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Feedback ForumWho do you think President-elect Barack Obama should appoint to his Cabinet?Submissions for this question are no longer being accepted. Previously submitted comments appear below. Comments may have been edited for content or space. Poster: Sylvia Balentine Comment: Secretary of State - John Kerry and certainly NOT Hillary Clinton Secretary of Defense - Chuck Hagel and get rid of Gates Dept of Veterans Affairs - Tammy Duckworth and Joseph Stiglitz as a top Economic Advisor Poster: Janice Comment: The major concern for most of us is that he NOT appoint Hillary Clinton for any position of major visability because she does not agree with Obama's views on major issues and that shows a divided USA. Also, she is much more concerned with her own agenda and image than that of America. As a professional, modern woman who has worked with many foreign clients; I would cringe at the thought of Hillary representing me before any of them, nevermind world leaders. She lacks grace, calm strength and international savy. So far, I like Obama's choices otherwise. I would gladly accept Bill Clinton in a major position, even State, for he has shown vision, amazing composure(esp.remembering his blunders in Hillary's race-Thanks BIll!)while working with Pres. Bush Sr. Poster: cameron Comment: Tom Daschle deserves a high level post maybe he should even be Sec. of State because he was one of the only real politicians to stand up against the Bush/Cheney regime. Having Hilary Clinton in a high level position is conterproductive, maybe give her a Health portfolio or something like that. As it stands Pres. Obama is selecting typical political/corporate insiders he should get out of that box before he starts the presidency or he will just be fall into the trap of the typical Washington bureaucracy. Poster: Marta Comment: For sure Not, Condi Rice, John McCain or Lieberman. Poster: pallist Comment: Dear Editors at Now: I forgot Ralph Nader: another poster mentioned it, He'd be great for serving on the Federal Trade Commission. Poster: durga Comment: Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton Health and Human Services - Sarah Palin UN Ambassador - Arnold Schwarzenegger Secretary of Defense - John McCain Attorney General - Janet Reno Dept of Housing and Urban Affairs - Mike Huckabee Department of Energy - Carly Fiorina NO John Edwards; NO Richardson, NO Caroline Kennedy; NO John Kerry; NO Al Gore Poster: Mike McCloskey Comment: Obama was the only choice we had on 4 Nov, and I was grateful he won. But his choices of Biden and Clinton over Richardson betray an ominous lack of maturity. Clinton herself not only lacked the intelligence and judgment to see through the administration's propaganda leading up the Iraq invasion, but she still tries to justify her decision. Not so long ago she spouted off to the media, warning Iran that if they were to attack Israel we would have no recourse but to attack them, and so on and on. The world at this critical juncture needs leaders who do not bluster, who think MORE deeply than Hillary, and who understand what diplomacy is -- people like Richardson. Obama is off to a very bad start. Poster: Eric Kafka Comment: Andrew Bacevich for Defense Tom Friedman for Press Secretary Gov. Arnold Swartzenneger for Dept of Interior, or EPA Poster: pallist Comment: My (Definitely )Fantasy Cabinet: Secretary of State: Jimmy Carter Secretary of the Treasury: Joseph Stiglitz Secretary of Defense: Phyllis Bennis Attorney General: Anthony Romero or Patrick Fitzgerald National Security Advisor: Chalmers Johnson Secretary of the Interior: Winona LaDuke or Derek Jensen Secretary of Agriculture: John Peterson, owner of Angelic Organics Secretary of Commerce: David Korten Secretary of Labor: Barbara Ehrenreich Secretary of Health and Human Services: Dr. Quentin Young Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: Dennis Kucinich Secretary of Transportation: Jaimie Levin, Director AC Transit in California or Sharon Feigon CEO, I-Go Car Sharing Secretary of Energy: Carl Pope, Sierra Club Secretary of Education: Marian Wright Edelman Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Paul Rieckhoff Secretary of Homeland Security: Ward Churchill EPA: Bill McKibben FCC Chair: Michael Copps, FCC Commissioner: Robert McChesney Chair, Board of Directors Corporation of Public Broadcasting: Michael Copps Chairman of Federal Reserve: Gretchen Morgenstern or Paul Krugman Poster: Mel Comment: Elizabeth Warren Hillary Clinton Dennis Kucinich Kathleen Sebelius Barbara Boxer Max Cleland Eleanor Holmes Norton Poster: Tim Comment: Secretary of the Department of Peace and International Conflict Resolution: Dennis Kucinich Labor: Robert Reich State: Colin Powell EPA: Robert Kennedy, Jr. Energy: Al Gore HHS: Tom Daschle HUD: Millard Fuller (Habitat for Humanity) Poster: Paul E. Fowler Comment: I recommend the following people: Shiela Baer, Secy of the Treas. John Edwards Hillary Clinton George Romney Colin Powell Barack's appointments so far have been excellent. Poster: dave bonin Comment: courage, courage Mr OIbama. Stick by the principles you described and expressed in your campaign for the good of middle class america. For Secretary of Health: Dennis Kucinich fir educatiopn: Ralph Nader Labor: Robert Reich State: Colin Powell Attorney General: Edwards UN Bill Clinton or Hilarry Clinbton FCC: Bill Moyers also: Bobby Kennedy, Paul Krugman, . There so many intelligent Amereicans out there, patriots and real americans who put their counyry first ahead of profits. Dick Cheney should be prosecuted , for theft of the treasury and Budh also, for lying to the nation, and ignorance, and death od innocent americans who believed him and joinned the military. Napolitano should be retireed and so many intelligent people are out ther/ She privitizes everything, raises taxes on the middlr class (sales tax to 8.5%), streets other than main boulevards are pot holes, some as much as 7 inches deep, similar to Manila Philippines. Her agenciesa are totally inefficient. Her policies are: if things work, fix them until they break. Investigate the Child support Agency and the prisons. Privatize, and more privatize at higher costs to the taxpayer and excessive profilt to the Private prison companies, whose sole reason d,etre is to increase the prison population, deny health care and rehabilitaion, and build more privare prisons, by lentghtening the sentences. Once and for all, drastic changes must be made and now is the chance For those in Prison: rehabilitation and education with health care for the economy, less taxes on the middle class for education: Insist on a inimum 50% of the teacher to be male teach skills as well as academic. Academnics in the morning, skills in the afdternoons, and after graduation 2 years of apprenticeship to a journeyman,s card. Poster: Anthony Comment: Bill Richardson should get the job as Secretary of State. Gates should remain as Secretary of Defense. All other nominations submitted by Obama thus far is acceptable to me. Hillary Clinton should remain a US Senator. I don't want John Kerry or Al Gore nominated for any position. Poster: Tom Comment: I would like to see Barak Obama create a Dept of Peace headed by Dennis Kucinich. Poster: MpMacaluso Comment: State: Colin Powell Defense: Wesley Clark Treasury: Warren Buffet/Michael Bloomberg Ambassador to the UN: Max Cleland Health and Human Services: Howard Dean Homeland Security: Chuck Hagel Attorney General: Hillary Clinton NSA/CSS: Richard Clarke Interior: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Poster: Kathleen Xi Comment: I have great anxiety about the choice of Secretary of State. Not Hillary, sorry. We need someone EXCEPTIONALLY qualified to carry out the following responsibilities: FACT SHEET Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, DC January 22, 2001 Under the Constitution, the President of the United States determines U.S. foreign policy. The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States. . . . The Secretary of State's duties relating to foreign affairs have not changed significantly since then, but they have become far more complex as international commitments multiplied. These duties the activities and responsibilities of the State Department include the following: Serves as the President's principal adviser on U.S. foreign policy; Conducts negotiations relating to U.S. foreign affairs; Advises the President on the appointment of U.S. ambassadors, ministers, consuls, and other diplomatic representatives; Negotiates, interprets, and terminates treaties and agreements; Informs the Congress and American citizens on the conduct of U.S. foreign relations; Promotes beneficial economic intercourse between the United States and other countries; Administers the Department of State; Supervises the Foreign Service of the United States. .... In addition ..... The Secretary also serves as the channel of communication between the Federal Government and the States on the extradition of fugitives to or from foreign countries. THIS REQUIRES SCHOLARSHIP, WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES, ABILITY TO BRIDGE CULTURES, DETERMINATION TO ENSURE THAT THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ARE SET AND MAINTAINED FOR STAFFING OF OUR STATE DEPARTMENT AND FOREIGN SERVICE - AND THAT THESE PROFESSIONALS GET THE SUPPORT AND RESPECT THEY NEED AND DESERVE. AND EXTRAORDINARY MANAGEMENT SKILLS. No political favors, please!! Get serious! Poster: David Comment: I have only two wishes; that is the creation of a Department of the Global Warming and a Department of Peace. Al Gore is the obvious choice for the former. I have no favorite for the latter. Poster: Jim Comment: Sec. of State: Not Hillary Clinton. She is well qualified, but husband Bill has too many entanglements around the world. How about Powell, Hagel or Richardson. Poster: Kate Comment: I desperately hope Obama does not choose Hillary Clinton as Sec'y of State -- too divisive. She's a great Senator, and I hope she stays in that post. Poster: Gilbert Erskine Comment: Gary Aguirre - Head of the SEC Ron Paul - Secretary of State Dr. Suzanne Trimbeth - UN Ambassador Poster: Kathleen Comment: Chertoff Lugar Powell Buffet Richardson Kucinich Feinstein McCain Schwarzenegger The above list are my suggestions for invitees to Obama's table. Poster: Ana Comment: Senator Clinton will be a smart chose in Sec. of State Poster: edith groner Comment: I would like President Obama to pick Joseph Steiglitz and Paul Krugman for his economic advisors along with Robert Kuttner on the economy. Eliminate all those from wall street like Robert Rubin and Larry Summers. I would like to see him not continue Robert Gates and instead appoint someone who is not from the Bush and Reagan era of scandals and Pentagon wars they supported. He could choose Tony Zinni and someone who will end private contracting mercenary corporations, eg. Blackwater. He could choose Jim Webb for Defense Sec. He should not choose Hilary Clinton who may be too much of a distraction whereas someone like Richard Holbrook has much negotiation experience and diplomatic experience. He must not listen to conservatives who want him to do too little and go too slow to fix our problems while asking for staggering amounts for Wall Street bankers, insurance company bailouts and not help homeowners and people in small businesss. Poster: Constance Tilghman Dudley Comment: Bill Richardson is the most qualified person to be Secretary of State. He has been involved in state, federal and international government. He was my first choice for president. I think Obama represents new energy and hope for the country. Poster: SteveM Comment: Ron Paul, Patrick Byrne, Gary Aguirre, Catherine Austin Pitts, Senator Grassley, Senator Specter... We need sone UNTOUCHABLES! I am disheartened to see the same names being recycled again and again. What about CHANGE? Poster: Paladin Comment: Ron Paul for Secretary of the Treasury. Dr. Patrick Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com, for head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (not a Cabinet post, but in dire need of his leadership and integrity). And former S.E.C. whistleblower, Gary Aguirre, to be Attorney General and go after the Wall Street criminals who have manipulated and taken down the stock market via the dumping of counterfeit shares on the market (naked short selling). Poster: William Cann Comment: I agree with many others that former Vice President Al Gore would make a terrific Sec of Energy or perhaps Sec of the Interior. Now is the perfect time to invest in clean and renewable energy sources. Perhaps Mr. Gore could lead this effort. Poster: James Simmons Comment: Appoint Hillary Clinton as Secretary of HEW Retain Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense Poster: Gregory Wall Comment: Secretary of Interior: Russell Means --Isn't it time we put a Native American in charge of the Interior Department?! Green Party representative: They didn't pull down 5% of the vote in 2000 for nothing. They have a solid, workable platform. Robert Kennedy, Jr.: EPA Samantha Powers--International affairs advisor, if not an actual cabinet post. Jimmy Carter: UN Ambassador Bill Moyers: Advisor to the president. We have a population of over 300 million, with many incredible people, of great intellect, imagination, courage, yet we keep going back to the same old people time and time again. Poster: StanS Comment: It 'appears' that Obama the and Agent of Change and Our Dream Come True, is swiftly becoming our worst nightmare, if things continue the way they are going with his appointments. It appears that the real threat to the people of our country and other countries - Monsanto - will go forth un challenged with their agenda to convert every man, woman, child and pet into drug/pharmaceutical addicts. With Governor Vilsack as head of the USDA ( like putting a fox that has not eaten for a month in charge of the henhouse), Eric Holder as Atty. General ( a proven Defender of Monsanto's alleged right to own everything and everyone ) and Senator Clinton in a key position. ( Where all our real health problems began, in the Clinton Administration, who gave their blessings to Monsanto to annihilate millions of people all over the world and cause farmer's to commit suicide here and in India. Looks like the party for CHANGE is just the usual SOS in a clever disguise, that is fast un-raveling. Wham Bam ! The honeymoon is over so fast? Got to find a good divorce lawyer as once trust is gone, it is hard to stay in love. Poster: Shawna Comment: Here are my picks: State: Hillary Clinton Defense: Colin Powell Attn. General: whoever it was that was just announced :) Agriculture: Gov. Kathleen Sebleius Commerce: Warren Buffet Health and Human Services: Howard Dean Energy: Al Gore Veteran's Affairs: John McCain Treasury: Jesus Christ (because we sure do need a miracle!) I'd also love to see Bill Richardson in there somewhere. He'd be great in several different positions. I'd love to see the Sec. of Education someone who has been a classroom teacher for at least 5 years at some point in their career appointed. And for the labor department, someone who respects unions. Poster: Anita Bellin Comment: I hope Barack will appoint Paul Krugman, Bill