Who would like to see UK style shadow posts?

[RB TexLa]

Since we don't have one but two party leaders in the Congress there would have to be coordination between them to select the "Shadow Secretaries."


I'm not advocating a position on it but putting it up for discussion.

I would say the major pro and con are.

Pro gives a direct clear voice from the opposition party on issues and policies by each cabinet post.

Con could cause riffs with an incoming President and appointments.

[philarq]

1. Only if we get Question Time also

The Official Questions are the point where the fun comes in.

[RB TexLa]

2. And I think that could be done

The constitution says the president shall report the state of the union to the congress, they could let the congress ask him questions about the state of the union. I'd love it but it'll never happen.

[philarq]

4. under oath---

please......

[Nye Bevan]

3. I think this is an intriguing idea

Say the Democratic presidential candidate announced, shortly after being nominated, who he intended to pick for Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and so on. So instead of just naming a VP running mate he basically picks an entire team. Exactly the same concept as in the UK where the opposition parties have spokesmen for defense, education, etc., and these are the people who are expected to occupy the corresponding positions in the event of that party being elected.

If (for example) Wesley Clark was the pick for Defense, this would give the candidate added credibility and also an additional voice during the campaign. Ideally the impression on the electorate would be that this really is a government in waiting, not just 2 guys trying to get elected.

On a side note I would *love* to see Bill Clinton as secretary of state!