Whether you like it or hate it,, Obama's assembling a powerhouse of a cabinet

[cali]

It's about as high profile a cabinet as can be imagined.
It says a lot about Obama. It says that he's determined as hell to get his agenda enacted. It says he's not intimidated by strong people.

One thing's for sure, this is going to interesting as hell to watch.

[Christian30]

1. I agree

While it might have done my heart good to see more obvious progressives in the Cabinet, I can't deny that the caliber of the people he's surrounding himself with are going to be difficult to defeat. They are all experience political players who know how to play hardball. Plus, I think that given the disaffection that the country has for conservative policies combined with my surety that Obama will not give them a "moral" issue (i.e. Oval office BJs) to hang around his neck, makes me confident that they will set the country on a new and better course.

[Clio the Leo]

2. And it also says....

.... when he speaks, people listen. He's the EF Hutton of the 21 Century.

Not only does HE want strong, powerful people working for him, they, obviously, want to be there with him. He's not an ovely proud man, but he said one time that his "greatest trait" was his ability to get a bunch of people of differing viewpoints in a room and get them to all work together to get stuff done.

Exactly what we need.

[MadMaddie]

3. Yes, you are correct!

What is amazing about this powerhouse is that they are professionals in their respective fields. They are not party hacks like we have seen over the last 8 years. They are all accomplished, this is going to be facinating to watch.

For those that don't like what they are seeing, Obama has proven that he will not tolerate drama of any kind.

Fantastic! I want to see who he nominates to head FEMA once it is broken off of Homeland Security.

[Captain Hilts]

4. True. Overall, FDR appointed a team of weenies he often ignored -

in favor of under secretaries, etc. Such as Cordell Hull and Sumner Welles. Ignored Hull, worked with Welles.

[geckosfeet]

5. LOVIN IT!!!

[FrenchieCat]

6. What is fascinating is that as big a powerhouse as the folks he is appointing

represent....that makes him that much more of a powerhouse, as he is the last say. What Obama, in fact is doing, is fearlessly elevating his own profile, simply by surrounding himself with the best. Makes him the heavyweight of the heavyweights. Interesting manner in which he is returning the Presidency to a higher plane, sort of speak.

[mtnsnake]

7. Great point

Obama is obviously not concerned that so many strong personalities might possibly overshadow him or anything like that. It tells us he is more concerned about getting the job done than anything else.

[L0oniX]

8. See ...this is why there used to be a 3 post per day limit.

[terrya]

9. It sure is.

Very impressive so far.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

10. I am very impressed. President-Elect Obama's confidence is soothing at this critical time.

He is confident, and solid enough within himself, and clear about his vision, that he is willing to surround himself with such heavy hitters that both share and do not share all his beliefs. He is indeed taking care not to fall prey to Group-Think. Impressive and most encouraging, especially at this crisis time in history. It does seem to be about "action" not ideology. I am all for action at this critical time.

[Unbowed]

11. He's working hard to get the job done.

He's got some strong talent assembled thus far.

People who don't like his choices need to remember, Obama is doing the hiring and he will also be the one in charge. The decisions are going to be his no matter who he appoints to which post. He is also going to be listening to many other talented individuals, but in the end, the decisions of his presidency are going to be Obama's alone. Count on it.

And if anyone doesn't work out the way he planned, Obama is perfectly capable of making any corrections or new arrangements needed.

In six months time, if any appointees have done terrible jobs, I'll rail against them without hesitation. However, until that time, I'm going to watch with interest and with hope.

And I do hope all the appointments prove to be wise ones. But even if he gets one or two wrong, it's not a fatal error.

Obama is going to listen to his cabinet but he's also going to keep a reign on them. Anyone who thinks any of these appointees will have complete autonomy is naive. Obama has made it clear that he is going to direct his administration toward the change he promised us. Cabinet appointees are nothing if they are not the instruments he is using to bring about this change.

Think of it as a symphony with Obama conducting.

[jwirr]

12. What posts are still open? Some of the things progressives care

the most about seem to be: interior, labor, justice, etc. Maybe we will get to be in those.

[RC]

13. I am holding my breath for a year or so.

Most things that seem too good to be true are.

The following needs to be part of Obama's agenda.

1- Stop the current wars.

2- No new wars.

3- Get manufacturing back into this country. Stop off-shoring.

4- Work on getting Living wage jobs so both parents and the teen-age kids don't have to work for just the necessities.

5- Reinstate the laws that were put in place in the 1930's so this economic meltdown or any recovery will not happen for very long.

6- Go after the criminals that caused this financial crisis, both in and out of government.

7- Dealing with the War Criminals, in and out of government, is not partisan politics.
Just get it done or they won't go away.

8- If they were serous about getting the economy going again, bail out the private sector first. Big business got themselves in this mess through short sighted greed. Make the people responsible carry the burden.

The government is big enough to multitask. They can work on ALL of these at the same time.

This also means we cannot be the worlds police department. We need to get this country back on it's feet before we drag the rest of the world down to the bottom.

[DeepModem Mom]

14. K&R

[and-justice-for-all]

15. I hope they clean house too....

I am going to trust Obama's decision making, until I see something that is just beyond acceptance.

[H2O Man]

16. I agree. n/t

[Pisces]

17. Agreed!!

[yodermon]

18. yep! And, get this, HE'S THEIR BOSS!

Some people 'round here seem to forget that.
:thumbsup:

[Orsino]

19. And I think he's enough of a powerhouse to lead it coherently.

I have misgivings, but am more interested in finding out what this juggernaut can do.