Change we can believe in – The ideal Secretary of State

November 24, 2008

Let us see what the American electorate and some courageous journalists/reporters thoughts are in this respect.

The authors in the capacity as responsible journalists and citizens have raised some relevant questions of the most important aspect of new presidency i.e. recruiting staff members for key positions and administrative tasks.

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The author, Mr. Pinsker has highlighted the ironies between the Lincoln Presidency and the scenario with the future Obama Presidency.

Obama shouldn’t copy Lincoln’s Cabinet style – Matthew Pinsker, author of “Lincoln’s Sanctuary: Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers’ Home,” wrote the article for the Los Angeles Times.

Consider this inconvenient truth: Out of the four leading vote-getters for the 1860 Republican presidential nomination whom Lincoln placed on his original team, three left during his first term – one in disgrace, one in defiance and one in disgust.

Chase was the defiant rival.

As Goodwin acknowledges, the Treasury chief never reconciled himself to Lincoln’s victory, continuously angling to replace him.

Lincoln put up with this aggravation until he secured renomination and then dumped his brilliant but arrogant subordinate because, in his words their “mutual embarrassment” was no longer sustainable.

The significance of Seward’s contributions as Lincoln’s secretary of state have been challenged by many historians, and his repeated fights with other party leaders were always distracting.

Lincoln was a political genius, but his model for Cabinet-building should stand more as a cautionary tale than as a leadership manual.”
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One of my favorite and esteemed journalists, Mr. Friedman poses a potent issue…

Cabinet post for Clinton presents special concerns – Thomas L. Friedman is a New York Times columnist.

“So President-elect Barack Obama is considering Hillary Clinton as secretary of state,

How should we feel about that?

My question is whether a President Obama and a Secretary of State Clinton,

Given all that has gone down between them and their staffs, can have that kind of relationship,

Particularly with Clinton always thinking four to eight years ahead, and the possibility that she may run again for the presidency.

I just don’t know.

When it comes to appointing a secretary of state, you do not want a team of rivals.”

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Hillary Clinton a better fit for Senate than secretary of state – David S. Broder, Washington Post columnist.

As per the article…

What President-elect Barack Obama wants and needs in the person running the State Department is a diplomat who will carry out his foreign policy.

He does not need someone who will tell him how to approach the world or be his mentor in international relations.

The last thing he needs is a secretary of state carving out an independently based foreign policy.”

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Obama staff: friends, others – Administration a mix of loyal advisers, Clinton Veterans – Charles Babington and Liz Sidoti, Associated Press

A particular segment of the article is noteworthy:

“Obama raised eyebrows this month when he tapped some of Clinton’s closest allies for important jobs.

John Podesta, Clinton’s former White House chief of staff, is heading the transition effort. Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, a former top Clinton adviser, is Obama’s chief of staff.

Former Clinton appointees Eric Holder and Janet Napolitano appear in line for Cabinet posts.

Even more, startling to many, Obama has signaled plans to name former first lady Hillary Clinton as secretary of state.

Some Obama supporters have praised him for reaching out to his toughest primary opponent.

But others question why they worked so hard to defeat Clinton only to see her, and many close to her, grab prizes in the new administration.

They note that Obama repeatedly campaigned against “the politics of the past” and Washington “dramas,” thinly veiled jabs at the Clinton presidency as well as President George W. Bush’s tenure.”
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Letter to the editor of mercury news on various dates: Thank you.

Voice of the Electorate…

Business as usual despite change vows –

Barack Obama sucked people into believing he is all about change, which they want more than anything else.

Then once we elect him, he surrounds himself with all the very same people who have absolutely no reason, or desire to change anything. All that has changed here is the name of the guy on top who’s getting his pockets lined.

Good luck, America…it’s business as usual.

David Harbert
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After election, all we can do is hope –

“It hasn’t taken very long for the media to turn pessimistic on Barack Obama’s ability to deliver on his sweeping promises for change and reform.

Instead there are predictions of smaller incremental improvements, like “Obama can make quick, modest gains on health care”.

This could be the test Joe Biden predicted would come during the early months of the Obama administration, but rather than some external foreign crisis, this will be a test of his internal mettle – a crisis of conscience.

Will Obama have the courage to stand up to the powerful interests in Washington and do what he thinks is right, or will he back down and give up on his promises?

We’ve already voted, now all we can do is hope.”

Rob Morgan
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Don’t see much change so far –

I did not vote for either Barack Obama or John McCain, but as Obama won the election, he is now my president and I am anxious to see how he will move our country forward.

But throughout the campaign, I kept hearing about “change” and now I see that Obama and his selections are not much “change” at all.

Where are the new faces?

Where is the “change”?

Unfortunately, at least now it seems we’ll all have to wait another four years for “change.”

Brian Chang
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Where are the fresh faces in Cabinet?

I didn’t vote for Barack Obama, but I’m hoping that he will be a great president because the country needs one.

But I look at some of his nominations for Cabinet and staff positions and wonder where the “change” is going to come from since, as I read online today more than half of the people named to Obama’s transition or staff posts have ties to President Clinton’s administration.

And people like Hillary Clinton as possible secretary of state and Tom Daschle as health and human services secretary seem like “more of the same.”

I was hoping for some fresh faces, but maybe that is still to come.

Randy Breunling

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From: "David Plouffe, BarackObama.com"

To: Padmini Arhant

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:47:54 PM

Subject: Where we go from here

Padmini –

Please take a few minutes and help shape the future of this movement.

