Biden's cabinet

[cilla4progress]

I'll get creamed for this, but...

After all the drama of the TFG admin, I can see why Biden chose low-key people like Garland and Blinken. I'm sure they are brilliant and their analyses are top-notch.

I do think he overlooked the thirst of the American PEOPLE for a bit of bling and drama, though. Overall we are just too immature to appreciate the measured presentation, even tones, and low-key explanation.

[spooky3]

1. I think it's too early to tell. Part of the concern

is that people haven’t seen some actions they want taken. If those happen later, they will be less on edge.

[abqtommy]

2. I think the election of 2020 showed that We The People care more about

competency than bling and drama. Well, some of us, anyway. At least 81 million
of us.

[VarryOn]

3. I mostly agree...

In a position like Secretry of State, we need a "name" who's a statesman and recognized by the world. Clinton is a prime example. Blinken, while I'm sure was fine working his way through the State Department, has very little gravitas on the world stage. Biden whiffed on that one. But, with the other major positions, like Treasury, Justice, and Defense, it's OK having lesser known names. Solid bureaucrats can work, although I think Biden did better with his choices on those. The rest, you can be OK appointing rivals or good friends. The mandarins in those bureaucracies run those departments anyways.

[cilla4progress]

4. Thanks for making my point - or articulating my observation,

far more articulately than I!

I'm fine with Blinken because I assume he is extremely competent and ethical, but you nailed it: Sec State is a position that requires some heavy duty impact if only to impress our adversaries and allies.

I mean, Sec State is the top diplomat. The skills required for that position have to include PR.

Maybe because Biden himself has so much depth there, he didn't think it was as important to have a Sec State with vast name recognition?

Anyway, grateful the tide is turning in opinion on the how of leaving Afghanistan. It's a mess any way you cut it.. I think Biden may survive it, after all.

[VarryOn]

5. Yes, we shouldn't ask "who?" when a new SOS is chosen. Nt

[karynnj]

7. Blinken was well known in the State Department, Congress and even to some allies

How well known were Madeline Albright and Warren Christopher before they served as Secretaries. John Kerry and Hillary Clinton were unusual. I suspect Biden knew the job had to include both diplomacy and rebuilding the State Department after Trump. Blinken was someone he knew for decades and may have seen him as the best to do both.

[Hortensis]

6. Those who need have late-night comedians explain public issues to them.

We're all different, Cilla.

I can't say how much I've learned to cast a very cold and suspicious eye at politicians who can get lots of people excited. They don't have to be bad, of course. But public policy is typically mind-numbing, and since it's very hard to make the real thing seem exciting, most outstanding stumpers replace it with tried and true crowd pleasers of deceit about what can be accomplished, telling them what they want to hear all glossed up, slandering opponents, and inciting fake controversy and dramatization.

I'm probably over-reassured by people who insist on being boring of course, but at least it's a first cut.

[MyOwnPeace]

8. Couple of thoughts........

Yes, we've had some "big-name" SOS's, but I think that the POSITION and power that comes with it is going to make up for the lack of name recognition. Our allies want somebody they can trust to be fair and honest and capable of representing their interest when the SOS reports to the President and department.

As another post had said, I think any 'disappointment' that may be developing is based on what I think is a great expectation of JUSTICE - that would/could/should be handled by the Attorney General.

Trump was a thief - liar - crook - and he needs to pay for it! And so far I am greatly disappointed in Attorney General Garland.

But of course, I LOVE the competence that is oozing from this Administration!

[cilla4progress]

9. Yes, Garland better have a solid plan

for accountability before the midterms.

I will be vastly disappointed if not.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

10. I prefer competence over flash and bling

[Hekate]

11. I notice Biden is fairly quietly just Getting Things Done. No crowing about how bigly ...

…his accomplishments are, no dancing in the end zone. Just getting shots in arms & ending a war.

I rather trust he’s hiring people like himself.