Cheers and Jeers: Obama-style
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
I thought I'd throw out some quick blurbs on some of our President's recent actions. I also wanted to follow up on some earlier comments and postings.
One thing that I am not all that excited about is that rendition will continue. I never thought this was a great policy and in many ways, it was torture by proxy. Hilzoy thinks that there is more than meets the eye. I have to admit I am skeptical of the gov't when they essentially say, "trust us...we won't do anything illegal or wrong." That being said, I am willing to take the president at his word for now, but I hope the press keeps their eyes on this issue.
A big cheer to Obama for Daschle dropping out. I don't think he ever should have been the nominee, but I give huge props to Obama for admitting he screwed up. Bush had an almost complete inability to admit he was wrong even when it 100% clear he was wrong. It is nice to see a president show some humility. It makes it much easier to trust that he will do the right thing.
A big jeer for anyone who thought that Nancy Killefer should withdraw herself from consideration for the post of Chief Performance Officer. This seems like an honest mistake that could happen to anyone. Do we really need to demand that a nominee have a 100% mistake-free history with the IRS? Sigh.
7 comments:
I agree about Nancy Killefer. Daschle had owed $250,000; Killefer owed $900. The ONLY reason it made any sense was that she was basically in charge of government accountability. Still, seems ridiculous to me.
I don't know enough about rendition to comment, but it scares the hell out of me.
Is anyone paying their taxes anymore, or is that sort of thing just for little people? And what the hell is a Chief Performance Officer?
or is that sort of thing just for little people?
I thought it was always just for us little people...
You're too young to need a Chief Performance Officer, Rickey. But someday, you'll see....
What gets me is that Daschle had to have known about his "problem" and has been around long enough to know that this kind of thing will get uncovered, but basically let Obama walk right into this. I mean, when the job is offered doesn't he need to step up and say "uhm, Mr. President, there is something you should know before I accept this..."
What gets me is that Daschle had to have known about his "problem" and has been around long enough to know that this kind of thing will get uncovered
My sentiments exactly. Dirty from the start, disingenuous. NOT change I can believe in. Glad he dropped out. Did Obama a favor...
The biggest mistake regarding Daschle (aside from fucking up his taxes) was nominating him for a confirmation post to start with. If there was any issue at all—and DAschle knew about the taxes in July—then he should only have been considered for the White House post heading Obama's task force.
Especially after I understand the whole role of HHS secretary more, Daschle's talents were better suited for that position anyway. Dean (or similar) should have been tapped for the bureaucracy of HHS Sec'y, and Daschle for the politics and gladhanding of the task force job.
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