Share your campaign experience and your thoughts on the best way to keep supporting our agenda for change.

The inauguration is just 63 days away, and as President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden prepare to take office, they’ll need your support more than ever.

You’ve built an organization in your community and across the country that will continue to work for change — whether it’s by building grassroots support for legislation, backing state and local candidates, or sharing organizing techniques to effect change in your neighborhood.

Your hard work built this movement. Now it’s up to you to decide how we move forward.

Take this short survey and share your ideas:

http://my.barackobama.com/whatsnext

Thanks to you, this country has an historic opportunity. Electing Barack was the first big step, but there’s a lot of challenging and important work ahead.

Together, we can keep making history,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager

Obama for America
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To: info@barackobama.com

Re: Where we go from here

Padmini Arhant

Dear David,

The past week has been hectic for me.

Therefore, could not reply to your request.

However, please view my feedback in the blog post on the relevant topic.

Thanks and Best Regards

Padmini
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Analysis:

It is evident from the above articles and comments that the American electorate as well as the nationally acclaimed journalists and authors have spoken regarding the appointees to various posts and nominees for key positions.

I concur with all of them against leaning back to the Clinton era for most important administrative posts and cabinet positions.

The Obama movement for “change” is unique and it should reflect that message starting with the appointment of staff members all around.

It is fair to admit that the former President Bill Clinton had a successful two terms from the economic standpoint.

However, it is worth remembering that foreign policy matter suffered a great deal in many respects, including a terror attack on the World Trade Center.

We are in a new millennium and a dynamic Presidency ahead of us, there is talent galore to fill in cabinet and other administrative positions.

They do not have to be Clinton associates and advisers.

Further, the movement to transform Washington was a pledge to the American electorate with a commitment to have Obama administration represented by outsiders and not insiders of past power and establishment.

Many aspiring and deserving individuals without any ties to political interests in Washington will enthusiastically serve the Obama-Biden administration in utter loyalty and competence unlike seen before.

It is also important to consider many qualified volunteers and campaign staff across the nation for administrative posts who generously offered their time, resources and support for the success of the Obama-Biden candidacy.

The present recruitment or nomination is suggestive of nepotism and favoritism that is typical of Washington all along.

Naturally, the electorate is frustrated not seeing any identifiable change that is desperately required for national interest.

Secretary of State – The most sensitive cabinet position given the present volatile world environment.

Unfortunately, from the track record of the incumbent administration in international affairs, there is an urgent requirement for mending process with peace and diplomacy.

Senator Hillary Clinton is a hard working public official and aptly qualified as a Senator to represent the people of the Great State of New York.

Nevertheless, the reason Senator Clinton lost the primary election was her gaffes regarding foreign policy experience…

Bosnia sniper attack,

Her vows “To Obliterate Iran with Nuclear Weapons”

Failing to acknowledge until the end of the Primary season that her vote for Iraq War was indeed a mistake.

Notwithstanding other facts detailed during Democratic Primary election about her foreign policy resembling the present administration rather than the future Obama administration.

There will be many awkward moments with great conflict of interest if the voting record and political platform of the Secretary of State is drastically different from the President they are serving.

Not excluding the lack of respect and unnecessary diplomatic tension it would create among the international circle.

In a nutshell, Senator Clinton’s experience and leadership is suitable for fulfilling the commitments towards the people of the great state of New York considering the recent political turmoil experienced by them.

Some might argue that disagreement is healthy and perhaps adds a new dimension to the Obama-Biden administration.

Their argument is valid provided, the disagreement is not to undermine the elected President, the highest authority.

Usually, there are two possibilities for individuals to disagree with one another.

First, when the ulterior motive is to promote personal agenda.

Alternatively, when the individual in disagreement genuinely cares about the issue and offers an objective viewpoint to guide the stray party.

Therefore, the ideal candidate for Secretary of State symbolizing the real change,

The promise by Obama-Biden administration…

Is an entity — with a consistent and proven voting record, personal philosophy and firm commitment towards peace and diplomacy in national and international legislations.

Even though, there are quite a few choices available,

The candidate with the following credentials is best suited for the Secretary of State position –

Legitimate concern for civil rights and ethics

Voting against unjustified wars

Voting against unlawful tapping of private communication among citizens of the United States

Reaching across the aisle to work with opponents in a maverick style – a valuable asset in resolving many international conflicts,

That candidate is none other than the elected official from the Great State of Wisconsin, Senator Russ Feingold.

Senator Feingold will demonstrate leadership, experience, patience, confidence and intellect in resolving many pending international conflicts especially the Middle East between the States of Israel and Palestine and other global matter.

It is evident that Senator Feingold by voting against Iraq war displayed courage and judgment like the President-elect Barack Obama.

The similarity between them is uncanny in terms of many issues and policy matter.

At the same time, Senator Feingold has respectfully disagreed with President-elect Barack Obama on issues like Public Financing and FISA.

Senator Feingold has the right balance — maturity and experience in handling any international crisis with poise and diligence to the satisfaction of the American electorate and international community.

Inconclusively, Senator Feingold’s appointment will create an opportunity to expedite the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the best interests of the people of the two nations entitled to independence, peace, security and sovereignty.

Also, curb global terrorism the premise of unresolved Middle east conflict.

Finally, I’m confident that President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden will deliver the “authentic Change we can believe in” all matter.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant