Inexperienced and confused to say the least. The Iraq war will take the same path it is going to take no matter who’s in charge. Every politician in Washington knows that you can’t just pull out now. Know matter what they say in public, they know the U.S. would lose all credibility with the rest of the world if they just packed up and left. In my eyes, we would be leaving there soon no matter who was elected. The reason to be there is coming to an end.

because contrary to all of the premature trash talk aboout how he would be “soft” on terror, these picks show otherwise. While it is tempting to give Gates the boot, Obama wisely realizes that it would be a bad move during a transition.

Clinton is a strong choice because of her experience and naysayers can “suck on it” unless they have CONCRETE reasons to prove otherwise…she is strong and smart…and yet knows the importance of being flexible when it serves a greater purpose-something she demonstrated when she conceded to Obama’s inevitable nomination at the DNC this past summer.

Obama is far from perfect and will make mistakes as all presidents do, but we need to give him time to assemble his team and at least make some executive decisions before the villification starts.

don, we’ll cut Obama slack as much as you gave Bush.

Clinton is an interesting choice but I’m not necessarily opposed to it. She is more of a hawk on defense that Barack is and keeping Gates in places means we may actually protect our country. Clinton voted to go to war in Iraq when she saw the same intelligence that Bush did and now Obama will be seeing the same intelligence….that the bad guys really are evil. Perhaps Clinton will be able to convince Obama that loving our enemies just won’t work.

…”we’ll cut Obama slack as much as you gave Bush.” So, let me see if I’ve got this right. When “they” were giving Bush such a hard time, in your opinion, it was just wrong but now it’s your turn you’re going to give it them back and it’s perfectly OK? Sounds a bit like something one would hear on the playground don’t you think? Not many were giving Bush a hard time right out of the gate like you seem to be ready to do but it’s a free country. Right? It is isn’t it?

I don’t understand Obama selecting Hillary any more than her wanting the job. I mean everyone knows her ultimate goal is to be in the big chair in 2012 so why not work towards that as Senator? If she is Sec of State she will be Obama’s agent and in no way independent to her own ideas.

I don’t know if Senator Clinton will be a good Secretary of State or not, but it’s a brilliant choice politically.

It’s like the old axiom “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” If Senator Clinton is in President Obama’s cabinet, running against him in 4 years if Obama falters will make her look bad to the powers that be in the Democratic Party. She’d probably have to quit the post to run against him, and that would make her look bad as well.

If things go well, and Obama is shoe in for the nomination in 2012, she’ll be John McCain’s age when she gets another crack at it in 2016 and she may not want the hassle.

President Elect Obama could have done a lot worse with both of these picks.

Obama in White House with control of both houses-Economy is looking bad and Hillary as Sec of State? Just shoot me!

LP said: “we’ll cut Obama slack as much as you gave Bush.” I’ve heard this several places now, and I finally have to remind these people – Bush lost the Popular vote, did you really expect him to be a Popular President?

Even aside from his uncommon method of securing the Presidency (despite the will of the people), he came into office and acted as if he had been given an absolute Mandate. He reshaped everything he touched to please himself and his party, and bi-partisanship be d@mned. None of this exactly endeared him to the media. Bush might have had a hard time (excepting the overwhelming support he was shown after 9-11) but it was largely of his own making.

To be more on topic, Obama’s picks so far show his willingness to search for expertise wherever it lies – with the other party (Gates) or even with political enemies (Clinton). This centrist and pragmatic approach is in spite of his win in the popular vote (53% to 46%) and resounding victories for his party in both the House and the Senate. In other words, despite having a mandate, he is taking a more centrist approach – which is a Big change from the past 8 years.

Obama reminds me of that inexperienced backwoodsman from Illinois who was a failure in almost every endeavor he was engaged. Why, that “particular” man from Illinios even appointed his archrivals including Wm. Seward, Ed Bates, Salmon Chase, and even the infamous Ed Stanton….
How suprising. How interesting. Obama’s presidency is doomed for failure. All because of his inexperience and lack of political insigh and reasoning.

