Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[URL="http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSTRE4A57NM20081106"]Obama moves quickly to pick staff leader[/URL]

[url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/06/emanuel.profile/?iref=mpstoryview]Emanuel expected to bring 'tough-minded' approach to White House - CNN.com[/url]

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

Emmanuel is an interesting choice (little known fact: his brother is the basis of the character Ari Gold on HBO's Entourage). He's never really struck me as someone looking to "bridge the gap" between Democrats and Republicans, but from what I understand he gets things done.

Meanwhile, they're talking about RFK Jr. as the new head of the EPA, which is another move that doesn't really reflect a move toward the center. And I believe Larry Summers (from the Clinton administration) is being mentioned as a Treasury Secretary, and possibly Chuck Hagel for Defense.

It's always interesting to me who is selected for Cabinet positions, and it's often disappointing to me. Mainly because some of the same people seem to rotate so often. I understand the need to have people who are in the know but it gets a bit ridiculous at times. I always thought Eisenhower had one of the more interesting cabinets. I mean could anyone imagine the CEO of General Motors (or any major company) being named Secretary of Defense now?

I am curious to find out who Obama names his Chief Technology Officer.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=SmootSmack;498365]Emmanuel is an interesting choice (little known fact: his brother is the basis of the character Ari Gold on HBO's Entourage). He's never really struck me as someone looking to "bridge the gap" between Democrats and Republicans, but from what I understand he gets things done.

Meanwhile, they're talking about RFK Jr. as the new head of the EPA, which is another move that doesn't really reflect a move toward the center. And I believe Larry Summers (from the Clinton administration) is being mentioned as a Treasury Secretary, and possibly Chuck Hagel for Defense.

It's always interesting to me who is selected for Cabinet positions, and it's often disappointing to me. Mainly because some of the same people seem to rotate so often. I understand the need to have people who are in the know but it gets a bit ridiculous at times. I always thought Eisenhower had one of the more interesting cabinets. I mean could anyone imagine the CEO of General Motors (or any major company) being named Secretary of Defense now?

I am curious to find out who Obama names his Chief Technology Officer.[/quote]
Why not the man who invented the internet?

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

I heard Colin Powell's name being floated around for a possible staff position.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=Mattyk72;498369]I heard Colin Powell's name being floated around for a possible staff position.[/quote]

That would be a wise move.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=SmootSmack;498365]Emmanuel is an interesting choice (little known fact: his brother is the basis of the character Ari Gold on HBO's Entourage). He's never really struck me as someone looking to "bridge the gap" between Democrats and Republicans, but from what I understand he gets things done.

Meanwhile, they're talking about RFK Jr. as the new head of the EPA, which is another move that doesn't really reflect a move toward the center. And I believe Larry Summers (from the Clinton administration) is being mentioned as a Treasury Secretary, and possibly Chuck Hagel for Defense.

It's always interesting to me who is selected for Cabinet positions, and it's often disappointing to me. Mainly because some of the same people seem to rotate so often. I understand the need to have people who are in the know but it gets a bit ridiculous at times. I always thought Eisenhower had one of the more interesting cabinets. I mean could anyone imagine the CEO of General Motors (or any major company) being named Secretary of Defense now?

I am curious to find out who Obama names his Chief Technology Officer.[/quote]
RFK Jr for the EPA? You mean Mr Green as long as its not in my back yard?
[url=http://www.grist.org/news/muck/2006/01/12/capecod/]RFK Jr. and other prominent enviros face off over Cape Cod wind farm | By Amanda Griscom Little | Grist | Muckraker | 12 Jan 2006[/url]

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

how about McCain for secdef? that would be about as conciliatory as it gets.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

He's named [url=http://www.mlive.com/us-politics/index.ssf/2008/11/exclusive_gibbs_will_be_wh_pre.html]Gibbs[/url] as press secretary

(let's see how many people dare click on that link...<<insert evil laugh>>)

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

Seriously though, link is legit.

McCain or Hagel would both be solid SecDef choices...or Petitbon

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

John "100 Years in Iraq" McCain in charge of defense? I don't think he would enjoy taking orders to withdraw the troops. McCain 2000, maybe, McCain 2008, no.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=redsk1;498371][quote=Mattyk72;498369]I heard Colin Powell's name being floated around for a possible staff position.[/quote]
That would be a wise move.[/quote]
hahaha... Thats the change we need right there.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

Colin Powell would be a great move. He was ousted for standing up against the Iraq war. He is a leader and a smart strong good man. He would be a great down the middle leader. I hope he does get a position somewhere.

Some great (yet fairly common) [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Powell"]wiki[/URL] info:



[QUOTE]View of the U.S. war in Iraq

In an interview in July 2007, Powell revealed that he had spent two and a half hours trying to persuade George W. Bush not to invade Iraq but that he did not prevail. At the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado[46] Powell stated, "I tried to avoid this war. I took him [Bush] through the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers."[47]

Powell went on to say that he believed Iraq was in a state of civil war. "The civil war will ultimately be resolved by a test of arms. It's not going to be pretty to watch, but I don't know any way to avoid it. It is happening now." He further noted, "It is not a civil war that can be put down or solved by the armed forces of the United States," and suggested that all the U.S. military could do was put "a heavier lid on this pot of boiling sectarian stew."[48]

[edit] Role in presidential election of 2008

Powell donated the maximum amount to John McCain's campaign in the summer of 2007 [49] and in early 2008, his name was listed as a possible running mate for Republican nominee McCain's bid during the 2008 U.S. presidential election.[50] However, on October 19, 2008, Powell announced his endorsement of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing "his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities," in addition to his "style and substance." He additionally referred to Obama as a "transformational figure."[51][52] Powell further questioned Senator John McCain's judgment in appointing Sarah Palin as the vice presidential candidate, stating that despite the fact that she is admired, "now that we have had a chance to watch her for some seven weeks, I don't believe she's ready to be president of the United States, which is the job of the vice president." He pointed out how he thought Barack Obama's choice for vice-president, Joe Biden was ready to be president. He also added that he was "troubled" by the "false intimations that Obama was Muslim." Powell stated that "[Obama] is a Christian — he's always been a Christian...," and continued, "But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America." Powell then referenced Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, a Muslim American soldier in the U.S. Army who served and died in the Iraq War. He later stated, "Over the last seven weeks, the approach of the Republican Party has become narrower and narrower [...] I look at these kind of approaches to the campaign, and they trouble me." [51][52][/QUOTE]

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

Little doubt in my mind Obama focuses almost all his attention on Treasury and the economic team, state dept, and defense dept (in that order). Won't be surprised to see Larry Summers, Gene Sperling, Robert Reich and possibly for a short stint Bob Rubin back in power again. People often think Clinton was an economic guru; bologna, it was his econ team. Also won't be surprised if Paul Krugman gets a high profile position. Buffet would be fascinating and would probably indicate plans to reform the tax code more aggressively (who better to sell a return to fairness, where the very rich pay enough to give the middle class some real relief, than the icon of American wealth).

But IMO state will be the most interesting choice (almost as big a challenge as Treasury because it's so hard to tell what Bush has fucked up more - the economy or our foreign policy). Bet it's Clinton but there are at least a few good choices. Hagel for DOD would be a great fucking move. I heard John Kerry is lobbying for State - hope to hell Obama isn't taking a serious look.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

In an interview in July 2007, Powell revealed that he had spent two and a half hours trying to persuade George W. Bush not to invade Iraq but that he did not prevail. At the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado[46] Powell stated, "I tried to avoid this war. I took him [Bush] through the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers."[47]

Powell went on to say that he believed Iraq was in a state of civil war. "The civil war will ultimately be resolved by a test of arms. It's not going to be pretty to watch, but I don't know any way to avoid it. It is happening now." He further noted, "It is not a civil war that can be put down or solved by the armed forces of the United States," and suggested that all the U.S. military could do was put "a heavier lid on this pot of boiling sectarian stew."[48]


Well if this is true about Powell then my opinion of him has dropped a bunch. Why did he stand infront of the UN making a case for war if he did not believe that it was a good idea? This means that while believing one thing he did another. He could have stepped down and then made his case public why he did not believe in the war. Maybe its now that war is not popular that he is saying this stuff but either way he has compromised his believes.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=firstdown;498611]In an interview in July 2007, Powell revealed that he had spent two and a half hours trying to persuade George W. Bush not to invade Iraq but that he did not prevail. At the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado[46] Powell stated, "I tried to avoid this war. I took him [Bush] through the consequences of going into an Arab country and becoming the occupiers."[47]

Powell went on to say that he believed Iraq was in a state of civil war. "The civil war will ultimately be resolved by a test of arms. It's not going to be pretty to watch, but I don't know any way to avoid it. It is happening now." He further noted, "It is not a civil war that can be put down or solved by the armed forces of the United States," and suggested that all the U.S. military could do was put "a heavier lid on this pot of boiling sectarian stew."[48]


[B]Well if this is true about Powell then my opinion of him has dropped a bunch. Why did he stand infront of the UN making a case for war if he did not believe that it was a good idea? This means that while believing one thing he did another. He could have stepped down and then made his case public why he did not believe in the war. Maybe its now that war is not popular that he is saying this stuff but either way he has compromised his believes.[/B][/quote]


Probably because he's a military man. Think about it, you never air your disagreements/doubts with your commanders in public. He made his case behind closed doors but was told what course of action we would be taking. At that point, his duty dictated that he follow orders. I have more respect for him, knowing this now.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

I think he saw the writing on the wall. We were going to war with or without the UNs support and we'd rather go with it. You think he should have quit his job and stood up to Rumsy, bush and cheney? To what avail? Its possible that he could have stalled congress but I'm sure beleiving the intel and the state the country was in post 911 his efforts would have turned into a monsterous disaster. He may have been tried for treason for helping the iraqi "terrorists".

