Obama Transition: Meet the New Team, Same as the Old Team
Progressives and others who backed Barack Obama for president are pulling their hair out a bit as the Obama presidency begins to take shape as … the Clinton presidency.
Here’s what we know and what we think we know:
- White House CoS - Rahm Emanuel - Clinton Alumni
- Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton - Former First Lady
- Secretary of HHS - Tom Daschle - Former Senate Leader from Clinton Era
- Secretary of Homeland Security - Janet Napolitano - Actual Newcomer
- Secretary of the Treasury - Larry Summers - Clinton Alumni
- Attorney General - Eric Holder - Clinton Alumni
Now some are looking at this list and wondering where the change is coming for the top cabinet spots. Here’s where the benefit of the doubt has to come in.
If you voted for Barack Obama and believe that he means what he says and that he’ll work toward a different Washington, one more responsive to the needs of regular folks and less so to the special interests - remember that he’s not even in office yet.
When these prospective Cabinet members worked for or in the Clinton administration it was in the heady days when the Democratic Party first fell in love with Wall Street and its money. They were smitten. These smart people were tired of ceding the “business” argument to the Republican Party. Except for perhaps Robert Reich and James Carville every Democrat in Washington during the nineties bent over backwards to deregulate and tear down firewalls because Goldman Sachs and their favorite Republican, Alan Greenspan, said it was good for business.
Here’s what’s different: Obama. Despite all the crap that John McCain and the Republican Party threw at Barack Obama during the campaign, he stayed on message. That’s integrity. That’s steadiness and steel. I believe the guy when he says things are going to change.
As for the retreads - other things have changed. The Democratic Party is still heavily funded by the investment class and its economic brainpower is still a little too tied to Wall Street for my comfort, but these people aren’t stupid. They got caught up in the same high flying economy so many did during the nineties. The difference was they were in power and we can trace some of today’s financial crisis to the policies they pursued back then. We can only hope they’ve learned their lesson and the great talent of people like Rahm Emanuel and Tom Daschle will be fully aligned with Barack Obama’s world view and public policy.
One thing I do wish they’d try again from the nineties. Remember when they deregulated cable TV? I’m still waiting for the “competition” to lower my cable bills.
Transcript: President-Elect Barack Obama and Michelle Obama on ‘60 Minutes’ | November 16
(Source: CBS News)
(Narration) Steve Kroft:Since Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States 12 days ago, he has largely remained out of sight, getting high-level government briefings and conferring with his transition team. But he surfaced on Friday afternoon in Chicago, alongside his wife Michelle to give 60 Minutes his first post-election interview.
It covers a wide range of subjects including the economy, the ailing automobile industry, the government’s $700 billion bailout program, their visit to the White House, the emotions of election night and the quest for a family dog. You’ll hear all of it. But we begin with the president-elect and his thoughts about the new job.
Steve Kroft: So here we are.
President-elect Barack Obama: Here we are.
Kroft: How’s your life changed in the last ten days?
Mr. Obama: Well, I tell you what, there seem to be more people hovering around me. That’s for sure. And, on the other hand, I’m sleeping in my own bed over the last ten days, which is quite a treat. Michelle always wakes up earlier than I do. So listen to her roaming around and having the girls come in and, you know, jump in your bed. It’s a great feeling. Yeah. Read more
Campaign stays hot in Ohio: 2008 Elections Coverage by Ohio’s Major Dailies
Filed under: Barack Obama, Gov Strickland, Joe Biden, John McCain, Presidential Campaign 2008
Columbus Dispatch
- McCain camp sees gap tightening in battleground states
- Clinton talks up Obama in Youngstown
- In So. Ohio Hillary says Nation needs Obama
- Obama army blankets Ohio
- Editorial: Sex, Lies and Gifts
- The Arnold heading to Columbus
- GOP says sorry to House Democrat
- Obama likes Clinton vet to serve as CoS
Cleveland Plain Dealer
- Clinton, Strickland stump for Obama
- McCain ends bus trip with muscle
- Springsteen campaigns for Obama this weekend in Cleveland
- McCain’s third stop leaves open field
- McCain gives shout out to ‘Joe the Plumber’ relatives
Dayton Daily News
- Election Board to probe Husted’s Residency
- Boehner calls Obama barnyard name
- Biden calls McCain Bush’s Sidekick in Kettering
- McCain, ‘Joe the Plumber’ draw crowds across Ohio
- Judge throws out suit to take Obama off Ohio ballots
Video: Hillary Clinton Speech at DNC
Filed under: Democratic National Convention, Presidential Campaign 2008
Text: Hillary Clinton Speech Democratic National Convention, Denver 2008
Filed under: Democratic National Convention, Presidential Campaign 2008
The prepared remarks of Sen. Hillary Clinton in Denver at the Democratic convention.