What a shame…Such a strong, thoughtful, and energetic young man.

To hell with what it means about his foreign policy, it demonstrates the “Constitutional scholar” isnt much of a scholar at all.
“No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time: and no person holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either House during his continuance in office.”
(Article I, Section 6, clause 2)

Are we going to have 4 years of him disregarding the Constitution whenever it suits him?

Now if CLinton were not barred by that pesky document called Constitution, I dont see what her qualifications are. She has no experience in State, or running anything, much less the State department. Without the Clinton name, she is less qualified than Not-So-Bright.
The decision to keep Gates is a good one. We are so very close to complete victory in Iraq, it would be a shame if Obama lost it for us now. By keeping Gates, and troops on the ground, Obama will take credit for victory in a war he actively campaigned against and wouldnt even discuss the possibility of our victory, he just mentioned ending the war, never winning it.
Holder for AG? Is this some kind of joke? Rich, FALN, Elian, Waco. Read up on them, you should hear them alot during his conformation hearing.

These appointments point more to Obama’s lack of experience and extremely limited political network. Other than retreads from the Clinton administration, who else could he pick? Cronies from Chicago?

The moves mean nothing for the Iraqi front. It was won almost a year ago, no thanks to Obama or Clinton. They should get on their knees and thank Pres Bush, Gen Petreaus, and Sec Gates for handing them a winner. Now they have to concentrate on getting NATO and our other allies to put their money where their mouth is and send the Taliban to the dung heap of history. Clinton should also make a public apology for calling Gen Petreaus a liar in front of the entire world. She doesn’t possess an ounce of character so that’s not likely. Clinton has almost zero foreign policy experience. It will be interesting to see her butt heads with real diplomats and the Pentagon. Keeping Gates was a good move. You don’t change command when it’s winning.

The horrors in Bombay are a taste of what we face in the next four years. Islamist butchers just told the world what they think of President-elect HopenChange. i.e., not much.

Why did Obama keep Gates, name Clinton?

Because he’s not about change! Because he’s in reality a Marxist and is committed through Brezinski to completing the NWO.

If you people weren’t so weak and full of hate you’d admit that George Bush was the President in the history of the United States! He finally committed us to a war that was long overdue to kill off the threat that is Islam! Iraq and Afghanistan needed liberation and George “Patriot” Bush DELIVERED! And he would have stopped the constant threats to Israel’s sovereignty by sending our fine boys to end this nonsense once and for all and make damn sure that no one ever threatened our only friends in the Middle East, Israel but you wishy washy fools would rather see the jews have to go through another Holocaust before you’re willing to do anything. GOD BLESS GEORGE PATRIOT BUSH, THE BEST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY!!

We’ll see how it goes… I definitely would give Obama a lot more slack than what Garrison’s Goonies gave Bush. All we do now is watch and see what road Obama takes us down. I wonder if Gates and Hillary had to furnish their birth certificates as part of the vetting process. (oops, i just said something off topic. Oh No!!! Yank this post Kurt).

1. In regards to President Elect Obama’s choices today, they reflect what an “A” student does to prepare for the first day exam. This in contrast to President Bush who bragged “not bad for a C student”.

2. He also stated today that he expected strong input from eveyone on his team, and I strongly suspect that VP elect Joe Biden’s presence on the dais today wasn’t just window dressing. However, President Elect Obama indicated that once the cabinet discussions were done, the decision rested with him.

3. As to the habitual carpers, criticizing President Bush for things his administration has done (unauthorized wiretaps, “extreme interrogation”, “extraordinary rendition”, no bid contracts to the VP’s former company, etc) is different from criticizing someone for something they have yet to do. But then again I suppose knee jerk charge card cry baby conservativism has to do something (oops did I say something wrong?).