Richardson, Caroline Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and Colin Powell to his Cabinet. My other hope is that he bring John Edwards into the Dept of Justice -- his foolish behavior is not all that different from other, previous, elected persons and he is clearly a talented attorney with an understanding of the needs of ordinary people. His mistake should not consign him to the underworld forever -- we could use his talents and abilities to clean up the Justice Department. Is there room for Republican Olympia Snow? Poster: Cindy Bethell Comment: Paul Krugman - should lead or be part of the Council of Economic Advisors. Poster: E. G. Shimer Voda Comment: President Elect Barack Obama, is the person for this time and place in our history. He has proven himself through out the long campaign. He showed dignity, intelligence, and grace in his acceptance speech. He is showing strong leadership in his selection of his vice president and chief of staff. I predict he will choose, Caroline Kennedy for a position. I believe he will pick Governor Richardson and a couple of Republicans as well as maybe two people whose names are not known from any of the Washington names. Poster: Eric Goodale Comment: Dear Now: At the end of the program tonight(11/7/08) you asked that viewers submit their own ideas about filling cabinet posts.Unfortunately my two favorites for Attorney General disgraced themselves by their poor judgement(John Edwards, Eliot Spitzer) Spitzer , of course was unlikely because he was a sitting governor. So my choice for Attorney General today would be Andrew Cuomo, current Attorney General of New York State. He would be, I believe, a tough administrator in cleaning up the agency. Further, his appointment would signal Wall Street that investigation of the financial industry would be a priority. In foreign policy I would like to see James Baker and Richard Holbrook named Special Envoys to the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Syria and Iran. Both are very tough negotiators but they are tenacious and imaginative in seeking solutions. Negotiating the return of the Golan Heights might be a real breakthrough in settling the Israeli/ Palistinian peace negotiation. Robert Gates has been suggested as a possible holdover from the Bush administration and that seems like a good idea to me. He has already shown a willingness disagree with the White House on some issues. I see him as a pragmatist. Poster: John C. Bollinger, PE, CEM, LEED AP Comment: My dream team for Obama's Secretary of Energy is Al Gore!! His is a very well informed and a leader in environmental / energy issues, plus knows how to govern in the Administration. In addition, his great reputation (Nobel Prize...) will help his ability to actually make progress. Poster: K Schultz Comment: I would like to see Bill Richardson as Secretary of State. I definitely would not like to see Hilary Clinton in that position! Poster: Denise Comment: State: Richard Lugar Treasury: Paul Volker/Tim Geithner Defense: Robert Gates Nat'l security: Ret. US Marine General Anthony Zinni Energy: Bill Richardson Homeland: Susan Collins UN Ambassador: Caroline Kennedy Attorney General: Janet Napolitano Poster: Jim Comment: Sec of State: Chuck Hagel with Fareed Zakariah second in command Sec of Defense: Colin Powell Attorney General: John Edwards National Security Advisor: Dick Lugar Sec of Treasury: Warren Buffett Sec of HHS: Hillary Clinton Head of FDA: Ralph Nader Sec of HUD: Michael Bloomfield Sec of Energy: T Boone Pickens Sec of Labor: Robert Reich Sec of Education: Cornell West Director of CIA: Wesley Clark Director of Homeland Security: Bill Richardson Sec of Interior: John Kitzhaber Director of EPA: Robert Kennedy Jr Chief of Staff: Tom Daschel (a bit late on this, but...) UN Ambassador: Bill Clinton New Cabinet Post, very powerful, focusing on global environmental problems, who meets with world leaders to try to solve such problems: Al Gore Would like to have John McCain in there somewhere, but not sure where. I think he'd make a good UN ambassador, but I already have Republicans for most of the key posts regarding international affairs, and Clinton is highly regarded internationally and a very eloquent and persuasive speaker. Likewise Condoleeza Rice, Olivia Snow and Lincoln Chaffee might be good people to have in there. Poster: Jim Comment: Sec of State: Chuck Hagel with Fareed Zakariah second in command Sec of Defense: Colin Powell Attorney General: John Edwards National Security Advisor: Dick Lugar Sec of Treasury: Warren Buffett Sec of HHS: Hillary Clinton Head of FDA: Ralph Nader Sec of HUD: Michael Bloomfield Sec of Energy: T Boone Pickens Sec of Labor: Robert Reich Sec of Education: Cornell West Director of CIA: Wesley Clark Director of Homeland Security: Bill Richardson Sec of Interior: John Kitzhaber Director of EPA: Robert Kennedy Jr Chief of Staff: Tom Daschel (a bit late on this, but...) UN Ambassador: Bill Clinton New Cabinet Post, very powerful, focusing on global environmental problems, who meets with world leaders to try to solve such problems: Al Gore Would like to have John McCain in there somewhere, but not sure where. I think he'd make a good UN ambassador, but I already have Republicans for most of the key posts regarding international affairs, and Clinton is highly regarded internationally and a very eloquent and persuasive speaker. Likewise Condoleeza Rice, Olivia Snow and Lincoln Chaffee might be good people to have in there. Poster: Joan Comment: Secretary of State: Richardson Poster: Jo Comment: Agriculture: Byron Dorgan or Kent Conrad Commerce: Bill Richardson, William H. Gates, Sr. or George Soros Defense: Richard Lugar, Sam Nunn or Jim Webb Education: Mona Lee Locke Energy: Arnold Schwarzenegger Health & Human Services: Howard Dean Homeland Security: Rudy Giuliani Housing & Urban Development: Cory A. Booker or Jerry Brown, Jr. Interior: Al Gore Justice: Charles Ogletree or Ralph Nader Labor: Robert Reich State: Colin Powell, Jessica Tuchman Mathews or Madeleine Korbel Albright Transportation: Christine Whitman Treasury: Paul Volker, Paul Krugman, Alan Blinder or Joseph Stiglitz Veterans Affairs: Patty Murray or Max Cleland Office of Management & Budget: Ross Perot Environmental Protection Agency: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. U.S. Trade Representative: Gary Locke Office of National Drug Control Policy: David Kessler ...and for press secretary: Phil Ponce, David Axelrod, Elizabeth Arnold or Maria Hinojosa Poster: Steve Comment: Sec. of Agriculture: Howard F. Lyman (President & Founder, Voice for a Viable Future) Sec. of Health and Human Services: Neal Barnard, M.D. (Founder, The Cancer Project) Sec. of Labor: Representative Dennis Kucinich Sec. of State: Governor Bill Richardson Attorney General: Governor Chris Gregoire Poster: Steve Comment: Sec. of Agriculture: Howard F. Lyman (President & Founder, Voice for a Viable Future) Sec. of Health and Human Services: Neal Barnard, M.D. (Founder, The Cancer Project) Sec. of Labor: Representative Dennis Kucinich Sec. of State: Governor Bill Richardson Attorney General: Governor Chris Gregoire Poster: Steve Comment: Sec. of Agriculture: Howard F. Lyman (President & Founder, Voice for a Viable Future) Sec. of Health and Human Services: Neal Barnard, M.D. (Founder, The Cancer Project) Sec. of Labor: Representative Dennis Kucinich Sec. of State: Governor Bill Richardson Attorney General: Governor Chris Gregoire Poster: Dianne Foster Comment: Secretary of State - Bill Richardson, Secretary of Interior - Robert Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Treasury -New York Fed President Tim Geithner, or FDIC chair Sheila Bair; Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. Poster: Susan Comment: Fareed Zakaria for some position in the State Department -- he is brilliant. Wesley Clark in defense department. Max Cleland in veterans affairs. Poster: Ed in Tucson Comment: I hate to be nit picky but, can we limit our suggestions to the living? Somebody suggested Ann Richards who's been dead for over 2 years. Maybe we can get Sen. Clinton to channel Eleanor Roosevelt for Sec. of Supernatural Affairs. G.W. Bush should be asked to remain as Court Jester:) Poster: Thvndar Comment: A totally new approach is needed so that requires some people who not necessarily deeply involved in Washington. Secretary of state: Fareed Zakaria Defense: Gen Eric Shinseki Treasury: Jim Rogers Commerce: Elizabeth Warren Interior: Robert F. Kennedy Jr Press: Robert Gibbs CIA: Michael Scheuer Attorney General: Chuck Schumer Poster: Pat Comment: I see many good suggestions but I think I only saw one for Richard Holbrooke. He would make an excellent Secretary of State. Poster: roseamazonite Comment: Secretary of State--Hillary Clinton Secretary of Treasury--George Soros or Professor Emma Coleman Jordan or Warren Buffett Secretary Dept. of Peace--Dennis Kucinich Head of EPA--Al Gore Federal Reserve CHair--Professor Emma Coleman Jordan or George Soros Dept. of Defense--don't know, someone who thinks and is NOT a hawk. Surgeon General--don't know, a pro-choice, pro-sex education and SANE person. Poster: youshouldbeapolitician Comment: Active Citizen: You Secretary of PEACE or Health & Human Services: Kucinich, Treasury: Krugman or Stiglitz Defense: Colin Powell State: Bill Richardson Energy & Environment: Al Gore Labor: Ralph Nader Interior: Noam Chomsky Press: Amy Goodman UN Ambassador: Immanuel Wallerstein Appointment to the International Monetary Fund: Naomi Klein Chairman of the Federal Reserve: Ron Paul (hate his stance on immigration, but he could make an impact here) Foreign Policy Advisor: Noam Chomsky Education: A widely well respected leader in education, who is familiar with and understands the reality of the widening of the inequality gap and advocate for change. progressives and liberi pensatori (free thinkers, generation of new philosphies). Poster: Raymond Comment: State: Colin Powell Treasury: Paul Volcker Defense: Wesley Clark Energy: Al Gore Commerce: Ralph Nader Interior: Robert Kennedy, Jr. Health: Howard Dean FDA: Anthony Fauci EPA: Bruce Babbit Poster: Ellison Hunt Comment: I submit Ellison Hunt for Poet/Commentator in Barack Obama's Administration. He is a non politician who has refreshing things to say about many subjects. Poster: Jonelle Reynoldsr Comment: Andrew J. Bacevich Poster: Kay Lennox Comment: Secretary of State - Colin Powell [R], Ambassador to the UN - Caroline Kennedy Schossberg. Secretary of Treasury : Lawrence H. Summers T. Boone Pickins [R] Warren Buffet [R] Secretary of Defense: Robert M. Gates* [R] Joint Chief of Staff : Adm. Michael Mullen* [R] NSA Advisor Wesley Clark Attorney General: Sandra Day O'Connor [R] Bruce Fein [R] Secretary of Interior: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Al Gore Secretary of Agriculture: Bill Richardson/Grassley [R] Secretary of Commerce: Mitt Romney [R] Timothy F. Geithner Secretary of Labor: John Edwards Robert Reich Secretary of Health & Human Services: Secretary of Housing & Urban Dev.: Mayor Michael Bloomburg Secretary of Transportation - Secretary of Energy - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Secretary of Education: Sen. Hillary Clinton Secretary of Veterans Affairs: Sen. Jim Webb Sen. John McCain Sen. Max Cleland Secretary of Homeland Security - Sen. John McCain [R] Sen. James Webb Gen. Wesley Clark Surgeon General: Howard Dean[R] Poster: quentin Comment: State Department: Richardson Justice Department: Ogletree Defense Department: Gates/Hagel Energy Department: Luger Health and Human Services: Dean Homeland Security: Powell Education Department: Sebelius Labor Department: Stern Housing and Urban Development: Kaine Treasury Department: Buffett A. to the United Nations: S. Rice Commerce Department: Nooyi Transportation Department: Schwarznegger Veterans Affairs: C. Edwards Poster: An Other Greek Comment: Very confusing to see posters' ideal spots being shared by both reasonable Robert F Kennedy Jr. as well as outrageous Colin Powell. Powell has had his time, and he showed us what he was made of. Let him rest now, especially after his eloquent endorsement. And as far as his son, Michael Powell, I would shudder to think that posters of such an intelligent site as this would be serious in endorsing this libertarian, entitled, deregulating, FCC betraying, AND McCain supporting has-been. Please look him up. But let's instead focus on the future and the many good suggestions above. -Secretary of State ? -Secretary of the Treasury Paul Krugman -Secretary of Defense Wesley Clark? -Attorney General ? -Secretary of the Interior ? -Secretary of Agriculture ? -Secretary of Commerce ? -Secretary of Labor Robert Reich -Secretary of Health and Human Services Hillary Clinton -Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Cory Booker -Secretary of Transportation ? -Secretary of Energy ? -Secretary of Education ? -Secretary of Veterans Affairs Paul Rieckhoff -Secretary of Homeland Security ? Robert F Kennedy Jr for EPA? Yes! Also, give Nader a post, please. Let him run the chamber of commerce or something but keep him BUSY and USEFUL. Markos Moulitsas on the new cabinet for civic education outreach. ------------------------------------------------------------ Poster: Julie Scott Comment: My fantasy cabinet members for Obama's adminstration are as follows: Bill Bradley for Secretary of State. He is against expansion of NATO. James Galbraith for Secretary of Treasury. Robert Reich for Secretary of Labor Al Gore and/or Van Jones for a new position with Secretary of Global Warming or an Energy Security Council. Ralph Nader for Attorney General Andrew Bacevich for National Security Advisor Lawrence J. Korb for Secretary of Defense Howard Dean for Secretary for Health and Human Services Wesley Clark for Director of Homeland Security Dennis Kucinich for Department of Peace Max Cleland for Department of Veterans Affairs And as for Secretary of Education: Someone who will emphasize the importance of quality education from K-12 and vocational training as an important part of the curriculum. As well as someone who will bring back the arts and physical education as an important parts of education. Poster: Maria M. Comment: Georgetown Professor and lead counsel for S. Hamdan in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld in high-level deputy or special post to address dismantling of Guantanamo. I can't call cabinet posts in the Dept. of Justice or elsewhere, but this post is a no-brainer. Poster: Laura Mc Comment: Bill Moyers for FCC Chuck Hagel for Sec of Defence RFK jr for Interior Max Cleland for Veteran Affairs Robert Reich for Labor and lets get some people of color in several cabinet positions! Poster: Cheryl Jones Comment: I am positive that President Elect Obama will pick the best possible qualified people for his cabinet, but my biggest concern is if he has considered Ron Paul who has knowledge about money and the constitution. We must return to gold and not use paper so called money for consuming things. If anytime the economy is sick, it is now. The team will have to go back to the basics according to the constitution and we must start living within our means from hereon out. It should be mandatory that every citizen of this country learn the constitution written by the Founding Fathers. Poster: JOAN ROWLAND Comment: ENVIRONMENT-R.KENNEDY DOD-GATES OR HAGEL H&HS-H.DEAN ED-C.POWELL AG-DASCHLE INT-RICHARDSON ENERGY-GORE HSC-W.CLARKE A.G.