I am honored to be here tonight. A proud mother. A proud Democrat. A proud American. And a proud supporter of Barack Obama.
My friends, it is time to take back the country we love.
Whether you voted for me, or voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines. Read more
UPDATE: Breaking News: Gov. Ted Strickland to Address Democratic Convention at 9:34 p.m.
Filed under: Democratic National Convention, Gov Strickland, Presidential Campaign 2008
OK, I feel a bit silly writing ‘breaking news,’ but for those of us who thought they had to be in front of their tellys at 6:30 p.m., rest easy. Ohio’s greatest governor will be speaking at 9:45 9:34 p.m. tonight, a change in the schedule. UPDATE: Plunderbund reporting 9:34 for Strickland’s speech. No good Ohioan would want to miss a word of what Strickland has to say, so I’d go on ahead and get your rear end in the La Z Boy at 9:30.
“Liberal” Media Apparently Not in the Tank for Obama
Print and Electronic Media Making PUMAs Out to Be More Than What They Are
I get home from work, kiss the wife, pet the cat and check in on the Fourth Estate’s coverage of the Democratic National Convention. I was shocked to find out that the floor fights have already begun, Hillary has chained herself to the podium, Bill is threatening self-immolation, and James Carville just decked Howard Dean.
That’s what one would think from the 4,793 headlines on Google News and a review of today’s transcripts of CNN’s coverage. Every reporter in town is trying to find one of the two or three loud-mouthed, sore losers who are threatening to blow the place up. CNN’s “Situation Room” with Wolf Blitzed began the program with a quote from James Carville suggesting that the Obama campaign has handled things all wrong — the transcript doesn’t point out when that sentence was uttered or in what context.
The vapid Ann Curry of NBC’s Today Show is the podium reporter tonight on MSNBC. She literally pummeled poor Nancy Pelosi with questions about Hillary v. Barack. Memo to Ann: This thing was won about four months ago. Pelosi was straining so hard to smile through the barrage, she literally sweat Botox.
What’s missing from the media’s theme of discontent at the convention is — discontent. I haven’t seen one party leader threatening insurrection. I haven’t read one quote tonight from a party leader saying the situation is tenuous. There are no signs of Hillary placards in the crowd among the delegates.
What the media may be missing in its attempt to create news is the real news. Democrats are uniting in Denver this week.
Saturday p.m. - Clinton and Tubbs Jones, Amish, Columbus budget, Indian Casinos
Ohio News
- Friends, sisters in politics and life - Cleveland Plain Dealer
- Amish population is growing, shifting - Columbus Dispatch
- City examines early retirements, buyouts - Columbus Dispatch
- Three Indian casinos possible in Ohio? - Columbus Dispatch
- Elections to fill Tubbs-Jones’ seat to cost $5.5 Million - Cleveland Plain Dealer
- Payday lender foes ask for probe on petition practices - Cleveland Plain Dealer
Obama: Let the Delegates Pick Veep!
My Eureka Moment Tonight
Just when I was thinking if one more jackass on the TV tries to say something about Joe Biden or Evan Bayh that some other jackass hasn’t already said, this jackass (me) came up with the electrifying solution: Let the delegates on the floor of the Pepsi Center in Denver pick the veep.
Think back to when it wasn’t clear whether either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton would have enough delegates to be the presumptive nominee before the convention. Everyone was talking about how cool it would be to have a real political convention again. The drama of the unknown. A little magic and mystery back in the process.
Well, Sen. Obama, you can still give the people what they want on this account. Tomorrow at the old Statehouse in Illinois, look into the cameras and introduce not your choice, but your gift of democracy to the delegates of the Democratic Party — it’s up to them.
And, Senator, you also solve your PUMA problem. What could be more “un-chosen one” like than to give your choice to the people. Almost undoubtedly they will nominate Clinton, and your gesture of letting them pick her - rather than you making the selection — will be seen as more gracious than if you just make the selection.
And, what theater!
McCain not owed any more respect than Obama has already given him
Filed under: Barack Obama, John McCain, Presidential Campaign 2008
At the end of June, Sen. Barack Obama led Sen. John McCain by 7.5 points in the Real Clear Politics National Poll Average. At the end of July, Obama led the contest by 6.8 points. Today, just four days before the start of the Democratic National Convention, Obama’s lead has shrunk to 1.2 points.
We can’t blame this on vast right wing conspiracies or disaffected Sen. Hillary Clinton voters. Obama’s campaign is not in fight mode, and it’s showing.
It’s not Obama’s fault that he was in Hawaii while shadow President McCain dispatched emmissaries to Georgia. It’s not his fault that most Americans seem to believe the false promise by McCain that we can drill our way out of an energy crisis. And, it’s not Obama’s fault that some Americans are so jaded they have a knee-jerk cynical reaction to a message of hope and change.