How wrong you Obama criticizers will be proven once again. He has great wisdom that of course, none of you doubters understand can truly exist in humans. All these talented and different types of people who Obama is appointing in his cabinet and who shares many different beliefs and crosses both party lines will all work well together because they will have a uniquely gifted, wise and humble leader at the head leading. He is so beyond most in this country emotionally and in maturity and self-control it is stunning. It is very difficult for most people to wrap their minds around what Obama is doing. He will be President of ALL for the good of ALL.

Keep in mind… the conservatives who criticize Hillary Clinton as being inexperienced and unqualified to serve as Secretary of State, are the same conservatives who wanted Sarah Palin to be our Vice President…
and one 72 year old heartbeat away from the Oval Office.

I’ll have ta get back witchya…Right now she’s too busy putting food on her children. Ya…those conservatives.

Going out on a real short limb here, I’ll say it’s because he is as smart as he seems to be.

Persuading Gates to stay and finish the job he started is a good move. It shows a centrist move by Obama, and the insight that if we run from Iraq by total instanteous withdrawal, someone would likely have us back there because of internal collapse, which would just bring another Saddam to power. Which may happen anyway (look at Russia) but we just cannot be the policeman for the world.

Ms. Hillary as Sec of State is just loopy. However, it is one way he can assure that she and Bill are out of the country. A lot. I agree that he wants her right where he can watch her, and ensure she has little autonomy.

Si vis, before Hillary can actually be confirmed for Sec State, she’ll have to resign from the Senate. She won’t be the first congressperson or senator to move to an administration job, nor will she be the last.

Actually, I think it’s brilliant. (Rush apparently does too) It makes it virtually impossible for her to run against him in 2012. It also opens the possibility of getting Bill out of his hair: persuade the Governor of NY to put Bill in the Senate.

Gates is a good choice too. It’s certainly going to be interesting to watch. If Obama can actually get all these strong egos to pull together rather than go off half-cocked all the time it could be really good for the country. Or, equal chance, it could all fall apart the first week if he can’t control them.

“He has great wisdom that of course, none of you doubters understand can truly exist in humans”

Sorry to interrupt the worship service D-, but if Obama is so damn smart, why cant he understand Article I, Section 6, clause 2 of the Constitution? Not even an Obama psycophant such as yourself can claim that He is above the Constitution, can you?

Si viz - “Not even an Obama psycophant such as yourself can claim that He is above the Constitution, can you?”

Our current prez seems to think that HE is above the constitution…

SVPB,

Ah yes, the emoluments clause. Well, the fix is easy, just do what the last Republican president who ran afoul of it did – vote a pay decrease for the position so it’s the same as it was. Problem solved.

Si Vis, another thought: The President Elect has no actual power, remember? Not till January 20. He can’t ‘appoint’ anyone to anything. All his high level appointments are subject to the Advice and Consent of the Senate. What he’s doing is saying “here’s who I want”.

you take the defense sec. of the worst presidency in US history, with the former first lady of one of the greatest presidencies…. I’d say this so called inexperienced president elect is going to get a lot out of his staff. and if anyone thought that Barack was going to end this war or lose it for us should dig more into reality. you always lose at war!!! and will always have troops abroad! to think that the most scrutinized and close watched man in american history is going to make promises that cut and dry is ludicrous!!! the man has a plan. hop on board with your fellow americans and support someone who is tryung to offer change.

So prior to taking office he:
won’t cut the taxes
won’t increase taxes
won’t end the war in a make-believe time frame
will probably give money he doesn’t have to automakers who don’t deserve it.

Are Obama supporters just a little concerned with who this guy is? Evidently he’s not who he said he was to get elected. He chose hot button topics, and made absurd promises that nobody could keep. I guess if you liked Clinton you’ll love Obama.

The lone terrorist that was captured in Mumbai was most probably tortured to the extreme for information on who he was associated with.