-NAPOLITANO TREASURY-SUMMERS,VOLKER Poster: Charles E Semler Comment: I think James Galbraith would be an excelent choice for Secretary of Treasury or something else to do with the economy. I think he has a very good idea as to what has happened to our economy over the last 15 years or so, and what needs to be done to bring back jobs and rebuild America. He makes a lot of sense to me. I really don't think we should be recycling the same old people who have already had their shot. We need some new highly intelligent people with high moral standards who understand the problems of average Americans, and will act to solve their problems. Thank you Poster: Frances Comment: Dennis Kucinich for Secretary of Labor. Jane Harman is not a good pick for Intel. Tap Valerie Plame. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES PICK ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER FOR ANY CABINET POST - NOT EVEN A TOKEN ONE. Poster: Pauline Washburn Comment: Not the usual. I, too, am disappointed in the first appointment of Rahm Emanuel. I would love to see Bill McKibben in a top environmental position and, of course, Dennis Kucinich as head of Department of Peace! And how about Amy Goodman as Press Secretary. We would always get straight answers. Poster: d'MoniqueRenee Comment: Comment: Cabinet picks: Condoleezza Rice for Secretary of State; Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, for Sec. Health and Human Services; Ret. Gen. Collin Powell for Sec. of Defense; Bill Clinton as UN Ambassador; Al Gore for Sec. Energy & Environment; Newt Gingrich for Sec. Department of Interior; Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor; Charles Ogletree for Secretary of Education; Warren Buffett for Secretary Treasury; Dr. Carl Schultz for Department of Homeland Security; Oliver Sutton for Sec Department of Housing & Urban Development; Lee Brown, Office of National Drug Control Policy; John Kerry, ]Department of Transportation; Judge Mathis for Secretary for the Department of Justice; Rahm Emanuel Chief of Staff Poster: Steve in Vernal, Utah Comment: Reach across the isle for Pete's sake. Change the way the government has been..... (was going to say working)... being run (and I use that word with some skepticism as well). Not just one Republican.... work with others... not just Republicans and Democrats.... good people though.... honest.... well-intended. Smart. Fair. McCain almost had my vote for his convention talk about going after corruption on Wall Street and IN WASHINGTON. Put some power back in the hands of the average citizen. Okay... I know... lobbyists have power... because it works.... but how about resisting some of those with singleness of mind and try and encourage some that have the good of the general citizenry in mind. How about Ralph Nader? From what I hear, it is hard to find someone so passionate about, and committed to, what is good and right for America. I believe he has done a lot of good so probably still has a few good ideas that should be considered. The election is a mandate. The people want a change! The country NEEDS a change in order to survive. People that don't see how bad the future can quickly be are blind... perhaps by selfishness. Change it President Elect Obama. Please! Poster: Peter Pangloss Comment: Treasury: Larry Summers State: Dick Lugar UN Ambassador: Chuck Hagel Atty General: Lawrence Tribe Defense: Keep Gates, at least for a while Kucinich, Dodd, Napolitano, Sibelius, Feingold are some other names to look at. Hillary should stay in the Senate, where she is extremely effective. I'd like to see her become Majority Leader. Same for Kerry as Foreign Relations chair. Barack IS change. He doesn't need to surround himself with a bunch of greenhorns to prove it! Poster: ps228 Comment: Hilary Clinton for Secretary of HEW. After all the work she's already done and all the noise she made about changes that are needed, can you think of anyone better able or more likely to succeed in cutting through the BS and red tape tape hinders this federal bureaucracy? The office has typically been occupied by a wimp. I'd like to see what a well disciplined pit bull can do. Poster: lavendula Comment: Some innovative thinking is required here. Let's put people who understand the issues in charge. 2 names are listed as either or: Press Secretary: Tavis Smiley Attorney General: Patrick Fitzgerald SecState: Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson SecDef: Colin Powell, Genl Zinni Dept of Peace (new dept): Dennis Kucinich NS Advisor: Samantha Power Supreme Court: Mario Cuomo, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton Commerce & Transportation: John Edwards Labor: Ralph Nader Interior: Carl Pope (pres of Sierra Club) Environment: Robert F Kennedy Jr; Apollo Project: Jay Inslee Agriculture: Jim Hightower Global Environment (new dept): Al Gore Dept of Sustainable Oceans (new dept): Paul Watson (of Sea Shepherds) Treasury: Kevin Phillips or Paul Krugman Veterans: Patty Murray, Jim Webb, Max Cleland Education: Chris Dodd or Hillary Clinton Surgeon General: Andrew Weill Homeland Security: Richard Clarke FCC: Bill Moyers FDA: Dr Sydney Wolff UN Ambassador: Russ Feingold CIA: Joe Wilson/Valerie Plame Poster: grumpy Comment: Dear President-elect Obama: Be careful. Go slowly. Follow the example of Lincoln! Poster: Public D Comment: Attorney General: Guess Spitzer is out. Eric Dinallo would be great. State: Colin Powell Transportation: Joel Rogers co-founder and first chairman of the Apollo Alliance Treasury: Paul Krugman Veteran's Affairs: Frank E. Petersen, first African-American Marine Corps General Defense: Wesley Clark Education: Paul Barton, Senior Associate, ETS Policy Information Center Energy: Marchant Wentworth, Union of Concerned Scientists' Clean Energy Program Health and Human Services: John Geyman, M.D., former President of Physicians for National Health Care Homeland Security: Russ Feingold/Hillary Clinton Housing & Urban Development: David Harvey, Ph.D, Urban Geographer Interior: Fred Kent, President - Project for Public Spaces Justice: Joel H. Rosenthal, president of the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs Labor: Perhaps the most important appointment. Nader, Kucinich, or Michael Zweig, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for the Study of Working Class Life PS: Bill Moyers for FCC Chairman! Poster: Linda Comment: By the way, Barbara, I didn't think to ask you this in my post yesterday, but you sound like you just may be a disgruntled McCain supporter. Is THAT why you're so down on, cynical about, distrustful of, PRESIDENT-ELECT Obama? Because Conservatives are some of the sorest losers I've ever seen and heard. SHEESH! Poster: DallasDavid Comment: I was hoping I could either paste my org chart or attach the excel file. It won't fit in here, and I'm only halfway done. Here is a taste: HOMELAND SECURITY J. McCAIN / C. POWELL DEFENSE J. McCAIN / C. POWELL U.N. AMBASSADOR C. KENNEDY / A. GORE INTERIOR A. GORE / B. RICHARDSON ENERGY A. GORE STATE B. RICHARDSON / J. KERRY CHIEF OF STAFF R. EMANUEL [POSITION FILLED] ATTORNEY GENERAL J. NAPOLITANO / H. CLINTON [HHS] HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES H. DEAN / H. CLINTON EDUCATION ? / O. WINFREY [HUD] HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT J. JACKSON LABOR D. GEPHARDT VETERANS AFFAIRS M. CLELAND / J. McCAIN TREASURY M. ROMNEY COMMERCE M. ROMNEY These are just my initial suggestions. Like I said, I am only halfway done. Poster: Tom Comment: State: Bill Richardson Treasury: Bill Bradley Defense: Colin Powell AG: Ed Rendell Agriculture: Chcuk Hagel Interior: Janet Napolitono (gov of AZ, I may have misspelled) Commerece: Warren Buffet Labor: Jennifer Granholm HHS: Howard Dean HUD: Kurt Schmoke (Former mayor of Balt) Transportation: Anthony Williams (former mayor of DC) Energy: Charles Stenholm (former TX congressman) Education: Tom Kean Poster: Skippygrrl Comment: For Health and Human Services, I nominate Gene O'Connell, the CEO of San Francisco General Hospital. Serious health care cred: Excerpts from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/13/MNG4NMTR211.DTL ***** O'Connell worked her way up to director of education at the hospital, then ran the emergency department, and in 1991 became director of nursing, one of the most powerful jobs at General. In 1998, O'Connell became the first woman to lead one of the premier public hospitals in the country. O'Connell now has been CEO longer than any of her predecessors. The first time O'Connell had set foot in the hospital was as a patient in 1974; she couldn't afford to pay for medical care for her kids, who were 5 and 2 and needed shots. She was so poor that she didn't have the fare to take the bus to pick up her welfare check, so she and the kids walked -- a long walk. **** For Housing and Urban Development: Hands down, Majora Carter. Watch her AMAZING Ted Conference program – she will blow you away. http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/majora_carter_s_tale_of_urban_renewal.html Poster: marilyn Comment: I think the following should be included in his administration, if not in his cabinet, appointed to ambassadorships or serving as advisors in prominent positions: Sen. Hillary Clinton Gen. Wesley Clark Sen. Chuck Hagel Lincoln Chafee Al Gore Gary Locke Gov. Bill Richardson Paul Krugman Bill Moyers Howard Dean Poster: Paulette Comment: Keeping the positive momentum going and actually following the mandate of the people to be progressive is paramount. So the Cabinet must include Hillary Clinton,Secty of State,and in any position Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, Robert Reich, Paul Krugman, Al Gore, Max Cleland, Vincent Bugliosi, Dennis Kucinich,Amy Goodman, Greg Palast, Howard Dean, Jessie Ventura, Michael Moore, Ralph Nader, and San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom. Poster: Martin Czigler Comment: Robert F. Kennedy would not be a good pick to head the EPA. That position should make decisions on the best science available, and in the vaccince/autism debate Kennedy has demonstrated that he is willing to greatly distort the science in favor of an ideological agenda. He would be as bad as the Bush appointees. Poster: Nick in California Comment: Names that should be considered somewhere within the new administration are: David Boise, Wesley Clark, Steven Pinker, Joseph J. Romm, Patrick J. Buchanan, Ron Paul, Al Gore, Max Cleland, Robert Kennedy Jr. Poster: Lynn Comment: I think ret. Gen. Honoree who was sent to New Orleans for the Katrina aftermath would be great to head FEMA. Spiglitz or Kruger for Treasury Sec., Powell or Bacevich for Defense, Charles Ogletree for AG or the next Supreme Court Justice, Kucinich for Sec. of State, H. Dean for HHS, Gore or R Kennedy Jr. for EPA, D. Axelrod for Press Sec., Govs T. Kaine, J. Webb and the gov. of Montana would be good in his cabinet, as well as T. Daschle and C. Hagel. I don't know who I'd want for the Sec. of Educ.--maybe Bill Moyers. Wow, I'd love to be a fly in those cabinet meetings. Poster: bOBIE Comment: I would like to see Obama hire some of the old experience cabinet members that Bush/Cheney fired after they took over the government, i.e. Richard Clarke, Joe Wilson and Valarie Plame, just to give him INSIGHT as to the Environment of the CIA & National Security, and what information was AVAILABLE, at the time of the dismantling. I beleive it was done on PURPOSE so they could Implement their Fraudulent Agenda. I would love to see Gen. Wesley Clarke as Secy of Defense, John Kerry, as Secy of State, John Edwards, as Atty General; these individuals have great insight and experience, and I beleive they would help Barack get off the ground in FULL SPEED. Trying to show INCLUSIVENESS at this time, by hiring Republicans, would only SLOW up Progress in OVERTURNING the Bush/Cheney evil/ugly 8 years of destroying the Constitution, America and the World, for ONE WORLD ORDER, fact is, the MAJORITY of the Republicans was all for it, and voted the way Bush/Cheney wanted them to vote to give them the control they have over the government. I don't know how Obama could even TRUST these individuals, for in my eyes, they have been TRAITOR'S to America, the Constitution, and its People, and the World. Bobie, Tulsa, OK Poster: Rob in PA Comment: Howard Zinn for Secretary of State (since he can't be Emperor for Life). That would be enough for me. Poster: Rose Comment: Secretary of State Senator - Sam Nunn or Chuck Hagel Secretary of Defense Former Secretary of State, Colin Powell Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Robert Kennedy, Jr. I don't know the skills set and knowledge base required for the other positions. So, anyone who meets 75%+ of the qualifications, has a passion for the role and who is willing and able to fully support President-Elect Obama's strategic vision for the United States would be my pick for the dream cabinet. Poster: Curtis Comment: State: Bill Richardson, Hillary Clinton or Joe Volk (FCNL) Defense: Sam Nunn or Bruce G. Blair (CDI) National Security Advisor: Lawrence Korb Energy: Al Gore Housing: Robert Shiller (Yale) Health: Uwe Reinhardt (Princeton)or Shelley Hearne (Pew) Labor: John Edwards or Van Jones Agriculture: Michael Pollan Commerce: Ralph Nader Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff: Colin Powell EPA: Joshua S. Reichert (Pew) Education: John F. Jennings (CEP) Poster: insistentninja Comment: Al Gore for Energy, Colin Powell for Defense, and Paul Krugman for Treasury Poster: Franklin E Schroeter Comment: Here is an Obama cabinet for the ages plus some nominees for other positions to be filled. Sec of State Russ Feingold Sec of Treasury Paul Krugman Sec of Defense Dennis Kucinich Attorney General John Conyers Sec of Agriculture Bill Richardson Sec of Commerce An outstanding Asian or Latino Sec of Labor Cynthia McKinney Sec of Hlth & Human Svcs Hillary Clinton Sec of Housing & Urban Dev. An outstanding person of a minority which was not chosen for Commerce Sec of Transportation President of MIT Sec of Energy President of Caltech Sec of Education Bill Moyers Sec of Vet affairs Max Cleland Sec of Homeland Security Colin Powell or Henry Waxman Chairman of Sec & Exch Comm. Ralph Nader Press Secretary David Brancaccio Ambassador to Georgia John McCain Ambassador to Moldova Cokie Roberts or Mara Liasson Poster: Sarah Comment: I would love to see a place for Ralph Nader if he would do it. He significantly contributed to consumer safety. Hilary Clinton Bill Richardson John McCain (Lincoln chose his presidential race rivals to serve on his cabinet) keep Bill Gates The female head of the FDIC, i forget her name, for treasury Al Gore Wesley Clarke John Dean Colin Powell i agree Max Cleland for VA Affairs Carl Pope Sect'y of Interior Poster: Nick Comment: Names that come to mind are: David Boise, Steven Pinker Wesley Clark, Patrick J. Buchanan. