I'd be happy enough if both Clintons just faded away into obscurity.
And Edwards would be a terrible pick for Attorney General. I agree that we need someone as non-partisan as possible - though with a fierce determination to restore our Department of Justice. This is critical. We can't be politicizing our Justice Department any more than it has been. And for anything else, well, Edwards has been too cowardly, too self-serving, or too indecisive to pick a side, so he certainly isn't owed anything.
Finally, I really like Barack Obama because he has a fresh way of looking at things. It's not just politics as usual. So I don't want him to hand out cabinet positions as political favors or to keep some faction happy. I want the best people possible, period! So I DON'T want Clinton supporters bought off with cabinet positions - make them an ambassador to the Vatican, or something similar (if we really HAVE to have an ambassador to a frickin' religion).
Yes, experience is important, but the 'same old politicians' are going to make the same old mistakes. Not Bush-league mistakes, I'm sure, but our mishandled Cuba policy, for example, has been a bipartisan screw-up. The VP pick will have to be made with political matters in mind, of course, but not the cabinet positions. Let's get some fresh faces in there. Not TOO fresh - they absolutely MUST be fully capable from Day 1 - but not people who've been infected by the mainstream too much, either, I hope.
May 9, 2008 9:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
What would suit James Clyburn? He was very impressive during the South Carolina primary in cooling emotions and yet remaining undeclared. He certainly earned my respect.
May 9, 2008 9:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
VP: Kathleen Sebelius, Wes Clark
Sec of State: Bill Richardson, Joe Biden
Sec of Defense: Wes Clark, Gen. Zinni
Sec of Treasury: Robert Reich
Foreign Policy Advisors: Madaline Albreight,
Fareed Zakaria, Samantha Power
First Supreme Court position: Hillary Clinton
May 9, 2008 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree that there needs to be some diversity in his cabinet. Deval Patrick wouldn't leave the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, would he? (Insert joke here) The Eric Holder mention is a good one for DOJ. Also, I agree that all Dem Senators should remain in the Senate, but I still really like Webb on the ticket. Kaine would be able to appoint a Dem replacement and Warner is going to win John Warner's seat, anyway, in preparation for his 2016 run to replace President Obama....
Off topic just a bit, let's see what Rahm Emanuel does in the near future. He is clearly torn.
May 9, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Deval Patrick wouldn't leave the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, would he?"
It would be kind of tough if he did, since one of the criticisms he levied at Romney and the rest of the GOP was that they were only interested in using Beacon Hill as a stepping stone to national office.
May 9, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
Clyburn should stay right where he is! Totally agree on Lincoln Chafee, he's one of the good guys. I am willing to place bets right now that we will have the first black AG in Eric Holder
I had never heard of Amory Lovins, so I looked him up. And yes, you're right
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amory_Lovins
May 9, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
I noticed a few people have listed Vilsack as a possible SoA pick. I'm from Iowa and, although I like the man, I don't think he's the right guy for that appointment. Just my opinion. Gephardt or Daschel would be better.
May 9, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
SECDEF: John McCain (I'm not kidding). Remember that POTUS has ultimate authority, but McCain has a lot of credibility in this dept. I also like Wesley Clarke, Chuck Hagle and Collin Powell.
Sec of State: Joe Biden. No-Brainer
AG: Dare I say John Edwards.
EPA: Former President Al Gore.
Homeland Security: McCain (no, really). Maybe Jim Webb.
HHS: Hillary (if she's not VP) ot John Edwards.
Lot's of good thoughts on this today.
May 9, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
I like the idea of offering HHS to Hillary Clinton. After this primary, I do not like the Clintons that much, but the advantages is that you have to give them something, it is her signature issue, something that she really knows and care about. For all the discussions, her and Obama's plans are not hugely different. And if she does not deliver in a couple of years, well, she's gone. I do not like the idea of her in the Supreme Court. I think that should be reserved for a real Judge, someone with clear views, but not political.
