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Sebelius and Dean, BOTH in the Obama WH?
"Sebelius) "is unlikely to also wear the second hat that Mr. Daschle
negotiated for himself as White House health czar, a position that
could be influential in setting health care policy. Administration
officials said that was a special arrangement for Mr. Daschle, adding
that they were still considering what to do about that job."
So, how about Sebelius at HHS and Dean as the Health Czar? Sounds like Daschle was biting off way more than he could chew, in the first place. And they both fit these jobs like a hand in a glove, maybe Daschle's political misfortunes will prove advantageous in the long run.
So, how about Sebelius at HHS and Dean as the Health Czar? Sounds like Daschle was biting off way more than he could chew, in the first place. And they both fit these jobs like a hand in a glove, maybe Daschle's political misfortunes will prove advantageous in the long run.
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I was thinking the same thing. I mean, HHS and Health Czar, two enormous jobs with enormous responsibility...how would anyone know which hat he was wearing when he made decisions? The opportunity for conflict of interest would always be present.
Frankly, I think the job of sorting out health care policy is big enough for two people. And, these two particular people are well suited for the job.
February 22, 2009 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
'these two particular people are well suited for the job"
Especially considering their leadership skills. They will each oversea a small army of people, and they have both proven their leadership qualities.
Leadership matters more now than ever before, because of the lack of it we have suffered for a decade.
When it comes to Sebelius and Dean, it isn't just their own personal talents that matter, but also their ability to get the best from others. And to be candid, I think both Sebelius and Dean had Daschle beat hands down in that category.
True, in more than one capacity, Daschle's handled a big staff before, but nothing like Dean's comprehensive 50-State campaign and nothing like Sebelius deals with every day managing a whole state, and not just a Senate office or a political campaign.
Daschle obviously was getting bad advice (or NOT getting good advice) from his chosen surrogates and support group, so it suggests his leadership qualities may have been outweighed by his own personal dynamics, in the decision to choose him for both of those daunting tasks.
Of all the qualities these two jobs require, the ability to lead people far outweighs any other.
February 22, 2009 10:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
"oversea" was, of course, meant to be "oversee" there's one I'll correct, wouldn't want the wingnuts leapin' on that one.
February 22, 2009 10:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree with you, but for some reason, they have frozen Dean out (I hope I'm wrong about that). Writing that Dean would be a good pick is like our many blogs about how obvious it is that Universal Health Care is the way to go: important to us, so we feel heard, but NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
Unless we actually take to the streets -- also not gonna happen unfortunately.
February 22, 2009 1:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's wildly counter-intuitive but my wish is for Dean to replaces Gate as Secy of Defense say in 2010, to oversee Barney Frank's proposed 25% cut in the DOD budget. It will take someone with his self assurance to Just Say No to 25% of the Military/Industrial complex.
February 22, 2009 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
That seems more forward-thinking than counter-intuitive.
Frankly, I wish Dean was in Emmanuel's position.
February 22, 2009 7:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like happy thoughts 5 minutes from Monday.
February 23, 2009 12:55 AM | Reply | Permalink