(Danville, California)
We get obsessed in the press (and a lot of the public, too!), over who will be the #2 person in every administration. I admit I love the speculation, the handicapping of candidates, and the wondering about "Who could add what?" to an administration. But I suspect we do so to the exclusion of considering who might fill certain key cabinet posts.
That may change this year! I fully expect in the rush to "outdo" one another, the two candidates will not only name their VP choices by midsummer, but they will also start naming potential cabinet members, hoping to win key constituencies. For example, will Obama name Eric Holder as Attorney General, shoring up even more black voter support; or will he turn to southerner John Edwards, hoping to ease concerns of white Democrats in parts of the South?
Since such considerations pose real dilemmas for both candidates,
Since such considerations pose real dilemmas for both candidates,
I'll write about cabinet prospects from time to time. Today, let's talk about the Secretary of State.
On the Democratic side, Sen. Joe Biden is often mentioned, and you know he'd love the job. He was long frustrated in the thankless job as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, so much so that he openly announced he wanted to switch Chairmanships to the Foreign Relations Committee, and eventually did. While Biden is still in the VP stakes, Secretary of State seems a better fit. Still, he's his "own man," as Al Haig was, making you wonder whether he would toe the company line or follow his own agenda.
Another possibility for the job is former UN Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who probably would have had a better shot if Hillary Clinton had won the nomination. Still, Holbrooke is well known to our allies and might be seen as a more stabilizing choice.
On the Republican side, one possibility is former interim UN Ambassador John Bolton. While more abrasive than many would like, Bolton had McCain's behind-the-scenes support for the UN post even though he failed to win confirmation by the full Senate. McCain might endear himself to the more conservative wing of the party by picking the right-wing Bolton. Still, if the Democrats gain seats in the Senate - and they likely could - getting Bolton confirmed might require a Houdini Act.
A safer choice? Perhaps longtime Indiana Senator Richard Lugar, who - like Biden - is a party elder well respected on both sides of the aisle and also well known overseas. Even if McCain wins, he'll need to shore up international support by appointing someone who is well respected by our allies. For both parties, it's a tough choice. The past three Secretaries of State were all history makers: The first black; the first woman; then the first black woman. The problem is that both parties may feel the pressure to "top this!" and simply can't!
The important thing for both parties to remember: This is about international respect; this is not a popularity contest.
I'll write more soon about other potential administration appointees. Check in often at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.
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1 comment:
But if we're not to forget VP, a commenter on another post says it much better than I can:
"They say McCain reads the blogs, so here goes --
Senator McCain- Don't let the campaign kibbitzers muddle things up.
First and foremost, Sarah Palin shares your values. She killed the bridge to nowhere. Need we say more?
As for the politics, Sarah Palin transcends geography. Her constituency, like yours, goes beyond state lines.
She will get your ticket access to voters all over the country based on who she is and what she stands for. Because she's young, a woman, a mother with young kids, she will grab media attention more than any other potential candidate.
Gov. Palin also has a son in the active duty military. You have very wisely taken your son's service in Iraq off the table as a campaign talking point. That is and should be respected. But others can talk about it and reflect on what it means.
A McCain-Palin administration would be the first in memory which has family members in uniform during wartime from both the President and Vice President. That would be a powerful statement as to the importance of national service, especially in uniform.
Most importantly, any Vice President should be ready to step up and serve in the event she is needed. Frankly, who is really ever ready? Gov. Palin is as ready as anybody, she is a quick learner, and in her public career has exhibited the courage and decisiveness needed for a great leader.
Godspeed to you in your campaign and in making this important decision."
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