Cenk: Howard Dean for Education Secretary! (Bonus: Brand New Dean Interview--Video)

[ihavenobias]

By Cenk Uygur

Howard Dean was just on , and without saying it (because that is a political no-no), he seemed to indicate interest in Secretary of Education position. His first answer about "educational issues" in the interview below seems like a clear indication of where his priorities lie.

There is a good reason why people shouldn't be openly lobbying for positions in cabinet, but at the same time, it is our job as political analysts to be able to read between the lines. Furthermore, we do an opinion show, so I don't mind sharing my opinion on this -- I would love to have Howard Dean in the cabinet. Not so much because he's a progressive as because he is right. I am of the naïve belief that that should matter.

He also has a strong progressive voice that should be heard at the table. I believe in Obama's idea of a diverse cabinet with their own beliefs, but if you want a diverse cabinet, it'd be a crime not to have someone like Gov. Dean on it.

Honestly, I don't care if it's Education or Labor or EPA. If I had my druthers, based on his answer on Afghanistan and Iraq at the end of the interview (and based on how right he has been on Iraq and other foreign policy issues), I would put him as Secretary of Defense. I know that won't fly in DC. , you can't have people who were too right in positions of power.

But no one can dispute that Howard Dean was right about the 50 state strategy, and this undoubtedly helped Barack Obama and a lot of Democratic congressmen and senators get elected. He's also been exactly right on the policy issues. Shouldn't the Obama administration reward competence?

(also listen for how deeply he cares about women's rights issues at the end of the interview -- and for the record I absolutely agree with him on the values issue he brought up in regards to women's rights in Afghanistan, and as usual, I love the way he says it strongly).

[AuntPatsy]

1. Dean has much to offer, he has proven himself deserving, I have no fear his place

will be found in this administration.

[ihavenobias]

4. Amen. n/t

[CherylK]

2. K & R for the idea of Dean having a good role in the Obama Administration!!!

:toast:

[OhioChick]

3. Same Here!

:toast:

K&R

[zeos3]

5. How about Paul Vallas for Sec of Ed

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Howard Dean, but I have a great deal of respect for Paul Vallas' work. He ran the Chicago public school system and then went on to Philadelphia and New Orleans. He'd be an excellent candidate for that position.

Political educator: Paul Vallas became the nation's most sought-after superintendent by bringing order and energy to Chicago's moribund school system - Feature
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0MJG/is_1_3/ai_94893900

A Tamer of Schools Has Plan in New Orleans
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/education/24orleans.html?_r=1

http://www.pbs.org/merrow/tv/leadership/nola/index.html

[ihavenobias]

14. Thanks for the links

I'll have to check them out.

[proud patriot]

6. love it

[ihavenobias]

12. Now that's what I like to hear.

:)

[20score]

7. Having people in power that were right would be a great precedent. K&R

[w4rma]

8. Anything Dean wants, he should be given. He's earned it. (nt)

[formercia]

9. Howard Dean would be good for many positions.

He's a very intelligent fellow.

[ihavenobias]

24. Agreed. n/t

[nc4bo]

10. Dr. Dean has been making many public appearances on M$M over the past few days

I suspect he's being vetted. What other explanation could there possibly be?

I know Barack Obama doesn't HAVE to do anything for anybody but I'd sure love to see Dr. Dean have a place in an Obama Administration.

Crossing fingers...

[OhioChick]

11. Morning Kick!

:kick:

[matthewf]

13. k&r! howard rocks!

[DFW]

15. Howard has a LOT to offer. I don't know what the Obama team is waiting for

Besides, how many other potential cabinet members are guitar-playing Leo Kottke fans?

[CherylK]

16. Bump!

:kick:

[fadedrose]

17. I'd like Dean to be at the cabinet meetings

for his input, no matter what job he has.


He was the very first to call the war in Iran a mistake and started a movement that also took in health care and education. He has foresight and vision. He motivated me to donating to the DNC - never donated before or even considered it till Dean came along.

He disappears from govt and my donations to DNC also will disappear. Don't trust ALL Dems, sorry to say.

"You have the power," Dr. Dean. You've got that email list with all our names - just tell us who you want us to email when things don't smell right. Wish I could spell his scream....

[LWolf]

18. Not Secretary of Education.

I want an Educator in that spot.

I'd like it if Obama appointed Dean to any other position.

I'm listening, but I wish there were a transcript. I can read in 3 minutes what it takes 17:27 to listen to.

[davidpdx]

19. I think there are many good positions Dean would help Obama

by serving in his administration. Given that he's a doctor, I'd like to see him involved with something related to that to use his expertise.

[AtomicKitten]

20. If Dean wants it, I'm all for it.

[tsuki]

21. He and Rahm Emanuel do not get along. I doubt he gets a place

in the cabinet.

[Vattel]

22. How about Ayers for Secretary of Education?

(just kidding)

[iamthebandfanman]

23. i mite actually be down with that

just to see right wingers collectively crap themselves ;)