A string of recent comments on dKos follows the theme that if any of President-elect Obama's appointments worked in the Clinton White House, in any capacity, they are tainted and anti-change. The Clinton association seems to mean that those appointments are a violation of the "change" clause in our expectation contract with the President-elect.
So, what if there had never been a Clinton Presidency?
Would we see those appointments as accomplished and capable people, able to help Obama further his (our) agenda? Would they help him bring change? Or are they simply wrong for the job?
What if the press releases read like this:
Chief of Staff President-elect Obama appointed close friend and fellow Chicago politician Rahm Emanuel to be his Chief of Staff. Emanuel's take no prisoners style has helped him shape legislation on health care and trade, and while his "Rahmbo" style has been criticized he has proven effective in driving legislation to passage even during times of Republican control of Congress. His combination of Congressional and high-level White House experience, together with a political style that contrasts with the President-elect, should be very helpful in achieving Obama's legislative goals. Emanuel is also close friends with David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, suggesting a tightly unified approach to furthering the President-elect's agenda.
Secretary of State Rumors continued to swirl around the possible appointment of Senator Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. Reportedly offered the job, her vetting process will include review of her husband's international business contacts and contributions to his various personal and charitable efforts. His past and his contacts, while troublesome and possibly a deal-breaker, could be beneficial by providing increased access to many world leaders for a Secretary Clinton. Secretary Clinton would also bring star power and a policy-wonk focus to a demoralized State Department, greatly assisting Obama in changing the face that America presents to the world.
Attorney General The Obama transition team is reported to be considering Eric H Holder Jr as Attorney General. Mr Holder would be the first African-American to hold this position. He was a prosecutor in the Justice Department's Public Integrity section for 12 years, which could indicate a significant change in direction for the troubled Justice Department. He has been a partner at the powerful Washington law firm of Covington & Burling, and has been appointed to Federal positions by both Democratic and Republican administrations. He is close friends with Obama confidant, transition team co-Chair, and now senior White House advisor Valerie Jarrett.
I could go on, but you get the idea. Do I like all these picks, and some of the others that have been rumored? No I don't. It looks to me, however, that President-elect Obama is building a team he can work with, and that will be effective. I know that people with the right level of experience have sometimes screwed up and have baggage. Sure, let's debate the qualifications and the baggage, but a former position in the Clinton White House should not be a concern or a disqualification (are you listening MSNBC?). Change comes from leadership, policy, and Presidential direction, not only from resumes.
I also know this. Bill Clinton ran as an outsider and brought outside people to Washington. He had a bad few years, failed on health care reform, and lost control of Congress within two years. Jimmy Carter brought his Georgia mafia to Washington, also as an outsider, and could not get much done.
We need success, not purity.