Anyway its also likely that he gave his endorsement based on polls showing obama ahead and was just looking for a job. His stance against the war and support for a pull-out (he-he) has been pretty well known.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=EternalEnigma21;498630]I think he saw the writing on the wall. We were going to war with or without the UNs support and we'd rather go with it. You think he should have quit his job and stood up to Rumsy, bush and cheney? To what avail? Its possible that he could have stalled congress but I'm sure beleiving the intel and the state the country was in post 911 his efforts would have turned into a monsterous disaster. He may have been tried for treason for helping the iraqi "terrorists".

Anyway its also likely that he gave his endorsement based on polls showing obama ahead and was just looking for a job. His stance against the war and support for a pull-out (he-he) has been pretty well known.[/quote]
Well Obama and others stood up against the war and he did not face Treason. I just find it hard to believe that he was the person making the case for the war but now says he was against the war from the start. What does that say about him? Either he was lying then or he is lying now. Why would we want him back in office if he cannot stand up for what he believes. Its not like he was fighting for some type of spending bill on a frivolous matter but he was making a case for sending Americans to war which now he says he did not believe in.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

RFK Jr. will be a fun confirmation hearing. That guy is a mess. From heroine addiction to breaking up Larry David's marriage, it would be quite the spectacle.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=70Chip;498637]RFK Jr. will be a fun confirmation hearing. That guy is a mess. From heroine addiction to breaking up Larry David's marriage, it would be quite the spectacle.[/quote]


You think all of that will come out? Had no idea the guy used heroine.

Initially I was under the impression that EPA was a cabinet post, when it really isn't.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=firstdown;498636]Well Obama and others stood up against the war and he did not face Treason. I just find it hard to believe that he was the person making the case for the war but now says he was against the war from the start. What does that say about him? Either he was lying then or he is lying now. Why would we want him back in office if he cannot stand up for what he believes. Its not like he was fighting for some type of spending bill on a frivolous matter but he was making a case for sending Americans to war which now he says he did not believe in.[/quote]

That's a pretty strong accusation against Powell, either he was lying or he wasn't. Man, that's just pretty strong. Besides, he along with many others, were making the case for the war based on the intelligence he/they received. I think in hindsight, Powell would love to undo his involvement, but hey that's politics unfortunately.

The more we learn about how and why we invaded Iraq to begin with, the more we, or at least I, realize it wasn't as black and white as it appears. Any way you slice it or dice it, though, the buck has to stop with the guy at the top of the food chain.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=12thMan;498640]You think all of that will come out? Had no idea the guy used heroine.

Initially I was under the impression that EPA was a cabinet post, when it really isn't.[/quote]
I think its funny that they would want him to run the EPA when he fought so hard to stop that wind farm because it was in his back yard. Kind of reminds me of Gore. Don't do as I do, do as I say.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=firstdown;498644]I think its funny that they would want him to run the EPA when he fought so hard to stop that wind farm because it was in his back yard. Kind of reminds me of Gore. Don't do as I do, do as I say.[/quote]

Honestly, I don't know enough about Jr. to say one way or another. I think if Obama picks him though, the right will say, see, he's already pandering to liberals by picking Kennedy. But again, this isn't a true cabinet post. I'm more concerned with the big four.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=12thMan;498649]Honestly, I don't know enough about Jr. to say one way or another. I think if Obama picks him though, the right will say, see, he's already pandering to liberals by picking Kennedy. But again, this isn't a true cabinet post. I'm more concerned with the big four.[/quote]

Well its the Republcans turn to do that after hearing 8 years of that from the Dems. I'm on Obama's side now but I will point out what I don't like which might be alot of what he does.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=firstdown;498653]Well its the Republcans turn to do that after hearing 8 years of that from the Dems. I'm on Obama's side now but I will point out what I don't like which might be alot of what he does.[/quote]

That's fair. Even his most avid supporters, don't agree with every thing he does. Or at least I hope not.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=12thMan;498640]You think all of that will come out? Had no idea the guy used heroine.

Initially I was under the impression that EPA was a cabinet post, when it really isn't.[/quote]

He was a serious addict for many years. Peter Collier and David Horowitz wrote a great book about the Kennedys that spent some time detailing his antics.

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=70Chip;498832]He was a serious addict for many years. Peter Collier and David Horowitz wrote a great book about the Kennedys that spent some time detailing his antics.[/quote]

I take it he's been re-habbed for several years now, no?

Re: Obama starts to assemble staff
 

[quote=12thMan;498930]I take it he's been re-habbed for several years now, no?[/quote]
The Kenedy's have a their own rehab center right in there home.