Obama can do a few things:
- Nominate Sen. Clinton as his VP running mate. Part of the problem with the numbers is that there is a large bloc of those disaffected Dems out there who are still smarting from a hard fought primary battle. They are uncommitted or in some cases aligning with Drillbit McBush. What does Evan Bayh do for you electorally? Nothing. Joe Biden might - nationally - but last time I looked Rhode Island had 4 electoral votes. Tim Kaine? Too much like Obama. In a perfect world, Biden would be the best choice, but things are looking less than perfect.
- Smart people who are good with a crowd like to keep it high minded. It’s time for a good ole fashioned Bush/McCain thumping stump speech. One that is given over and over. Obama might hate it - the dumbing down of the great orator - but if he’s President he’ll have plenty of more time to inspire. Oh, and the speech has to be full of what his alternatives are - what will some of the changes be? The week or so he spent on energy seemed to be getting there. Take away the argument that it’s all platitudes.
- Whether Clinton is the Veep candidate or not, hold a huge event in her honor … oh, that’s right the convention is next week. What I mean to say is, press the gas on paying off her debt. The PUMA echo chamber will be affected if their opinion leaders start letting them know Obama’s organization is doing what it can to retire that debt as quickly as possible.
- Realize that we lose if we’re afraid to attack McCain head on. Obama started to do it at the VFW. The day after McCain was dismissive and disrespectful of his opponent, Obama came out swinging - but only after saying nice things about McCain’s “service.” McCain is almost president. He’s had a blessed life post-Viet Nam. We don’t owe him the presidency. The time to change the culture will be when Obama is president and signing the next McCain campaign finance reform bill. McCain has cheapened himself with the intellectually dishonest arguments, pandering, and spitefulness. Despite Obama’s high road approach, Democrats don’t owe McCain any more respect than we’ve already given him, and neither does Barack.
Final Word from HRC Conference Call Today
Hillary Clinton Conference Call with Supporters Today - Courtesy of My PUMA Fans
I had a couple of blog posts two weeks ago or so which brought quite a few comments from ‘Democrats’ which didn’t seem so big D.
Known as PUMAs, they claimed numbers of 18,000,000, then 2,000,000 and had 250 show up for a national meeting at a Days Inn in Virginia. They are quite ferocious, hence the name PUMA. I’ve made it my mission to seek them out and try to engage them in civil discourse. Thus far, to no avail.
My favorit PUMA site is Bitterpolitcz. You can find Camille424, imnotastepfordwife, texasdem, anniet, and my personal favorite, shtuey. I believe these are all screen names and not their true identities.
Tonight’s news was of the HRC conference call today with donors and supporters. Here’s one of Texasdem’s posts:
Yes, they are still holding out. They’re going to Denver — or at the very least they’ll watch it on MSNBC.
If you’re interested at taking a peek behind the PUMA curtain, visit Bitterpolitcz. Tonight I learned from ‘anniet’ where these folks are getting their info: Rush Limbaugh.
ROTFLMAO while wanting to quietly weep for camille424 and her gang over at Bitterpoliticz. Good Lord, awmighty. Brothers and Sisters of the Democratic faith, I think we need to head on over to ‘Bitter’ and see if we can calm the hysterics. Perhaps we can bring them back.
Alas, I tried. My comments are “waiting to be moderated” while the gang wears out the comments feature on their blog like it’s a chat room.
In such a short time these self-professed Democrats have taken on all the characteristics of the nuttiest of right wingers. They are referring to BO as “the One” helping to feed the Rapture crowd; they’re receiving their daily instructions from Rush; they’re deploying the inexperience argument; worst of all they say they’re going to vote for McSame.
What this is all about in the end is selfishness on their part. They and their candidate participated in a process and lost fair and square. The party has a purpose and that is to run one candidate in the Fall, win, and hopefully start turning this fucker around.
Did you see Drillbit McBush on the oil rig today? Is that what you want, PUMAs?
Grrrrrr.
Obama Veepstakes - Does a Biden Pick Spite Hillary’s States?
Chris Matthews’ Strong Case for Hillary for Veep
I keep hearing the pundits talking about how Sen. Barack Obama isn’t “comfortable” with this person or that person - the chemistry isn’t there. Screw the chemistry, let’s win this damn election.
Chris Matthews had a great segment tonight on Hardball with Howard Fineman and Andrea Mitchell. You can watch the whole 14 minutes or so at the end of this post. Those states in green look awful good.
PUMAs: One Picture Says So Much
Your Brothers and Sisters Want You Back, Join Hillary
Obama’s Great Gesture … Hillary’s Opportunity?
While the Evil Empire reconstitutes itself B-Rock has been on vacay and Hillary’s getting all the right headlines — to run an insurgency in Denver. Always a fan of chaos, I wonder if the dreaded, bitter PUMAs really have it in them. Will I be voting for Hillary Clinton this November? Read more
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