In Cabinet, Obama goes for experience, pragmatism

[babylonsister]

In Cabinet, Obama goes for experience, pragmatism

By CHARLES BABINGTON
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The candidate of change has wholeheartedly embraced experience in choosing his Cabinet.

President-elect Barack Obama has tapped senators and representatives, governors and veteran bureaucrats to help him confront the challenges of two wars, a crippled financial system and a deepening recession.

His reliance on experienced officials may seem a bit at odds with his campaign theme of "change we can believe in." But some Democratic activists and nonpartisan analysts say it makes sense, given the dire economic problems and public anxiety.

"In uncertain times, Americans find it much more comforting that the people who are going to be advising the president are steeped in experience," said Rutgers University political scientist Ross Baker. "A Cabinet of outsiders would have been very disquieting."

To be sure, Obama's inner circle includes far more veterans of elected office and federal agencies than government newcomers.

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http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_CABINET?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[Ian David]

1. ... and Heterosexuality.

Obama's Rainbow Cabinet of Rivals to Be 100% Gay Free
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=100993&mesg_id=100993

[babylonsister]

2. Thanks for stirring the pot, Ian, because it's not stirred enough yet. nt

[Ian David]

4. Get over it. n/t

[saracat]

3. But its about "change" not "experience"!

:sarcasm:

[Kitsune]

5. "Pragmatism" = code word for "center-right status quo" *nt*

[Bucky]

6. I'm pretty happy with his cabinet. They all seem like people who'll listen

It's a cabinet geared around making government work more smoothly--a laudable goal, provided the trade offs cut mostly our way.

[opihimoimoi]

7. As far as I am concerned....Obama is the CHANGE....he is so different from the Bushies

and their cronies.

Obama is a breath of fresh air....

From Losers to Winners...is that not Change??

There are too many out there who wish to disparage the man...for whatever reason...

I say give the man some rope....the same amount we gave Bush...which was miles and miles of rope.