NOBODY "deserves" or is "owed" a cabinet spot. Period!

[TheWraith]

This isn't political favor day. It's not deciding who gets the good seats for the State of the Union. This is serious business. It's who's running the country. You pick the people who are best qualified, period. You don't pick people to reward them for an endorsement, or because they got a lot of votes. These have to be professionals, people who will do the best job regardless of their own political position, and who reflect a commitment to serving the administration and the country.

[Lucky 13]

1. Yes. Thank you.

It's the VP speculation bullshit all over again.

yawn

Just like back then, whoever he picks is fine with me.

[onehandle]

2. Are you criticizing Obama? It's up to him you know. nt

[TheWraith]

3. Please tell me you're making a joke.

I hope you are, but my humor meter on DU isn't always accurate because people can say ridiculously funny things, and yet mean them.

[blm]

4. Those spreading that meme are trying to UNDERMINE the selection. You think the powerful WANT someone

THEY don't have under control in any serious position?

They sure don't want the lawmaker who uncovered more government corruption than any lawmaker in modern history anywhere NEAR a position where he could have greater access to documents they worked for decades to keep hidden.

My question is - Why are so many of you on DU playing this out the way they want and pile on in such an obtuse and uninformed way?

[TheWraith]

11. Are you hinting around in my direction?

You seem to be talking about someone specifically. I'm not.

[blm]

13. No - I'm talking about those posting that Kerry is OWED, when their purpose is to pre-empt

Kerry from even being considered. They can't do it based on his qualifications so they take the tact that Kerry is pushing for it (he isn't) and that he is owed.

I think your post is in response to those seeking to undermine the consideration of Kerry as SoS. I didn't see it as one of the posts maliciously spreading the meme.

[Lancer]

5. Well, I agree with you.

Political patronage as the only qualification for Cabinet and senior level posts is just so 1836.

[MiniMe]

6. All 3 candidates for SOS are qualified. He has talked to 2 of them,

I haven't heard if he has talked to Kerry yet. My personal preferance is that he raid the Senate as little as possible, but this position is an important one. It should go to whoever Obama considers the best person for the job.

[Honeycombe8]

8. I wish that Biden would have influence over foreign affairs, & the SOS would have lesser power.

Much like Condi Rice.

We'll have to see how it shakes out. If Biden doesn't have influence over the SOS position, what would be the benefit of his broad experience and knowledge in foreign affairs? Just as an advisor to the President for the decisions he has to make, based on the recommendations of the SOS?

[Blarch]

7. Yes, But ...

there are those who DON'T deserve it.

[JFN1]

9. THANK YOU!

I get so sick of hearing this entitlement bullshit spewed from politician's and pundit's spew holes mouths. The only class of people in this equation entitled to anything are WE THE PEOPLE. I am also not fond of all the "pomp and circumstance' that attends our Federal government. We bitch about AIG throwing a couple of parties for themselves (and with good reason), but D.C. absolutely LIVES on parties and glitz and glamor. Enough all ready. Civil services is supposed to be just that - service. Not entitlement.

These people seriously need to get over themselves, and just do the damn job.

[political_Dem]

10. Thank you very much.

I'm tired of hearing that a cabinet position is "owed" to someone. If you have the skill set to be in that position, you should be considered. If not, well, you're out of the running.

But, we don't need people in the government who are just placed there without any working record that applies to the specific job. We saw how that played out in the Bush Administration (*cough*Brownie*cough*).

Handing out political favors to someone who doesn't deserve it sounds just like the casting couch in Hollywood.

[Hansel]

12. Amen. n/t