So President-Elect Obama has been drawing some criticism by the left, liberal, political wing for his cabinet picks. They have been questioning whether or not his selections represent the "change" he campaigned on. I admit the President-Elect has chosen a large number Clinton administration people to serve under him including his Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel, his economic counselor Lawrence Summers, Attorney General Eric Holder, Commerce Secretary Bill Richardson, and even Hillary Clinton herself. He has opted to keep President Bush's Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at his post and picked someone outside the political realm, scientist Steven Chu to head the position of Energy Secretary. I'm certain liberals bawled their eyes out when Gore wasn't hired. But even being a more left democrat myself, I still admire these picks. Obama is putting the country in front of his political beliefs. This is one of the most dramatic times in the past century, we are fighting two wars, the economy is a mess, and the environment needs a change of course. During President Clinton's administration, the country saw eight prosperous years. Domestically, we were doing well, making gains and improving as a nation. Our international relations and image abroad was significantly more respectable. Clinton had people in his office who seriously understood how to run the country inside out. Is it not intelligent for Obama to hire these people especially during such a volatile time? I'm not sure if his critics would prefer him to pick a majority of fresh faces to hold the posts or what. Without a team ready to go on day one, how could we expect him to get anything done? Those first 100 days are going to set the stage for his Presidency.
Obama's selection of Secretary of Defense couldn't be more crucial. The war in Iraq is as unpopular as ever and even the Bush administration has reached the Status of Forces Agreement, which calls for troops to depart the country by the end of 2011. The focus is shifting to Afghanistan. Obama wants this. Robert Gates wants this. I was talking to a family friend, Tim Manning, who works under Governor Bill Richardson as the Director of Homeland Security for New Mexico and he completely supports the idea of keeping Gates on the team. He believes it is in the country's best interest to have someone involved in our current situation that has a better grasp of it to handle these matters. Tim's as left as they get. It doesn't matter if Gates is a Republican, he serves at the pleasure of the President. He does what he is instructed to do and finds the best means to do it.
As for our energy crisis, I was twiddling my thumbs hoping for the President-Elect to choose Al Gore for Energy Secretary. His reputation speaks for itself and ideally he would be the most qualified man for the job, but we saw how that turned out. You can't blame this one on Obama though! Turns out Gore passed on the opportunity, saying he has much more he needs to do on his own. Sadly, I think he is right. Whenever he is needed, I'm sure he won't hesitate to advise. He should still be thoroughly involved with the administration and especially with Steven Chu. Now, I didn't know much about Steven Chu to begin with, but I've really warmed to the idea of having someone heading this post who is right in his specific field. Like Gore, he too has won a Nobel and has been an outspoken advocate of alternative energy. He has been across the globe speaking in conventions and meeting with people who I'm sure will help him accomplish his and Obama's intentions. The President-Elect boldly set American goals for the next decade to cut off our dependency on foreign oil and who better to lead that charge (if not Gore!) than a scientist. He has no political ties. He owes no favors. Whether you're Democrat or Republican, how can you complain about that?
There is one criticism that has surfaced that spans from Bush's administration into Obama's: whether or not a woman should be in the position of Secretary of State. Some countries don't allow women to have jobs or speak their opinions so should we be sending one to speak with their leaders? I think so. I believe it sends a message that we are a nation founded on freedom. If an African-American is the President of the United States of America, that should speak for itself. It should almost be intimidating for some of these countries to see our leaders. Even the most withdrawn countries understand our image as the "land of opportunity and liberty." Internationally, the name Clinton garners much respect. President Clinton has established strong ties with foreign leaders and associates that will reflect well his wife. Not to mention, Hillary has spent her fair share of time abroad as First Lady, Senator, and as a Presidential candidate. It is a solid post for a Clinton to fill and I expect her to accomplish much.
That's about all I have in me. In the end, a poll shows 82% are happy with Obama's selections so maybe I am wasting my time arguing, but this is a major transition period, well-worth the debate. Just a little something for the other 18% to think about.
As for our energy crisis, I was twiddling my thumbs hoping for the President-Elect to choose Al Gore for Energy Secretary. His reputation speaks for itself and ideally he would be the most qualified man for the job, but we saw how that turned out. You can't blame this one on Obama though! Turns out Gore passed on the opportunity, saying he has much more he needs to do on his own. Sadly, I think he is right. Whenever he is needed, I'm sure he won't hesitate to advise. He should still be thoroughly involved with the administration and especially with Steven Chu. Now, I didn't know much about Steven Chu to begin with, but I've really warmed to the idea of having someone heading this post who is right in his specific field. Like Gore, he too has won a Nobel and has been an outspoken advocate of alternative energy. He has been across the globe speaking in conventions and meeting with people who I'm sure will help him accomplish his and Obama's intentions. The President-Elect boldly set American goals for the next decade to cut off our dependency on foreign oil and who better to lead that charge (if not Gore!) than a scientist. He has no political ties. He owes no favors. Whether you're Democrat or Republican, how can you complain about that?
There is one criticism that has surfaced that spans from Bush's administration into Obama's: whether or not a woman should be in the position of Secretary of State. Some countries don't allow women to have jobs or speak their opinions so should we be sending one to speak with their leaders? I think so. I believe it sends a message that we are a nation founded on freedom. If an African-American is the President of the United States of America, that should speak for itself. It should almost be intimidating for some of these countries to see our leaders. Even the most withdrawn countries understand our image as the "land of opportunity and liberty." Internationally, the name Clinton garners much respect. President Clinton has established strong ties with foreign leaders and associates that will reflect well his wife. Not to mention, Hillary has spent her fair share of time abroad as First Lady, Senator, and as a Presidential candidate. It is a solid post for a Clinton to fill and I expect her to accomplish much.
That's about all I have in me. In the end, a poll shows 82% are happy with Obama's selections so maybe I am wasting my time arguing, but this is a major transition period, well-worth the debate. Just a little something for the other 18% to think about.
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