Obama is against any type of torture including, it is presumed, waterboarding and sleep deprivation. Obama (and D. and RH) would first beg forgiveness for taking him into custody and make sure he is read his rights. Then, Obama (and D. and RH) would ask the terrorist nicely why he did what he did and maybe even who he is associated with. Perhaps he might even ask if the terrorist knows of any other possible attacks. Then, Obama (and D. and RH) would give this terrorist a lawyer, have him out on bail, and allow for an open trial.

I think Clinton was a wise choice as she may be able to talk Obama out of his kindness towards bad guys. I’m now hopeful that perhaps we’ll keep trying to get information from bad guys through coercive measures. You know she did more to Bill than that when he dabbled with Monica.

“No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time: and no person holding any office under the United States, shall be a member of either House during his continuance in office.”
(Article I, Section 6, clause 2)

What am I missing here, did Hillary vote a pay raise for the Secretary of State position while she was a Senator? Isn’t she not going to resign her seat?

My only concern is that Hillary will be speaking for a president to whom she lost the election.

I consider it an unecessary reach too far.

It speaks to the cronyism and elitism of Washington politics, and being too clever by half.

Is there such a shortage of talent that such a show must be made?

I don’t see it. Machiavellian at best.

Has Obama’s birth cirtificate surfaced yet? He may be ineligible?

sp; certificate

RE the birth certificate…

I’ve actually done some research (google is a wonderful tool) and read a number of articles from different viewpoints. A few FACTS that many may not know.

Item: the Hawaii Secretary of State is on record as stating that there is, on file, in the proper county a properly signed and sealed birth certificate.

Item: In Hawaii, the embossed seal and signature appear on the BACK of the document, not the front. So, the famous online copy doesn’t show a signature at all, and the seal is only partly visible because it’s a front view.

Item: In most states, an original birth certificate is never released from the county records office. Anyone who claims to have an original birth certificate is lying. They have a certified copy.

Give it a rest.

Patriot Bush you are RIGHT ON!! Of course now you’ll see all those goof balls who voted for Muslim Obama complaning because they didn’t see the real Obama like we all did.

Logic???-
” Obama (and D. and RH) would first beg forgiveness for taking him into custody and make sure he is read his rights. Then, Obama (and D. and RH) would ask the terrorist nicely why he did what he did and maybe even who he is associated with. Perhaps he might even ask if the terrorist knows of any other possible attacks. Then, Obama (and D. and RH) would give this terrorist a lawyer, have him out on bail, and allow for an open trial.”

As usual your internal sense of logic has nothing to do with constructing a proper syllogism.

1. The Mumbai terrorist who was captured alive was more likely bragging.

2. While I do not presume to know what President Elect Obama (or D. for that matter) would say, I do know that I would not be asking him for his forgiveness, though I would read him his rights as required by Miranda. I then would ask him who he was and why he did what he did. All else would follow from there. I would not use torture.

3. I would make certain that I did follow both US and international law as to his right to counsel, but he would not get out on bail. As to the open trial why not? Let him make all of his speeches, but keep the process open in full view of the world to show that our system is still better than most everywhere else.

Sorry Logic, your “insight” into my mind is clouded by your log of xenophobia and knee jerk conservatism in your eye.

Too bad you do not trust the Consititution more.

Why did GB keep folks on his payroll who outed intelligence operatives and hide all those emails he was supposed to keep detailing the good old boyz’ activities for eight years? Lots of questions the press COULD have asked, but didn’t. Here’s a question for you…why do the good old boyz keep questioning Obama’s motives and judgments when he is the best thing we have seen in a long time?

By the way…all you talkative d-swingres would be better served by going to change.gov and putting your two cents in. Flailing away impotently on this blog isn’t going to change things. Get involved instead of pursing your lips and wailing on these blogs. Too hard for you? Don’t know what to say once it gets to the nitty gritty of actually doing something? Go anyway…you may learn something and help this country out of this mess the incompetent and criminal put us in. Chicken boyz? Go for it and quit mumbling while you try to figure out how to avoid looking whipped at home. Your one ups man ship is getting old and not helping anything along. Do it for your kids if nothing else.