Anyone following mainstream media outlets over the past week has seen a lot of articles on Obama’s picks to fill key administration positions. Many of these articles focus on the fact that a number of these picks worked for the Clinton Administration, and question whether these selections undermine Obama’s call for change. (CQ has a nice article on it here). At first I was confused, but have reached the point of being downright ticked off about this cockeyed narrative — which appears to have been manufactured for the sole purpose of creating conflict where there is none (conflict makes for good storytelling).
A number of Obama’s picks worked in the Clinton White House (e.g., Emmanuel, Holder) — so what? This “lack of change” narrative is not compelling for two reasons: 1). the primary change Obama was embracing was a change from the policies originating from the Bush White House and a GOP-led Congress. I think we can all agree that Obama’s picks are a significant departure from the Bush Administration. Change accomplished. 2). Embracing change does not mean ignoring experience. Bureaucracy is complicated. Relationships between Congress and the White House can be complicated. Understanding the inner workings of any given federal agency or department can take years, not months. All of this means that in order to effect change, one must have a firm grasp of the fundamental realities within an organization. Change must come from within. By choosing leaders with political and bureaucratic experience, Obama is giving himself the best opportunity to create change and advance his agenda. People on the far left who were expecting him to appoint an inexperienced liberal to run a federal agency will no doubt be disappointed — as will those on the right who were hoping for such a pick (so that they could skewer it). Too bad. Obama has yet to make a misstep in his appointments. I’m sure time will show that some picks don’t live up to their expectations, but that is inevitable (it happens in every administration). Until that happens, let’s hope Obama keeps up the good work by surrounding himself with competent individuals, regardless of whether pundits feel they embody “change.”
-Ship
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