May 9, 2008 12:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Biden and that Bankruptcy bill and his comments "I like you, your the real deal" just sit in my crawl. I agree he should be somewhere if willing to accept a position, just VP, nah dont like it too much.
Would someone tell me the thoughts of Boxer and why she wouldnt be a good VP pick? Also Levin, I think he could be that scary dude you know everyone is affraid of. He just gives me the impression he doesnt play...Any thoughts?
May 9, 2008 11:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Boxer is jewish and many people feel that this is too much to have on the ticket...just like Obama and Rendell or Obama and Richardson...Democrats traditionally have not been able to get the blue collar ethnic vote so Rendell, Boxer and Richardson make that demographics votes even harder to get.
Although if hispanics voted for Richardson and we were able to get TX, FL, CA, and NY...the WH could be ours due to the hispanic vote coming out for Richardson.
May 9, 2008 12:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thats fair. I personaly am not big on Richardson, but have gained enormous respect for him having the guts to support the candidate he felt was best. What about Boxer and the woman vote though? Would she not make up the percentage for those women who simply want to vote gender? Not a fan of Rendell at all.
May 9, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Boxer's being from California would hurt Obama in the "flyover states" more than her being Jewish. Obama is pretty sure to lose the white-supremicist vote no matter who his running mate is. And the Christian right made the switch in the Bush years to liking jewish people because they're going to help hasten the apocalypse, right?
I think having a Jewish running mate, especially from a midwestern swing state (Russ Feingold, anyone?) would actually help nullify the "secret muslim/soft on terrorism/no friend of Israel" theme the Republicans are floating.
May 9, 2008 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe (Boxer)....I just cant help but wonder about those we need a woman or die voters. Plus, I kinda think Barbara Boxer is sexy....(shame on me and my shallowness).....I just think that she speaks her mind and is not willing to throw away me as a voter, and we do need in some way to reach out those women. A woman scorned you know, and if they could excuse HRC behavior or rationalize it, you know they want it bad.....I still like Levin as VP...will admit that these areas are not my specialty's though...Make a good point about fly over states though...this is tough.
May 9, 2008 1:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll second you on the Boxer nod (for many reasons, not just the shallowness factor ;-) ). I absolutely loved her aggressive questioning of C. Rice on Iraq last year. A thing to behold.
May 9, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes...thats true. Not to be cliche` she does tend to keep it real....lol...least in my eyes...:)
May 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boxer is sexy? Sean...need new glasses. Should go ahead and have Gov. Granholm of Michigan
http://www.michigan.gov/gov
Though here is my personal favorite and who would be my running mate.
http://www.starpulse.com/Actresses/Pinkett,_Jada/Pictures/
May 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm wondering why Richardson hasn't appeared on this list as a top choice for VP. He seems like an excellent choice to me.
May 9, 2008 11:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
My concern with Richardson is he's a little batty. On the campaign trail he was just not impressive, I thought--totally overmatched by Obama and Clinton, and prone to saying weird things. But I do like the guy.
May 9, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I mean he did "PAY" his dues right?
May 9, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nobody, really? Guess Knowone wants to talk to me anymore. Don't worry, eventually I will go away...give it time.
May 9, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
VP- Sebelius or Strickland (OH)
Sec of State, Susan Rice
Sec Defense, Sam Nunn
National Security Advisor Biden/Powers/Graham(FL)
Joint Chief of Staff, Zakaria
Sec of HUD, Dodd
Sec of Energy. Lovins
EPA Kucinich
Homeland Security, Rockefeller Jay/Waxman
May 9, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
oh...and Eric Holder for AG
May 9, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Susan Rice is great. I forgot all about her!
May 9, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
well, a few more well considered thoughts on affirmative action. Certainly, I would not compare African-Americans to monkeys. Let's take for example the bar exam. THERE IS NO WAY A MONKEY COULD PASS THE BAR EXAM. End of discussion. Now let's look at the bar passage rate for Howard University's law school. It has averaged around 50% for