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Poster: BobA Comment: Can't believe no one has mentioned the best mind in politics today: Leon Panetta of California. Former congressman, former chief of staff (Clinton). No Nader, nohow. He gave us Bush in 2000. Poster: Leslie Comment: I think Howard Dean would make an excellent Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, given his work as Governor of Vermont in providing free health care for all children in that state under 18 years of age and saving tax/Medicaid money in doing it. His advocacy for providing universal daycare or HeadStart programs as a preventive strategy for criminal behavior and increasing need for prisons is right on. I'd like to see him do for the US what he accomplished for Vermont: efficient use of tax dollars for effective programs to meet desirable societal goals. He is also well-versed in health care delivery systems around the world as well as here, and so would have a great comparative knowledge base to bring to the task of getting us a health care system that works. Poster: steve manza Comment: James K Galbraith--Sec. Treasury Poster: gizmo Comment: I would like to see Mike Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City appointed as Sec. of Homeland Security. He has extraordinary management skills and great understanding of how the economy works. The problem with Homeland Security is that it has so much responsibility that it is extremely difficult to manage all it's parts in a coordinated manner. Bloomberg has shown great skill at doing that, not only in NYC but also in the business world. Poster: virginia antle Comment: I nominate Hillary Clinton for secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Poster: Jon Comment: Let's not overlook Transportation. Michael Dukakis would enthusiastically administer and promote Obama's plans to develop a viable passenger rail network in the US. In addition to Gov. Dukakis, I nominate: Chuck Hagel - Defense Westley Clark - Homeland Security Dennis Kucinich - Labor Bill Richardson - Sec. of State Robert Kennedy - EPA Al Gore - Energy Michael Pollen - Agriculture Cory Booker - HUD Carolyn Kennedy - United Nations Hillary Clinton - Health and Human Services Warren Buffet - Commerce Paul Krugman - Treasury (Gov.)Brian Schweitzer - Interior Poster: Natalie Comment: Treasury: Warren Buffett Energy: Al Gore Defense: Wesley Clark EPA: RFK Jr. State: Bill Richardson Agriculture: Tom Vilsack I agree with Karen--no John Kerry Poster: Cape Cod Comment: Former Presidential candidates Michael S. Dukakis (Transportation), George McGovern, Al Gore, Sen. John F. Kerry and his running mate Sen. John Edwards; Sen. Hillary Clinton, Gov. Howard Dean, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Caroline Kennedy, Robert Reich, Dennis Kucinich, Max Cleland, Tom Daschle, Colin Powell, Warren Buffett, Theodore C. Sorensen, John McCain Poster: Laocoon Comment: these are great ideas, but too many people are too heavy on people who are older and who are already known to us. Let's give some younger people a chance. There must be people in their 40s who are less well known than many of the people mentioned who are just as capable and could work under the guidance of these senior statesmen (and women). These jobs are grueling, both physically and mentally, and people with more energy to put into the task should not be underrated. Let's consider people like Tim Geithner for Treasury and Cory Booker for Secretary of HUD (an agency that desperately needs to be turned around!!). A wish list could also include combining agency functions in a different way - why do we need the defense functions at the Department of Energy (as in atomic weapons), then other energy related functions at Department of the Interior. perhaps a major reorganization is in order. Poster: Philip Ciaffa Comment: Correction to my previous submission: Attorney General: Charles Ogletree David's guest on your current broadcast. Poster: Pat Partridge Comment: Give Ed Rendall a post. Leave Hilary in Senate - She would be more effective there. Colin Powell for head of military. Robert Kennedy for environment. Poster: Philip Ciaffa Comment: Secretary Of Defense: Andrew Bacevich or H. R. McMaster Secretary Of State: Gov. Bill Richardson Secretary Of Veterans' Affairs: Max Cleland Secretary Of Dept. Of Energy: Al Gore EPA Secretary: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Federal Reserve Chairman: Paul Volcker Secretary of the Treasury: Paul Krugman FCC Chairman: Bill Moyers National Security Advisor: Colin Powell Attorney General: James Ogletree Poster: Jeffre Dreyer Comment: Robert Reich Carolyn Kennedy Kevin Phillips Save Hillary for the first Supreme Court appointment There many other intelligent people in this country who can be brought in who are not in Washington now. Poster: myspace.com/ritchiepage2001 Comment: REVISED VERSION (again) :) Department of Agriculture Secretary Jim Hightower www.usda.gov Department of Commerce Secretary Michael Dukakis w/undersecretary Ralph Nader www.doc.gov Department of Defense Secretary Wesley Clarke or Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. www.defenselink.mil Department of Education Secretary Deval Patrick or Bob Graham www.ed.gov Department of Energy Secretary Bill Richardson www.energy.gov Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Howard Dean www.hhs.gov Department of Homeland Security Secretary Richard A. Clarke www.dhs.gov Department of Housing & Urban Development Secretary www.hud.gov Department of the Interior Secretary Tom Vilsack www.doi.gov Department of Justice Attorney Carol Moseley Braun www.usdoj.gov Department of Labor Secretary Robert Reich www.dol.gov Robert Reich Department of State Secretary Christopher Dodd www.state.gov Department of Transportation Secretary Jerry Brown www.dot.gov Department of the Treasury Secretary Catherine Austin Fitts www.ustreas.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Lyndon LaRouche www.va.gov Cabinet Rank Members The Vice President Joe Biden (though i think he would've made a better state secretary) www.whitehouse.gov/vicepresident/ Office of Management and Budget Ross Perot www.omb.gov Environmental Protection Agency Al Gore www.epa.gov White House Chief of Staff Bill Bradley United States Trade Representative Dick Gephardt www.ustr.gov Office of National Drug Control Policy Ron Paul www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov Poster: Cory Comment: Secretary of State: Bill Richardson Secretary of Defense: Chuck Hagel Attorney General: Eric Holder Secretary of the Treasury: Timothy Geithner Secretary of the Interior: Winona LaDuke Secretary of Agriculture: Tom Vilsack Secretary of Commerce: William M. Daley Secretary of Labor: Dick Gephardt Secretary of HUD: Valerie Jarrett Secretary of HHS: Howard Dean Secretary of Homeland Security: Wesley Clark Secretary of Education: Arne Duncan Secretary of Energy: Ernie Moniz Secretary of Transportation: Mortimer Downey Secretary of Veteran Affairs: Tammy Duckworth National Security Advisor: Susan Rice Director of National Intelligence: Gary Hart Solicitor General: Preeta Bansal White House Chief of Staff: Rahm Emanuel White House Press Secretary: Robert Gibbs Director of the Peace Corps: Tim Kaine U.N. Ambassador: Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg Administrator of the EPA: Robert Kennedy, Jr. National Health Care Czar: Elizabeth Edwards Supreme Court Appointments: John Paul Stevens - Hillary Clinton Ruth Bader Ginsberg - Artur Davis Anthony Kennedy - Janet Napolitano Poster: Denise Comment: Hillary Clinton-Health Howard Dean- Surgeon General Al Gore-EPA Bill Clinton- Ambassador to Russia Dennis Kucinich- Homeland Security Jimmy Carter- Peace Dept. (new) Poster: Greg Comment: Robert Reich for Treasury. Bill Richardson for Sec of State Chuck Hagel for Defense Poster: Josehp Comment: Secretary of the Treasury: ? At least in the short run, I believe, this is the single most important cabinet appointment. No one on the national scene has addressed, in pubic, the fundamental flaws in our system that has led to our current economic dilemma. Therefore, the dream appointment to this most important position is unknowable. Poster: TFred Comment: I am a single mother of two children. One in college and the other in elementary. I have a college degree and work full-time in state government. I've been exercising my right to vote since 1988 and for the first time in my adult life I feel connected to the country I live in. To be a participant in the paradigm shift happening on this planet is undescribable. It is my great desire that President-elect Obabma will align himself with the individuals that possess the INTELLIGENCE, SKILLS, WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT to create an America that the rest of the world will want to model. An America that no longer is ruled by the Collective Ego. An America that is willing to explore and embrace change that serves humanity. Poster: Alden Moffatt Comment: Bill Ayers: head of the dept of Homeland Security. This department head should have a first hand understanding of why people commit acts of terrorism, and should have a strong commitment to protecting American values, like the right to free speech and freedom from wire taps! Either that or abolish the department completely! Poster: Martin Laufe Comment: I strongly suggest for Secretary of the Treasury FELIX ROHATYN who was instrumental in helping New York City out of their financial debacle years ago and who has a new proposal for a NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT BANK and how it can be financed! If not for Sec. of the Treasurer, at the very least, as a primary advisor to Pres-elect Obana for financial affairs. Keep the investment bankers away from the government: Robert Rubin, Lawrence Summers and their ilk. Get tough on the bankers that receive government funds. Poster: Gilina Comment: I'm delighted to see so many thinking the same names I am thinking. Dennis Kuchinich for sure. One of the smartest individuals in Congress--he gets it and understands how everything really is. Colin Powell, Al Gore, Richardson, RFK, Jr., Amory Lovins, Ralph Nader, are all on my list. Also the gentleman who was Bush's first Treasury Secretary, though his name escapes me (subject of book The Price of Loyalty) at the moment. Pres Obama should avoid lobbyists and execs of companies who have not had the best interests of America and Americans at heart (i.e., the greedy, power monger types). These people may have a place lower down the ranks where their input might be useful (if only to know what to avoid!) but they should not be in cabinet level positions, esp. Jamie Diamon. A few regular citizens, people who are experts in their fields but who have not been involved in politics should constitute an advisory team. These type of people are often able to connect the dots because they do not have the affiliations and self-interest agendas that politicians do. Time to put the law, the actual Constitution, and separation of powers back into practice. Poster: Victoria Comment: Wow, there are some good picks here! I'd like to see Dennis Kucinich in the Cabinet, preferably in a new Dept. of Peace, but failing that, perhaps as Secretary of State. I would also suggest Michael Pollan for either Agriculture or Environment. Other people I'd like to see appointed: Winona LaDuke (Health and Human Services), Bill Richardson, Howard Dean, Paul Krugman, Robert Reich. I'd also recommend my friend Ann for Treasury Secretary; she combines experience, acumen, and menschheit. Poster: Zed of Burlington Comment: I want to see new public policy trends that draw talent from a wider pool of candidates. We already have one star of the show and that could be nearly enough. It seems natural to me that a national community organizer would caste a wider net for a more robust assortment of attitudes and orientations. Mayors and state legislators, state government commissioners come to mind as well as talent from non profit agencies. I would also like to see the velocity of the revolving door policy between government and the lobby industries slowed down if not dismantled. We are a nation of talented people yet we have an ailment for rock star worship. I see a blurred boundary between material success and gluttony. Our government no longer needs to afford the branded high priced spread. Now, that is fantasy! Poster: Dave Scott Comment: Here are my ideas for cabinet secretaries: State: Hillary Clinton Treasury: Kathryn Austin Fitts Defense: Wesly Clark Justice: Vincent Bugliosi Interior: Al Gore Agriculture: Charles Grassley Commerce: Diane Feinstein Labor: Robert Reich Health and Human Services: Howard Dean Housing and Urban Development: James Howard Kuntsler Transportation: David Gunn Energy: Richard Heinberg Education: Marlyn Wright Edilman Veterans Affairs: Max Cleland Homeland Security: Colom Powell Poster: Susan Raney Comment: There are so many excellent candidates - I recognize the aversion most people have to former politicians, but they may initially be helpful for knowing how to overcome the current economic disaster. Regardless, OVERSIGHT is of utmost importance. Dept. of State - John Kerry Dept. of Treasury - Sheila Bair w/Paul Voelker to assist Dept. of Defense - Anthony Zinni w/Andrew Bacevich Dept. of Justice - Patrick Leahy Dept. of Interior - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - Michael Pollan :) Dept. of Commerce - Al Gore Dept. of Labor - David Plouffe or David Axelrod Dept. of Health & Human Services - Howard Dean Dept. of Housing and Urban Devt. - Dennis Kucinich Dept. of Transportation - Ralph Nader Dept. of Energy - Jeff Bingaman w/Harvey Wasserman Dept. of Education - E.O. Wilson with Caroline Kennedy Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Max Cleland Dept of Homeland Security - Jim Webb Poster: Anthony Esposito Comment: I think President Obama should choose Christine Amanpour as Secretary of State. I'm very serious,she's extremely intelligent and she knows the issues better than anyone I can imagine. I'm sure that Christine would immediately have the respect,admiration and trust from the world's leaders. Poster: maurice Enfield NH Comment: ABSOLUTELY NOT John Kerry for any position. John is known for 'he's there when he needs you' Voted for him, and as someone from Massachusetts, I know that it is only the extremely weak Republican party that gets him re-elected. STATE: Bill Richardson Poster: sharron lobaugh Comment: I recommend Bryan Lamb (c-span)for a cabinet position. He could serve any number of them like State, UN, Foreign Policy, Education, National Security. All during 25 + years of interview experience he demonstrated the most knowledgeable unbiased objective inquiry of any public figure. Bill Moyers should not be be overlooked either. A woman whom I admire for Attorney General, a Supreme Court nominee or any number of positions is Eleanor Holmes Norton. These great American thinkers need to be called upon. Poster: maurice Enfield NH Comment: ABSOLUTELY NOT John Kerry for any position. John is known for 'he's there when he needs you' Voted for him, and as someone from Massachusetts, I know that it is only the extremely weak Republican party that gets him re-elected. STATE: Bill Richardson Poster: Aaron Anderson Comment: I was going to post my own thoughts, but I saw Laurie Neeno's submission and my ideas were taken. Good thinking Laurie. Particularly with Nader and Chomsky, but I believe Bill Moyers would be a good press secretary. We don't really need Bill