silversoul7 said:
Obama's going to have to pick some Republicans, and I'm certain that the Secretary of Defense is going to be one. Probably Chuck Hagel. Four names being floated for Secretary of State: Chuck Hagel, Dick Lugar, John Kerry and Bill Richardson. Two Republicans and two Democrats. I'd be happy with any of them, but it would probably be better for Obama's image if he chose a Republican. It's actually kind of ironic that Republicans are yelling and screaming for him to be bipartisan. How many Democrats were in the Bush administration?

Um, why would Obama pick any Republicans?

silversoul7

Portland, OR

January 2008

NOV 22, 2008 06:17 PM

SockPuppet said:

Um, why would Obama pick any Republicans?

Because he's promised a bipartisan cabinet.

SockPuppet

I'm lost

July 2006

NOV 22, 2008 06:28 PM

silversoul7 said:

SockPuppet said:

Um, why would Obama pick any Republicans?

Because he's promised a bipartisan cabinet.

OK, thank you.

Doesn't seem like a good move to me, but we'll see how it turns out.

silversoul7

Portland, OR

January 2008

NOV 22, 2008 07:11 PM

SockPuppet said:
Doesn't seem like a good move to me, but we'll see how it turns out.

I think it's a great move if you pick the right people. Chuck Hagel is a real mensch, and would be great at Defense, after the departure of Robert Gates, who has done an unusually good job for a Bush appointment.

silversoul7

Portland, OR

January 2008

DEC 07, 2008 02:52 PM

So, apparently Obama has just picked Eric Shinseki for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. A fitting reward for someone who bravely and openly clashed with Rummy and Wolfowitz.

Quella

USA

July 2008

JAN 04, 2009 03:24 PM

unfortunately, looks like Bill Richardson withdrew his consideration for Commerce Secretary over the distraction of a federal investigation into ties to a californian company that has done business with his state.

Gov. Bill Richardson said a probe focused on him would delay work toward bettering the economy.

Two Democratic officials told CNN the investigation involves a California company that won municipal bond business in New Mexico after contributing money to various Richardson causes.

In a statement Sunday, Richardson said he asked Obama "not to move forward" with his nomination now.

"I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months," the statement reads. "Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Watch why Richardson bowed out »

"Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done."

I do appreciate that BO does not want any distractions, even if it means having strong cabinet members walk.

silversoul7

Portland, OR

January 2008

JAN 04, 2009 04:26 PM

That sucks. I was really hoping to see Richardson in an Obama cabinet. Meanwhile, I'm worried about who he's going to pick for Drug Czar(especially considering that the position shouldn't exist in the first place). Word is that this guy is the top contender for that spot. I hope he goes with someone better.