Whatever you think about Obama's picks to date

[cali]

particularly the ones that require confirmation, please note these not inconsequential points: They will all likely sail through confirmation. And yes, that's damned important. Confirmation fights weaken the appointee being fought over. Having to withdraw an appointee damages the incoming administration. Secondly, Obama's picks are all people who have track records of competence, and yes, experience. They'll hit the ground running.

Obama does not want to repeat the mistakes of Clinton or Carter, both of whom misjudged the importance of having staff and appointees who knew how to manipulate the Washington environment.

Like it or not, a lot of governing is about the nuts and the bolts and where they fit. You want to pass legislation you need people who know how to get that done.

[TreasonousBastard]

1. The nuts and bolts of DC politics are...

irrelevant to those who've never been there but know best how things should be.

[Honeycombe8]

2. Good point. We don't want haggling at this time of crisis. nt

[JVS]

3. Do you mean the ones he's actually made, or the rumors that seem to pass as fact?