Clinton, he is a moderate who had his chance already. And my father, Brad R Anderson, organic vegetable gardener, for Dept of Agriculture. Poster: jsi Comment: How about a cabinet that is bi-partisan? They say that Abraham Lincoln kept close advisors who differed greatly with him on ideas of policy. For Obama to truly make a difference, he must be instrumental in ending the partisanship that has gripped Washington for so many years now. I would love to see the following individuals in the cabinet: Warren Buffett, RFK jr, Corey Booker, some new faces! And artists, musicians - fill the government with right-brainers! Poster: Mindy Comment: Agriculture: Gov of Iowa Attorney General: Commerce: Kathleen Sebelius Defense: Gates or Powell Education: Colin Powell, Marian Wright Edelman, Jonathan Kozol Energy: Brian Schweitzer (MT Gov) EPA: Robert F Kennedy Jr (could this be a combined dept with Interior?) Health and Human Services: Howard Dean, HIllary Clinton Homeland Security: Susan Collins Housing&Urban Development: Corey Booker, Mayor from Newark Interior: Justice: Labor: Paul Krugman? National Security Adviser: Wesley Clark State: Bill Richardson, Chuck Hagel not John Kerry (who now rises to ch of foreign affairs committee) Tansportation: Treasury: Laura Tyson, NY Fed guy Veteran's Affairs: Max Cleland, John McCain, Joe Lieberman Ambassador to the UN: Bill Richardson Surgeon General: Howard Dean, Dr.JudyAnn Bigby (Secy of MA Health & Human Services) NEA: Caroline Kennedy SEC Commissioner: Paul Krugman? Ambassador to Israel: Joe Lieberman Osama bin Laden finder: John McCain Gang Prevention: Father Greg Boyle new dept of Community Service: Colin Powell Poster: Dean Caskey Comment: Same old names don't necessarily mean same old, same old. Don't forget Jimmy Carter's picks of fresh people who didn't know their way around DC. We need a merit driven choice of cabinet members who know their way around the corridors of their expertise. Obama's policies will be what precludes same old, same old practices. Poster: Linda A. Comment: There are already so many good choices given, including ones I had in mind, like Bill Richardson for Secretary of State (or Interior. I hadn't considered that one.), and Hillary for HHS. Here in Connecticut, we have an excellent Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, and I think it would be wonderful if he were considered to be U.S. Attorney General. (Connecticut's loss would be America's gain. And yes, he's a Democrat, so there'd be no conflict of ideology.) I have no quibble with Rahm Emanuel myself. Yes, I've heard he's a quote-unquote pit bull, but so what? One thing I DON'T want to see are any holdovers from the Bush Administration, although I do like Ben Bernanke and Robert Gates. Jimmy, how do we know Robert Reich isn't being considered? He's part of Obama's transition team. I like and miss him, too. I also like and miss Donna Shalala, but do we REALLY want to see faces we've seen in a previous Cabinet? How about some fresh ones for a change. I'd personally prefer to see as few retreads as possible myself. Al Gore for Energy secretary? ABSOLUTELY! I also like the idea of either Wes Clark or Colin Powell for Secretary of Defense. I wouldn't like to see John McCain in any Cabinet post. He's better off in the Senate. Either Michael Bloomberg or Warren Buffett would be a good choice as Treasury secretary. (I've never heard of Catherine Austin Fitts myself.) Cokie Roberts as press secretary? Hmmmm. How about Deborah Roberts? Marion Wright Edelman. Wasn't she Education secretary once before? And to YOU, Rich, climate change is NOT A FRAUD! You can ignore it all you want, but it's NOT going to go away, in fact, it'll only get WORSE if we continue to believe that it doesn't exist and don't DO something about it. You should get your head out of your butt and get a reality check! I think the ONLY one who's been hearing that average global temps are actually dropping is YOU! Boy, Barbara! Aren't YOU the cynic! With all due respect, I think you're DEAD wrong with your commitment-phobic boyfriend analogy. And Bruce Fein? Kevin Phillips? Samantha Powers? Who the heck are THEY???? Poster: james owens Comment: Here are the brightest and the best minds in the country and the one's I would wish for our new President to make a part of his circle of counselors: Joe Biden: VP John McCain: Office of Political Reform & Bi-Partisanship Sarah Palin: Dept of Energy Laura Bush: Secy of Education Bill Richardson: Secy of Interior John Conyers: White House Gen. Counsel Susan Rice: UN Ambassador Colin Powell: Secy of State Warren Buffett: Treasury Wesley Clarke: National Security Jennifer Granholm: Liason to the States Condeleeza Rice: Intl Affairs Hillary Clinton: HHS Neil Degrasse-Tyson: Science & Technology Steve Wynn: Secy of Infrastructure Management & Reconstruction Dennis Kucinich: Secy to Urban America Bobby Jindahl: OMB Albert Gore: EPA Charles Ogletree: ATTY GEN. Howard Dean: Surgeon GEN. Keith Olberman: FCC Mark Cuban: Office of Sports Governance Jeremiah Wright: Office of Spiritual Formation Gwen Ifill: Press Secretary Amy Goodman: White House Communications Spike Lee: NEA Max Cleland: Veterans We're still voting for you Barack, and I know you're still listening. God Bless America!!! Poster: james owens Comment: Here are the brightest and the best minds in the country and the one's I would wish for our new President to make a part of his circle of counselors: Joe Biden: VP John McCain: Office of Political Reform & Bi-Partisanship Sarah Palin: Dept of Energy Laura Bush: Secy of Education Bill Richardson: Secy of Interior John Conyers: White House Gen. Counsel Susan Rice: UN Ambassador Colin Powell: Secy of State Warren Buffett: Treasury Wesley Clarke: National Security Jennifer Granholm: Liason to the States Condeleeza Rice: Intl Affairs Hillary Clinton: HHS Neil Degrasse-Tyson: Science & Technology Steve Wynn: Secy of Infrastructure Management & Reconstruction Dennis Kucinich: Secy to Urban America Bobby Jindahl: OMB Albert Gore: EPA Charles Ogletree: ATTY GEN. Howard Dean: Surgeon GEN. Keith Olberman: FCC Mark Cuban: Office of Sports Governance Jeremiah Wright: Office of Spiritual Formation Gwen Ifill: Press Secretary Amy Goodman: White House Communications Spike Lee: NEA Max Cleland: Veterans We're still voting for you Barack, and I know you're still listening. God Bless America!!! Poster: Elizabeth Johnson Comment: Fascinating reading and such wonderful suggestions. Some names I think are excellent are Bill Moyers, ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power, State Dept at least.And, isn't it long past time for the Dept of Peace! Dennis Kucinich. To be sure the Sect of State must reflect Barack Obama's views of the world and be forward thinking and an outstanding negotiator. Poster: Anna P Comment: Peace (new) - D. Kucinich Health - H. Dean Interior - R. Kennedy, Jr Treasury - P. Krugman Justice - L. Guinier AG - P. Figderald Homeland Security - R. Clark State - B. Richardson Poster: Gavino Comment: Well, we certainly need a strong Education Secretary, given how low our standards for what passes as intelligent commentary are... This forum should be titled WHOM do you think... Set a good example, please. Poster: ted thompson Comment: Secretary of Defense - former senator from Nebraska, Chuck Hagel. State Department - Bill Richardson, gov of New Mexico Treasury - Timothy Geithner, NY Fed Reserve Chairman Veteran's Affairs - Max Cleland EPA - Kathleen Sebelius General Anthony Zinni - absolute must somewhere in Obama Administration Poster: Cory Comment: President of the United States Barack Obama Vice-President of the United States Joe Biden Secretary of State John Kerry Deputy Secretary of State Bill Richardson Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Deputy Secretary of Defense Richard Danzig Attorney General Eric Holder Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Granholm Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner Deputy Secretary of the Treasury James Dimon White House Senior Economic Advisor Paul Volcker Secretary of the Interior Winona LaDuke Deputy Secretary of the Interior Raúl Grijalva Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Tom Daschle Secretary of Commerce William M. Daley Deputy Secretary of Commerce Harold Ford, Jr. Secretary of Labor Dick Gephardt Deputy Secretary of Labor David Bonior Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Valerie Jarrett Deputy Secretary of Housing & Urban Development Christopher Edley Secretary of Health & Human Services Howard Dean Deputy Secretary of Health & Human Services David Ho Secretary of Homeland Security Wesley Clark Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Anthony Zinni Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Deputy Secretary of Education Linda Sánchez Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz Deputy Secretary of Energy Juan Garcia Secretary of Transportation Mortimer Downey Deputy Secretary of Transportation Earl Blumenauer Secretary of Veteran Affairs Tammy Duckworth Deputy Secretary of Veteran Affairs Paul Hackett National Security Advisor Susan Rice Deputy National Security Advisor Ivo Daalder Director of National Intelligence Gary Hart Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence John Hutson Solicitor General Preeta Bansal Deputy Solicitor General Todd Kim White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel Deputy White House Chief of Staff Pete Rouse White House Senior Advisor David Axelrod White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Deputy White House Press Secretary Stephanie Cutter White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer Director of the Peace Corps Tim Kaine United States Ambassador to the United Nations Caroline Kennedy-Schlossberg Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Robert Kennedy, Jr. Director of the Office of Management and Budget David Plouffe Director of the National Drug Control Policy Raymond Kelly United States Trade Representative Michael Wessel Director of the C.I.A. Michael Scheuer Director of Federal Emergency Management Agency Bob Graham White House Counsel Artur Davis National Health Care Czar Elizabeth Edwards Supreme Court Appointments: John Paul Stevens - Hillary Clinton Ruth Bader-Ginsberg - Artur Davis Anthony Kennedy - Janet Napolitano Poster: John Comment: Secretary of State: George Herbert Walker Bush Poster: Terry Hildebrand Comment: Rep. Dennis Kucinich would make a great Attorney General. He is one who carries around a reduced size copy of the Constitution in his coat pocket and is a man of the highest integrity to be in charge of the Department of Justice. Rocky Mountain Institute founder and physicist Amory Lovins would make a great Secretary of Energy or be in any leading position concerning changing our energy consumption and production in this country and ridding ourselves of the highly corruptive influence of Big Oil. Howard Dean would make a great Secretary of Human Services (?) if that is its present name (I remember HEW) because of his medical doctor background. He could help in developing a an economically viable and progressive health care system in this country that cares about people's health and well being. Poster: Michael England Comment: How about Hillary Clinton as Attorney General? She has the qualifications, the experience and the toughness to restore justice back to the Department of Justice which has been so damaged by Bush Administration corruption and abuse. Poster: LJ Comment: Colin Powell John McCain Robert Gates Bill Richardson Mitt Romney Condoleezza Rice David Cay Johnson, Sec of Treasury Dennis Kucinich, Department of Peace Chalmers Johnson, Department of Defense Sen. Chuck Hagel, Sec of Defense Michael Pollan, Secretary of Agriculture Caroline Kennedy, UN Amabassador David Hawkins, Head of Department of the Interior John Conyers, Secretary of State Paul Krugman, Securities and Exchange Commissioner Bill Clinton, Roving World Ambassador Hillary Clinton, Dept OF HHS Catherine Jamisonj(U Penn) Dept of Education Greg Palast, Press Sec Poster: Michael England Comment: How about Hillary Clinton as Attorney General? She has the qualifications, the experience and the toughness to restore justice back to the Department of Justice which has been so damaged by Bush Administration corruption and abuse. Poster: Arcee Comment: I would like to see President-Elect Obama offer the position of Treasury Secretary to Catherine Austin Fitts. She is an exceptional human being: the scope of her knowledge, the quality of her insight, the depth of her heart. (You can view Fitts' resume at http://solari.com/about-us/resume, and read her remarkable, courageous -- and, for someone who was once a Washington insider, quite shocking -- story at http://www.dunwalke.com.) Poster: Eugenia Comment: TREASURY: NOT Lawrence Summers, Timothy Geithner, Paul Volcker, Warren Buffett nor Robert Rubin: they represent a bad history and too many special interests. If any of them are appointed, I think we have no hope of a real change. WILLIAM GREIDER, JOSEPH STIEGLITZ or GEORGE SORROS would be wonderful candidates for this post. ROBERT REICH could have this post, or LABOR again, but he definitely should be in the Cabinet. HOMELAND SECURITY should disappear: no need, and Dennis Ross should NOT be given any consideration for any appointment. DEFENSE is more than enough (WESLEY CLARKE there?), but we should start transitioning into a DEPARTMENT OF PEACE headed by DENNIS KUCINICH. Other appointees for different posts should be BILL MOYERS, #1; and former candidates for President: AL GORE (ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY?), JOHN EDWARDS, HOWARD DEAN and BILL RICHARSON. HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES, as part of solving the economic situation, is one of the most important tasks for the next government, This position needs to be in the hands of someone that understands that Single Payer (Medicare for all: no Insurance Companies in the middle, maximizing their profits) is the only possibility of really attaining quality, affordable Universal Health Care. Besides DENNIS KUCINICH, (if he's at the Department of Peace) whom? Poster: Samantha Courtenay Comment: Ron Paul, Secretary of the Treasury Jesse Ventura, Secretary of Defense Oprah Winfrey, Secretary of State Bill Murray, Un Ambassador Dennis Kucinich, Department of Peace Robert Kennedy Jr. DEPT OF WATER PROTECTION & Conservation Jim Sinclair,Securities and Exchange Commissioner Greg Palast, Press Secretary Colin Powell, National Security Advisor Hilary Clinton, HHS Poster: ubu Comment: Surgeon General John Kitzhaber, M.D. Few understand health care reform as the former governor of Oregon does. He's an ideal candidate for this bully pulpit. Poster: mary zartman Comment: Wangari Maathai, a nobel peace prize winner and green party member, would be an excllent advisor on US land management issues. Winona LaDuke would be secretary of state. Ralph Nader as health & human services Hilary Clinton, secertary of defense and Al Gore ambassador to the UN Poster: Jon Comment: If you want the very best there can be only one consideration for Secretary of State: Bill Clinton! Poster: praful shah Comment: Secretary of State: Gov. Bill Richardson. Sec. of treasury: Larry Summers Sec. of education: Collin Powell EPA: Rep. Kennedy Poster: will Comment: Attorney General: Greg Abbott (current TX AG) Sec. of State: Hillary Clinton Sec. of Treas.: Warren Buffett Sec. of Def.: Chuck Hagel Sec. of Energy: T. Boone Pickens (yeah, I said it!) Poster: Aganita Varkentine Comment: I think Obama should appoint a combination of fresh faces and those with experience in Washington. If everyone were new to Washington, they would have to spend a lot of time learning how to get things done. But if he appointed only insiders, many of those who voted for him (me included) will be very disappointed. I hope the cabinet will represent qualified people of both genders, both parties, many races and ethnic backgrounds. I wouldn't mind seeing Hilary Clinton as Secretary of Health and Human Services (although Edelman would also be great) or for Colin Powell to be brought back in some capacity. I would love to see Bill Moyers represent us at the U.N, and for Dennis Kucinich to head up a new Department of Peace. Poster: Jackie Rawlings Comment: My choice for Attorney General is Pat Fitzgerald Secretary of Health Hillary Clinton Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Secretary of State John Kerry Tresury Paul Krugman or Warren Buffet Dept. of Enviorment Al Gore Ambassador Oprah Bill Clinton will be assigned to repairing the US reputation around the World and of couse explaining the blueprint on how he balanced the US Budget. Powell can only advise as he will be called and might be charged with War Crimes as the United Nations will bring charges against the Bush Administration. I hope ex Gov. Spitzer will be used in the Dept. of Justice in the criminal investigation area. He's the best there is in that area. Poster: Nina Jo Hoover Comment: I think one of the people that should be a part of Obama's cabinet is Ralph Nader. He has been a long time advocate for the American people in so far as safety and enviromental concerns. Other great people would be Robert Kennedy Jr Sec of the Enviroment. Bill Moyers, Warren Buffet Sec of Treasury. Dennis Kuncnich, Ron Paul, Colen Powell,Howard Dean, John Edwards, Madaline Albright, and of course Al Gore. Hilary Clinton if she would serve in some way. Poster: Tom O'Neill Comment: I would offer cabinet jobs to the following Kennedys: RFK, Jr., Joe Kennedy II and Caroline. The first is a big environmentalist (NRDC lawyer and founder of Waterkeeper Alliance)-would be good in for EPA or Energy Dept. head. Joe II is an environmentalist and community activist-and and ex- member of congress (House of Reps.) Caroline is a lawyer, which is suitable for some govt. post. Of course Al Gore would make THE Energy Dept. head, but he wouldn't go for it no doubt. Poster: Cassandra Comment: Dream Team? Proven Winners and Powerhouse Players who know how to work well with others: Al Gore: Energy Bill Clinton: UN Permanent Rep. Hillary Clinton: Health James A Baker III: Sec'y State Colin Powell: Defense Robert Kennedy Jr.: EPA Dr. Dora Kingsley: Education Mary Bowmar: Interior Jimmy Carter: Housing Oprah Winfrey: Press Mario Cuomo: Attn'y General Howard Dean: Director Drug Control Policy John Mccain: Veterans Affairs Ralph Nader: Director Mgmt. & Budget Stephen Kappes: Homeland Security Poster: Sean Comment: I am not certain which cabinet post he would be suited for...but he ought to at least LISTEN to Andrew Bacevich, the author of the Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism. That guy is spot on. Glad he was on Moyers a few weeks ago. Colin Powell would be a superb Secretary of Defense. Poster: jgaw Comment: He should have Colin Powell as Sec. of Defense DO NOT LET JOHN KERRY BE SEC. OF STATE. IF HE CAN LET BILL CLINTON BE SEC. OF STATE. OR SEND BILL CLINTON TO THE UN RFKJR-EPA AND ANY NUMBER OF THE ECONOMIC PEOPLE HE HAD BEHIND HIM AT THE PRESS CONF. TODAY. DO NOT APPOINT POWELL OVER ED, GET SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN IN EDUCATION AND APPT THEM Poster: Katherine Hine Comment: The most important thing Obama can do to understand the economy is to read Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine, and then read and study it AGAIN. If he doesn't truly get the neo-con strategy of creating crisis to enhance the opportunities for corporate pillage, he cannot help us. As Nelson Mandela betrayed the promises of the Freedom Charter, Obama, if he doesn't take Klein's work to heart, will betray us to the Milton Friedman corporate oligarachs. Obama must not assume that the so-called free market experts know more than he does, and NEVER forget it was the Clintons who crammed NAFTA down our throats. Poster: alisa Comment: I think Colin Powell should definitely be involved in this administration (secretary of defense or state would be very good), Howard Dean for health care, Warren Buffett for treasury, environmental/energy secretary Al Gore or Robert Kennedy Jr to name a few. Poster: Diane Comment: Paul Krugman-- treasury or labor, Robert Reich-- labor or treasury Richard Luger-- Defense Howard Dean- HHW Create a cabinet position for the environment headed by RF Kennedy, Jr. Poster: patricia Comment: Finance: Paul Krugman (please) Defense: Andrew Bacevich Health: Hillary (let her finish the job she started in the 90's) Please bring back Samantha Power she is too great of an accett to loose because of one comment. She's young and learning. The Major of Newark, New Jersey (talk about being positive and full of energy) And I believe Greg Morrison (Three Cups of Tea) should somehow help us to mend our fences with Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Poster: George Comment: Ralph Nader as EPA head or Consumer Protection Agency Hilary Clinton as Supreme Court Judge Colin Powell as Secretary of State again Al Franken as Press Secretary if he loses the recount Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of the Treasury Michael Pollan Secretary of Agriculture Poster: Antoinette Tanenbaum-Gordon Comment: Colin Powell was castratated by Bush when he was Secretary of State. Now he can truly be the excellent intelligent man he is in this administration! Truth will now prevail! Congradulations Barack this was all meant to be as should be obvious to everyone by now! Barack is literally a GENIUS! May the creator Bless You and your family. My husband and I have the colour T shirt of you and your family with the presidential seal on our bedroom wall! I would also like to say I'd like to see you hang in the white house pictures of our fine black historians and inventors that have not been given their just due. Everyone is praying for your and your family everyday! I breed absolutely beautiful golden retrievers and would be more than happy to give you the pick of the litter being born the last week of this month. They are Soooooo special people come from all over to buy them. I am from The Big Island, my husband is from Colorado a 30 yr. veteran contracting officer at the Denver Federal Center his name is Randale K. Jackson Aloha islandantoinette@comcast.net Poster: Cheryl Comment: Many of the comments above focus on removing wonderful people from their elected positions -- senators, governors, congresspeople -- to enter the White House. Many of these people can help as much or more from their current positions -- a Congress to lead in bringing good laws and bills forward, states to work with the federal gov't to solve the massive problems. Rather, it makes sense to look to those with great expertise who are NOT now elected officials. These experts may come from business, NGOs, academia, cities, former elected officials, etc. While some will necessarily come from among the currently elected, it does not benefit our country by removing all the best and brightest from the ranks of the elected officials. Poster: Maggie from northern New Mexico Comment: Thank you for this opportunity, I see that Robert F Kennedy is mentioned many times. After hearing him speak several times I hoped he might be used in service to our country in the energy field. He has the knowledge to help get us moving in a greener direction which our world desperately needs as does our economy. I'd like to see Paul Voelker as Sec of Treasury. He is truly an economic Sage. Colin Powell ,Sec of Defense there is no better choice.Bill Richardson ,Sec of State .Ralph Nader Sec of Labor . Al Gore Sec of Interior and even though I have always questioned Condi Rice, I think she might be put to good service somewhere. I'd also like to see Carolynn Kennedy as our representative to the UN. But mostly, I'd love to see appointments that were from both sides of the aisle. Poster: Ed in Tucson Comment: I would like to see Mr. Obama offer John McCain the job of Secretary of Veteran's Affairs. McCain would be a natural if he cares as much as he claims to about the plight of today's veterans; accepting the job would give the Senator a chance to prove his sincerity. The bonus for those of us who live in Arizona is that he would no longer represent us as badly as he has for the past few years. Our Democratic Governor would be able to replace him with a Democrat who would bring the Senate one vote closer to a filibuster proof majority. Win, win, win:) Poster: Kevin in Boise, idaho Comment: State: John Bonifaz Defense: Larry Korb Treasury: Joe Stiglitz Commerce: Elliot Spitzer Labor: Mark Weisbrot AG: John Edwards Energy: Matt Simmons Transportation: Michelle Robinson Environment: Robert Kennedy Jr Interior: Mark Udall Agriculture: Jim Hightower Education: Noam Chomsky Housing: Rosalyn Carter Health & Human Services: Marian Wright Edleman Press Sec: Stephen Colbert (just seeing if you're paying attention) Poster: Gretchen Pili Comment: Secretary of State - Bill Richardson Poster: James Campbell, AZ Comment: Sec.of Defense..Colin Powell Veteran Affairs..Harry Mitchell, AZ Dept of Health..Hilary Clinton Attorney General..Robert Kennedy jr UN Ambassador..Jimmy Carter Justice..Michelle Obama Sec.of State..Chuck Hagel Homeland security/immigration...Gov Bill Richardson Poster: Mark H Comment: If I could have anyone I wanted I would start with Elliot Spizer-Treasury (in spite of his personel problems he know Wall Street and he's tough), Keep Bernanke as Fed Chair (but keep Volker handy), Bill Clinton-Secretary of State, John McCain-Secretary of Defense, Hillary-Attorney General, Al Gore-Interior, Robert Reich-anything he wants! I would also try to find a home for Colon Powell, Lindsay Graham, Janet Nepalitano, Mitt Romney, and General Pataius when he is availabel. In a crisis you need people with a proven track record! Poster: George Comment: Ralph Nader as EPA head or Consumer Protection Agency Hilary Clinton as Supreme Court Judge Colin Powell as Secretary of State again Al Franken as Press Secretary if he loses the recount Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Secretary of the Treasury Michael Pollan Secretary of Agriculture Poster: Barbara from Albuquerque Comment: Bill Richardson for Secretary of State. Dennis Kucinish for HHS to implement single payer health care system. Al Gore for Dept of Energy RFK, jr for Dept of Interior Bill Moyers as his personal advisor Wesley Clark--Homeland Security Poster: Jeff Bragg Comment: Hilary Clinton Health & Human Services Colin Powell Sec. of State John McCain Sec. of Defense Kevin Phillips Sec. of Treasury Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sec. of Energy Poster: Ben Barnett Comment: Defense - Colin Powell Treasury - Robert Reich Energy - T. Boone Pickens, Amory Lovins State - Richard Holbrook Interior - Robert Kennedy Jr H&HS - Hillary Clinton EPA - Christine Whitman (she got canned for trying) Justice - let Roger Wilkins pick Poster: Carolyn Roberts Comment: Governor Bill Richardson- Secretary of State Poster: Tom Morehouse, Connecticut Comment: Who would I like to see in the new Administration? Competent people. In other words, the complete opposite of those appointed during the last eight years. Poster: Mari Murphy Comment: group of economic advisors including Robert Reich,Joseph Stiglitz, Naomi Klein, Ralph Nader, and any other experts who are respected for well reasoned thinking. Poster: Miriam Comment: Neil deGrasse Tyson for Science Advisor. A suggestion for Obama's health care proposal: Since most Americans approve of Medicare, make a push for Medicare for All Americans. We may be able to get Universal Health Care if we change the label. Poster: Leonard Comment: Gov. Janet Napolitano for Attny. General for sure!!! Warren Buffett for Treasury Colin Powell for Sec. of State Max Cleland for Vet. Affairs Poster: Perry Comment: Education: William Ayers Defense: Colin Powell State: Wesley Clark Treasury: Paul Krugman Homeland Security: Bill Richardson Interior: Rboert Kennedy Commerce: Olympia Snowe Attorney General: Hillary Clinton Poster: Trish Comment: PS Oh yes. Howard Dean. Al Gore. Poster: Eric Reichenberger Comment: Treasury: Paul Krugman Labor: Robert Reich Defense: Colin Powell Poster: Trish Comment: I would like to see Colin Powell, RFK, paul Krugman,a Clinton, for starters. Poster: Liz Comment: Sec. of State, Bill Moyers Treasury, Jeffrey Sachs, economist at Columbia University Defense, Ron Paul Justice, Jennifer Granholm, (Gov. o Michigan) Interior, RFK, Jr. Agriculture, Michael Pollin (new book, In Defense of Food) Commerce, Cynthia McKinney (Green Party Pres. Candidate) Labor, Ralph Nader HHS, Dennis Kucinich HUD, Cory Booker (current mayor of Newark, N.J.) Energy, Al Gore Education, Connie Rice, (brilliant constitutional lawyer with a passion for transforming our educational system) Vet's Affairs- Max Cleland Homeland Security, Steven M. Greer (book, Hidden Truth, Forbidden Knowledge) EPA- Wendell Barry FCC Chair- Amy Goodman Poster: Mary Comment: I would like to see a position for Colin Powell and a few? moderate replications. Would really show that he's reaching across party lines to do what is right for the country. NOT that I think Republicans are right for the country :) but I think the best person is not always going to be a Democrat (though in my humble opinion, many are...) Poster: Mary Comment: I would like to see a position for Colin Powell and a few? moderate replications. Would really show that he's reaching across party lines to do what is right for the country. NOT that I think Republicans are right for the country :) but I think the best person is not always going to be a Democrat (though in my humble opinion, many are...) Poster: Alice Comment: Treasury: James Galbraith (UTex LBJ Chair) Defense: Senator Chuck Hagel EPA: Robert Kennedy, Jr. Intelligence: Richard Clarke State: Andrew Bacevich HHS: Howard Dean SEC: Mayor Bloomberg HUD: Elizabeth Warren Department of Elections: Greg Palast Attorney General: John Dean OSHA: Ralph Nader Veterans Affairs: I agree with Max Cleland!! Labor: Robert Reich First appointee to the Supreme Court: Hillary Clinton! Poster: J. Bonden Comment: PostScript regarding Dream Cabinet: Chuck Hagel for something Poster: Perry Comment: Education: William Ayers Defense: Colin Powell State: Wesley Clark Treasury: Paul Krugman Homeland Security: Bill Richardson Interior: Rboert Kennedy Commerce: Olympia Snowe Attorney General: Hillary Clinton Poster: Francesca Rheannon Comment: My picks: Treasury Secretary: Paul Krugman Secretary of Labor: Andy Sterns Health and Human Services: Hillary Clinton Housing and