This seems to be a difficult season for the national media. Two months from today the new President will be inaugurated and by that time it's assumed that the major appointments of his Administration will be in place, and those that require will be ready for Congressional confirmation.
The Obama team has announced that they will try and limit leaks and hints as to the identity of those being considered. Almost all of what we know so far, other than those already officially announced is left up to speculation, the biggest drama of course is centered around Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The question of Bill and how he might influence, interfere, or foul up her position because of his foundation and money raising activities including his foreign contacts and relationships. All this implies a fear that Mr. Obama might be powerless to run is own presidency without a controlling influence by both Clintons. A Secretary of State has the task of carrying out and interpreting the settled policies of the President. My guess is that Barack Obama is aware of all of this and has given it considerable thought in his apparent calm and deliberate way.
The truth is that we all will have to wait to see who all of these nominees and appointees will be. There is a process taking place within the Obama team as there always is for a new president and we'll have to wait until the end to see how well and how efficient this process has been. I can imagine how much pressure is felt on those who write for the press and broadcast on the network and cable news channels. These people are paid to report whatever they can learn from the new Administration transition team or the friends and staff members from those thought to be on the short list of possible appointees.
This morning I was listening to Pat Buchanan on Morning Joe as he ruminated about how Obama will almost disgrace himself if he allows the Clintons to force him by their maneuvering to give Hillary the job. Pat seems to think that the Clintons can undo all of the momentum and enthusiasm the new President has achieved.
I've always heard that those chosen for these top jobs, and maybe all others, must submit undated but signed general letters of resignation before the process is completed. This sounds kind of callous, but is probably a wise and sobering idea.
There will be a complete White House staff and Cabinet and all of the hundreds of other people needed when the time comes. In the meantime, I feel sorry for those who must wait until the word is out before they can report it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I have been impressed by Barack Obamas careful and methodical decision making, not only now as he picks his cabinet, but throughout his campaign.
I haven't seen any leaks from his camp throughout the primaries, into his pick of Biden, and now with his top positon post for these past two years.
There is a wisdom in patiently and quietly making decisions that reflects a great president, and as far as I've seen demonstrated, this man who holds so much promise has earned my trust that he will always make a heavily thought out decision every step of the way without reilding to the pressure of the press.
Some men with far greater experience, who have ran for this office several times, have not demonstrated this calm maturity that we all have witnessed.
Many feel that what got Obama elected was his great oration skills. While these certainly didn't hurt, I would submit it's almost what he didn't say, in his daily and methodical patient and presidential demeanor that got him elected.
Steve Kluber
I was also watching when Pat Buchanan was on this morning, but I usually tune out when he's talking - its a waste of my time. :0)
Its almost as if the news networks have been addicted to the Presidential election politics that they can't focus on anything else.
Susan
Post a Comment