Urban Development: Philip Mangano Secretary of Agriculture: Paul Roberts Secretary of the Interior: Bill Richardson EPA: Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Dept. of Peace (new): Dennis Kucinich Special Envoy on Climate Change (new): Al Gore Secretary of Commerce: Denise Nappier (currently Connecticut treasurer) Secretary of Transportation: Paul Brubaker Secretary of Energy: Richard Heinberg Joseph Stiglitz Poster: J. Bonden Comment: Dream cabinet: Treasury: Sheila Bair EPA: Robert Kennedy, Jr. and/or Van Jones Interior: Al Gore Labor: Jim Webb State: Kansas Gov. Sibelius or Howard Dean Federal Reserve: Paul Volker Defense: Colin Powell Agriculture: Bill Richardson Absolutely NOT: Lawrence Summers, Robert Rubin, John Kerry, Hillary Clinton Poster: Publius Comment: President-elect Obama has called for a new consensus. To achieve it, bi-partisanship demands [among other things] a 'Team of Rivals' [Kearns-Goodwin] administration, rehabilitation of the Congressional seniority system of committee chairmanships that has effectively blocked reform legislation authored by junior members, and political cover for those who would cross party lines. Politics is the art of compromise -- we voted for change, not revolution. President-elect Obama will do what he can within the Constitutional constraints of his office -- constraints that the Bush/Cheney administration showed utter contempt for -- We The People will have to do the rest. Change does not come from the top down, but from the bottom up; it will come only when the passive receptors of rhetoric transform the private voting lever into the trigger of their own public action. Theodore Roosevelt said, < Poster: Publius Comment: President-elect Obama has called for a new consensus. To achieve it, bi-partisanship demands [among other things] a 'Team of Rivals' [Kearns-Goodwin] administration, rehabilitation of the Congressional seniority system of committee chairmanships that has effectively blocked reform legislation authored by junior members, and political cover for those who would cross party lines. Politics is the art of compromise -- we voted for change, not revolution. President-elect Obama will do what he can within the Constitutional constraints of his office -- constraints that the Bush/Cheney administration showed utter contempt for -- We The People will have to do the rest. Change does not come from the top down, but from the bottom up; it will come only when the passive receptors of rhetoric transform the private voting lever into the trigger of their own public action. Theodore Roosevelt said, < Poster: PJ Comment: Secretary of Defense: Andrew Bacevich Secretary of State: Colin Powell EPA Adminstrator: Robert Kennedy, Jr. U.N. Ambassador: Caroline Kennedy Energy Advisor: Al Gore WH Chief of Staff: Nancy Pelosi (and I believe Rahm Emanuel will be a great Chief of Staff, but I think he would have been better placed as Speaker of the House) Attorney General: Dennis Kucinich Secretary of Treasury: Paul Volker FDA Adminstrator: Ralph Nader Secretary of Homeland Security: Bill Richardson WH Press Secretary: Maria Shriver Schwarzennegger Poster: ardyce bohlke Comment: From the center of the United States where diversity is minimal, I hope he will demonstrate to the country how diversity can be a strength and not to be feared. Poster: John Comment: Many good ideas on names and their positions. Certainly bi-partisianship is needed and promised, but lets be honest, some of those names you all have provided is a wish list. A wish list based on their level of leadership and expertise when they are their own boss. I do not doubt any of them, but can they all sit at a long table along with the 14 other departments heads? Can they do this without selling their own agenda? Can they do this and respond to the one person whose shoulders hold the Executive Branch? unfortunately our modern perception of responsibilty for our nation is in now rested on who receives the Pomp and Circumstance and not the bicameral 535 and the Supreme 9. So, could these wish lists people serve their country one last time in their greatest role...? Poster: John Comment: Many good ideas on names and their positions. Certainly bi-partisianship is needed and promised, but lets be honest, some of those names you all have provided is a wish list. A wish list based on their level of leadership and expertise when they are their own boss. I do not doubt any of them, but can they all sit at a long table along with the 14 other departments heads? Can they do this without selling their own agenda? Can they do this and respond to the one person whose shoulders hold the Executive Branch? unfortunately our modern perception of responsibilty for our nation is in now rested on who receives the Pomp and Circumstance and not the bicameral 535 and the Supreme 9. So, could these wish lists people serve their country one last time in their greatest role...? Poster: Linda, NYC Comment: Billy Graham, Al Gore (environment), Dr. Ogletree (Justice), Oprah Winfrey (human services), Michael Bloomberg (Treasury), Bill Gates, Colin Powell (Secretary of State), Marian Wright Edelman, Michelle Obama (Education), Dr. Blanton Harper (health), Poster: marian stroustrup Comment: Paul Krugman for Treasury Poster: Suzanne M. Comment: I have only one pick: Georgetown Professor Neal Katyal either as attorney general or in a high-level Department of Justice post (or special post to address Guantanamo). Or... Supreme Court Justice? That would be wonderful. Katyal was the lead counsel in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (the SC decided in his favor). When the Military Commissions Act was being debated in the Senate, Obama talked to Katyal for two hours (as reported in Slate). Obama has no doubt noticed Katyal. He's brilliant. (If you ever get the chance to listen to the transcript of Katyal's argument before the Supreme Court in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, you really, really should. It's available on the New York Times web site - http://www.nytimes.com/packages/khtml/2006/03/28/politics/20060329_SCOTUS_AUDIOSS.html - Gorgeous argument.) He also happens to be Indian American and would thus offer the cabinet diversity Charles Ogletree predicts. Poster: Andrea Comment: None of the Clinton's; no Kerry or Edwards, either. Please, out with the old/unsuccessful, and in with the new. Powell on Defense is a logical choice. Additionally, a wise Obama overture which would appease all McCain supporters (and MUCH of the popular vote I might add) -- appoint Sen. John McCain to an appropriate leadership role. He has given his life for our country and has earned the honor. Poster: Robert Comment: Robert Reich, Bill Richardson, C Powell, Hagel, Volker, a few goldman sachs people, petraeus . . . Poster: Craig in Austin Comment: Justice Charles Ogletree HEW Howard Dean Treasury Bloomberg SEC Krugman Secretary of State Richardson Defense Clark or Hagel Interior Gore Health Insurance -- John Edwards Israel-Palestinge -- Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton Poster: Bob Neveln Comment: Secretary of State: Kathy Kelly She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by the American Friends Service Committee for her work against the sanctions on Iraq. Her skill in negotiations and judgment of character would make her an excellent diplomat-in-chief. Her selection would demonstrate a commitment to peace not war in a clear unmistakable way. It would manifest a REAL change. Poster: Nancy Comment: Definitely a Department of Peace, Hillary for something, some outside the beltway folks, some republicans, more women and minorities. Pragmatists not partisans. Work for win-win solutions. Let's turn our backs on the sort of my-way-or-the-highway type bullying that characterized the current administration and not be ashamed of compromise. How else can a divided nation be united? Poster: Ruth Comment: Education: Bill Gates in some position, perhaps advisor United Nations: Caroline Kennedy Interior: Robert Kennedy, Jr. Health: Howard Dean Somewhere: Colin Powell, William Richardson, competent Republicans Nowhere: John Kerry, John McCain, Energy: That smart old Texan ?Pickens Finance: Warren Buffet He should choose the best on both sides of the aisle. We all voted for change! Poster: Audrey Crawford Comment: Bill Cosby for Secretary of Education. Poster: Tom D'Ambrosio Comment: Without a doubt, Bill Richardson for Secretary of State. As former Ambassador to the U.N., whose resume includes negotiating with countries like North Korea (this year) and convincing them, not only to discuss disarmament, but release the remains of a number of soldiers from the Korean War; and negotiating with Saddam Hussein in the '90's, I can think of no one more qualified for that position. For Defense Secretary, keeping Gates on would be an excellent idea. It would be vey well received by Republicans as an olive-branch towards bi-partisanship on their most prominent issue, and Gates was a harsh critic of the idea of invading Baghdad during the first Bush (41) Administration. I'd also like to see an At Large Ambassadorship for Al Gore on Environmental Issues. He's not interested in a permanent position, which makes at At Large appointment perfect for any future Kyoto style conferences. Poster: David Comment: The cabinet was,for the most part, a done deal after the primary. However,I think Bill Moyers would agree with my Selection of Ben Bagdakian as FCC Chair. Poster: Patrick Scot Tanner Comment: Ralph Nader! For sure! Most definately! Dennis Kucinich! Cynthia McKinney! Ron Paul! No Clintons! No Bush-Nixon-Reagan-Ford Team! No New World Order! No Council On Foregin Relations! No Bilderberg Group! No Tri-lateral Commission! No Illuminatti! No abortionists! No Rothchilds! No Rockefellers! No Neo-CONS! On the left-hand of The New World Order! Or on the right hand of The New World Order! No old cabinet members from other administrations! New faces with no tentacles attached! Poster: gene page Comment: Bill Richardson Sec of State; John Kerry Sec of Defense; Lora Tyson, Sec of Treasury; John Edwards attorney general. Poster: lither Comment: National Security Adviser: Richard Clarke. Poster: Byron D. Gallup Comment: I'm sure that many others besides me will voice the same thought, but that being said I would like to place into nomination the name of COLIN POWELL for Secretary of State. Poster: Bob Comment: As an independent and a realist I know that I won't agree with every Obama decision or direction. I won't pick his cabinet or opine my choices, but what I would like to see is W's head on a pike at the White House gate. Poster: Jamie Comment: A great bipartisan move would be to nominate Sen. John McCain as Director of National Intelligence. McCain might hesitate because he'd have to vacate his seat, and the Democratic governor of Arizona would appoint a Democrat to replace him, but McCain owes nothing to the Republican party anymore! Poster: Katherine Comment: Bill Richardson - Secretary of State Poster: Jersey Joe Comment: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Colin Powell, perhaps Al Gore somewhere, Warren Buffett. But please, please, PLEASE don't get either Clinton involved - we don't need that kind of polarization again! Poster: Eric Reichenberger Comment: Treasury: Paul Krugman Labor: Robert Reich Defense: Colin Powell Poster: NATE Comment: SAMUAL 'BUZZ' THOMAS: DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Poster: William from West Orange, NJ Comment: Robert Reich = Treasury Secretary Poster: Cindy Bethell (Portland, OR) Comment: Phil Landrigan, Director of the Children's Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, should at the least, be one of our soon-to-be President Obama's advisers on public health. He is a brilliant, principled and courageous leader in the field of toxics and children's health. The National Children's Health Study should at last be funded! Max Cleland - should definitely lead the VA. Bobby Kennedy would be a smart, dedicated, loyal Secretary of EPA - yes, they should finally add EPA to the Cabinet. Al Gore - Director of the (new) Office of Climate Change - he and his Nobel Prize would immediately give the new office stature and gravitas. Poster: Laura Comment: Former US Attorney David Iglesias for Justice Department-! Ralph Nader is comsumer protection of some sort- FCC or? Hillary Clinton for Health & Human Services. I hope Obama will appoint diverse individuals - Women, Asian and Native American appointees! Poster: Charlie Comment: I'd like to nominate Hillary for Secretary of State. I hope you agree that she would do a bang-up job now that she doesn't have to be sometimes devious (as in the primary). And I think that the world would love her!: Barack as King of the U.S. & Hillary as Queen! Plus Hillary must have pulled in many, many needed votes for Barack! After Condoleezza Rice, Hillary would be a breath of fresh air! Poster: Richard Berghofer Comment: Republican Senators who have been elected from a state that has a Democratic Governor. Then the Democratic Governor can appointed a Demoncrate to the Senate to full out the Republicans term, making the Senate fulibuster free. I appreciate you letting me comment. Richard Poster: Christy Comment: I definitely agree that bankers should be kept out of the financial administration. Joseph Stiglitz would be a fantastic choice if he is willing to take the job. Also I think he should bring Samantha Power back in some capacity. We need the best and the brightest. Poster: Jan Comment: Wesley Clark for Secretary of State or National Security Advisor Poster: edie Comment: Obama does not need to include any Wall Street Advisors who caused the mess we are in. He should appoint fresh faces with experience but not from bankers who are not loaning money as they should but taking the taxpayers for a ride right now. We need Al Gore, Max Cleland,Robert Reich, Joe Steiglitz and Paul Krugman, Robert Kennedy Jr, Jim Webb, Avory Lovins. they represent positive change. Robert Reich is also a good choice. Poster: Susan R Kepner Comment: Cabinet picks: Gov Bill Richardson for Sec of State, Howard Dean for Sec. Health and Human Services, Sec of Defense Ret.Army Andrew Baracvich, UN Ambassador Bill Moyers, Energy& Environment Al Gore, Interior RFK jr , Labor R Reich, Education M R Eldelman , Sec of Peace, Dennis Kuncnich Poster: Ilof Musich Comment: I don't care to what position they are appointed, as long as they are close enough to Barack Obama to be heard/seen regularly: Wesley Clarke, Dennis Kucinich (Department of Peace), Colin Powell, Chuck Hegel, Bill Richardson, Al Gore, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Janet N., gov. of AZ; Howard Dean, Surgeon General?; Bill Moyers - Personal Advisor to the President. God Bless them all. Poster: Sharon in Chicago Comment: CHANGE, to me, means not recycling the usual suspects. There are so many great minds out there, surely we can find some who've not previously run for President or have worked in previous Administrations. This would exclude John Kerry, both Clintons, Robert Reich (though I do like him, as well as Richardson), Wesley Clark. Unfortunately, Washington seems to love to recycle their own, even the losers. I'm disappointed in Obama's first appointment of Rahm Emanuel, but I'm hoping he can fill other positions with people who are truly experts in their fields, not just friends & loyalists. So that being said, although the name is of course familiar, I think the first stand-out choice should be: ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, for EPA or DEPT OF INTERIOR (which is more powerful?) - no contest! Other good people for something: Jim Webb, Chuck Hagel, Rep Joe Sestak (PA), General Anthony Zinni, Andrew Bacevich ... & of course several Dem Governors (Napolitano, Rendell, Ritter, etc.) P.S. I share Phyllis' love for Howard Dean! He is a fantastic party Chair, & HE is the reason we're able to compete in all 50 states. As long as he is not under Rahm's thumb, please keep him in a good job somewhere! Poster: John B. Comment: PAUL KRUGMAN for Treasury Secretary! Poster: Chris Comment: How about Kevin Phillips or William Greider for Treasury, Noam Chomsky for State, Winona LaDuke for EPA head, Ralph Nader for AG, Naomi Klein for commerce, Marian Wright Edelman for HHS, Jonathan Kozol for Education, I'm sure they could find a position for Ron Daniels... They all said CHANGE, right? Bill Moyers for press secretary? Poster: Laurie Neeno Comment: Ralph Nader: Dept. Transportation Colin Powell: Sec'y of Defense John Edwards: Dept. Labor Hillary Clinton: Dept. Health Howard Dean: Surgeon General? Health care Ruby Payne: Dept. of Education Max Cleland: Dept. Veteran Affairs Noam Chomsky: Sec'y of State Gov. Bill Richardson: Sec'y of Interior Robert Kennedy Jr.: Dept. of Environmnt (new, including Climate Change) Al Gore: Dept. of Energy Wesley Clark: Homeland Security Michael Moore: Endowment of the Arts Where can we put Bill Clinton? Tom Daschle? Poster: Con Comment: Agriculture: Jim Leach Attorney General: Hilary Clinton Commerce: Kathleen Sebelius Defense: Colin Powell Education: Nancy Grasmick Energy: Brian Schweitzer Health and Human Services: Howard Dean Homeland Security: Susan Collins Housing&Urban Development: Interior: Tom Daschle Justice: Labor: National Security Adviser: Greg Craig State: Bill Richardson Tansportation: Michael Powell Treasury: Laura Tyson Veteran's Affairs: Max Cleland Poster: Marc Lesperance Comment: I think Samantha Power would be a wonderful Secretary of State, but given her gaffe earlier this year when she called Hillary Clinton a monster, maybe Undersecreatry of State would be an acceptable position for her. I like Paul Krugman as Secretary of Labor, and think Wesley Clark should have a position in the cabinet - National Security Advisor or Secretary of Defense. No Chuck Hagel - PLEASE! Poster: Mike Comment: Colin Powell either as Secretary of State or in the top military position. Poster: Ginger Comment: How about qualifications rather than names: -very experienced in the specific field (aka, not simply a political appointee) -a track record of making policy progress in spite of substantial odds (i.e., prepared) -listens to all sides, continues to learn, flexible & open about basis for decisions -has a clean background (aka no conflicts of interest) and reputation for honesty -is strong enough to fight for funding & policy changes when necessary -a history of serving the public good rather than special or personal interests Maybe these expectations are too high. But with 300,000,000 people in this country, I don't think so. Selecting senior staff is like marriage - chose in haste, regret in perpetuity. Poster: marc Comment: Amory Lovins for Secretary of Energy, Ralph Nader for Secretary of Labor, Chalmers Johnson for Secretary of State, Joseph Stiglitz for Secretary of Commerce and Cynthia McKinney for Attorney General. I forgot the name of the African-American woman Clinton nominated for Attorney General. Poster: Mary Comment: Agriculture: Grassley (sp?) of Iowa (crossing party lines) Defense: Colon Powell or Andrew J. Bacevich Education: Nancy Zimpher Treasury: Robert Reich Interior/Environment: Al Gore State: Andrew J. Bacevich No to Kerry, Edwards, and other problems! Poster: Jasper Comment: I hope Obama considers Van Jones for a cabinet position. He is absolutely wonderful on many, many levels. He's the Founder of Green for All, an environmental organization. He'd be perfect to head any environmental office, but the EPA would be good for starters. His credentials are impeccable. Poster: Sharon in Chicago Comment: CHANGE, to me, means not recycling the usual suspects. There are so many great minds out there, surely we can find some who've not previously run for President or have worked in previous Administrations. This would exclude John Kerry, both Clintons, Robert Reich (though I do like him, as well as Richardson), Wesley Clark. Unfortunately, Washington seems to love to recycle their own, even the losers. I'm disappointed in Obama's first appointment of Rahm Emanuel, but I'm hoping he can fill other positions with people who are truly experts in their fields, not just friends & loyalists. So that being said, although the name is of course familiar, I think the first stand-out choice should be: ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, for EPA or DEPT OF INTERIOR (which is more powerful?) - no contest! Other good people for something: Jim Webb, Chuck Hagel, Rep Joe Sestak (PA), General Anthony Zinni, Andrew Bacevich ... & of course several Dem Governors (Napolitano, Rendell, Ritter, etc.) P.S. I share Phyllis' love for Howard Dean! He is a fantastic party Chair, & HE is the reason we're able to compete in all 50 states. As long as he is not under Rahm's thumb, please keep him in a good job somewhere! Poster: Sharon in Chicago Comment: CHANGE, to me, means not recycling the usual suspects. There are so many great minds out there, surely we can find some who've not previously run for President or have worked in previous Administrations. This would exclude John Kerry, both Clintons, Robert Reich (though I do like him, as well as Richardson), Wesley Clark. Unfortunately, Washington seems to love to recycle their own, even the losers. I'm disappointed in Obama's first appointment of Rahm Emanuel, but I'm hoping he can fill other positions with people who are truly experts in their fields, not just friends & loyalists. So that being said, although the name is of course familiar, I think the first stand-out choice should be: ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, for EPA or DEPT OF INTERIOR (which is more powerful?) - no contest! Other good people for something: Jim Webb, Chuck Hagel, Rep Joe Sestak (PA), General Anthony Zinni, Andrew Bacevich ... & of course several Dem Governors (Napolitano, Rendell, Ritter, etc.) P.S. I share Phyllis' love for Howard Dean! He is a fantastic party Chair, & HE is the reason we're able to compete in all 50 states. As long as he is not under Rahm's thumb, please keep him in a good job somewhere! Poster: Hillary Comment: I think arthur is right on! I don't know Jamie Clark or Mark Ritchie, but I agree with: Defense: Gen. Wesley Clark State: Gov. Bill Richardson Treasury: Warren Buffett (new): Environment: Robert Kennedy, JR (new): Climate Change: Al Gore Veterans Affairs Max Cleland I agree with Phyllis on HHS or Surgeon General: Howard Dean and would add this important new cabinet post! Department of Peace: Dennis Kucinich Poster: michael Comment: The only thing that comes to mind immediately, is Robert Reich back at Labor. Poster: MEF Comment: I would not look at Kerry. John Kitzaber: Past 2 term gov of Oregon could work in Health or Interior. -Is as well versed as anyone in healthcare issues and it is in his bones. -His fluency of public lands issues paticularly western federal lands were always there but salmon issues gave him depth in this arena. -He is a western, rural Democrat from a progressively green state. He gets it. Poster: christine z. Comment: Paul Voelker for Treasury. No one who was a deregulation cheerleader, like R.Ruben should be considered. Ron Paul for Dept. of Defense. The Military Industrial Complex must be put into defense and out of empire. Ralph Nader for Dept. of Labor. No brainer. Press Secretary: Amy Goodman Dept. of Peace: Dennis Kucinich In general, have progressive representation from those with views that are rarely called upon. We need the best and the brightest. Poster: Hans Schaublin Comment: Dennis Kucinich has the right plan for universal health insurance. A one-payer system that will solve our problems. Make him Secretary of Health Insurance, and let him implement it. Poster: george H. Beres Comment: Obama needs someone to offset the pro-Israel attitude sure to be found in Emmanuel, his new chief of staff, whose Zionist attitudes are well-known. Why is it Obama has been so unswerving in his support of Israel's policies? And what are implications of the Vice-President saying he is a Zionist? Poster: Mike B. Comment: A new Department of Peace with the following positions: Department of Peace-- Chief of Staff to direct non-military World Peacekeeping units for each unique continent: Colin Powell Department of Peace-- Secretary: Ray Suarez Department of Peace-- Secretary of Universal Daycare: Michelle Obama (to set up a universal daycare system that teaches the fundamentals of mindful communication and respectful, non-abusive conflict resolution to preschoolers. These daycare/nursery school centers will offer important careers to welfare mothers who will receive special training.) Department of Climate Correction--Al Gore! Department of Health and Well Being-- Universal Healthcare with a focus on preventative measures and healing instead of on medications alone. Follow the Kaiser Permanente model. Result: dramatically lower diabetes through dietary education. Poster: Rich Comment: Where is the change? So far Obama and all of you want to put the same old partisan hacks into a cabinet that is supposed to initiate change. And naming Howard Dean to any position in a change oriented cabinet is ludicrous at best. Dean is the architect of a great deal of the division in this country and being a loose cannon is one of his better qualities. So let's hope he doesn't fill posts with the Daschle's, Kerry's and Kennedy's we ALL know are as partisan as they come. And AL Gore would never accept a position that would curtail his perpetuation of the biggest fraud ever conceived in order to get filthy stinking rich and be thought to be a hero at the same time. Or haven't you heard that average global temps are actually dropping now? Poster: Barbara Comment: President-elect Obama is off to a disturbing start with his choice of chief of staff: a politician who will put politics ahead of what is best for the country. As Bruce Fein has repeatedly pointed out, this is precisely what has been wrong with our government for decades and what has created the schism that has so deeply fractured our country. If Obama really wants change, he should look outside the Beltway and corporate America for cabinet members and advisers with fresh outlooks and creative, outside-the-box thinking. Instead, sadly, Obama will give us a menu of Clinton administration re-treads and Washington insiders. If he had true vision and a desire for real chanage, his Cabinet would include people like Kevin Phillips, who warned about the economic crash; Bruce Fein, who understands the constitutional limitations on the three branches of government; Samantha Powers, the Pulitizer Prize winning author who could advise him on foreign policy, and true progressives like Dennis Kucinich, Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader. Don't hold your breath. Like the commitment-phobic boyfriend, Obama will eventually disappoint and break your heart. Poster: Ayn O'Neill Comment: John Dean & John Edwards, Attys General Wendell Barry, Head of EPA Robert Kennedy Jr. DEPT OF WATER PROTECTION & Conservation David Cay Johnson, Sec of Treasury Dennis Kucinich, Department of Peace Chalmers Johnson, Department of Defence Sen. Chuck Hagel, Sec of Defence Michael Pollan, Secretary of Agriculture Caroline Kennedy, UN Amabassador David Hawkins, Head of Department of the Interior John Conyers, Secretary of State DAVID GOODMAN (AMY'S BROTHER) CHAIR FCC (or Bill Moyers) Paul Krugman, Securities and Exchange Commissioner Bill Clinton, Roving World Ambassador Hillary Clinton, DEPT OF HHS Catherine Jamisonj(U Penn) DEPT OF EDUCATION RANDEL JOHNSON, DEPT OF LABOR Vincent Bugliosi- Lieason to International Criminal Court Greg Palast, Press Secretary Poster: Karen Warren Comment: Marion Wright Edelman, Secty. of Education Samantha Power, National Security Advisor Poster: Renae Payne Comment: possible qualified names (many I am not thinking of.) Most importantly, let's have members of the so-called opposition as in Abraham Lincoln's example. I believe it is very important at this moment in history to cultivate a bi-partisanship. Colin Powell Robert Kennedy, Jr. (my hero) Al Gore Warren Buffett Bill Richardson Hillary Clinton John McCain Frederico Pena Ann Richards Madeleine Albright Sandra Day O'Connor Jimmy Carter Poster: Romaine Comment: Senator John McCain of Arizoniz in any position that he could be useful and beneficial in to help presidential-elect Obama. It would be exceptionally great to see him chosen as a member of Obama's cabinet. He is presently a ranking republican in the Armed Services Committee in the Senate. Also known is the fact that much of his best work in the Senate was done by reaching across the aisle and working with democrats. And in his concession speech, he has pledged to do all in his power to work with Obama now and help him in any way he can. That would be a dream of mine. Poster: JanetCruz Comment: Put John McCain in charge of finding Osama Bin Ladin, since he repreatedly said that he knew how to find him and how to get him. Poster: Julie Comment: I'd like to see Howard Frumkin for Health or EPA Cindy Mann for Health Phillip Landrigan for Health Robert Reich for Labor (I still love him - he's extremely smart and not afraid to criticize his allies) Poster: dave bonin Comment: President Obama should have the courager, political and otherwsie to name Dennis Cussinich for his cabinet for health and welfare matters. Ralph Nader should also be a member, for the FCC, or Federal Trade commission and perhaps attorney general.F. Paul Volker for chairman of the federal reserve etc. Will he have the courage to do it.?or will he kow tow to the big corporations Poster: John C. Miller Comment: Definitely Colin Powell. Perhaps as Sec. of State. Others I'd think of are John Kerry, Hillary Clinton. Knowing Barack Obama's unifying ways, he should choose a couple of Republicans also. Poster: Cyndi Comment: Hillary Clinton for head of Health and Human Services (all areas she knows inside and out). RFK Jr. for head of the EPA. That would be a dream come true. Al Gore as energy czar or a similar role. Poster: Pamela C Comment: ECONOMIC ADVISOR: Catherine Austin Fitts, progressive economist & former Undersecretary of HUD in early 90's. Obama's Prevention-Orientation should include taking leadership on promoting the Dept of Peace as initiated by Rep Dennis Kucinich. Poster: Gary Webb Comment: Not that she would probably take it, but I think Cokie Roberts would make a great press secretary. By the same token I think Colin Powell would succeed as Sec. of State. He did a great job, except Bush set him up for failure. Poster: Brad Eddins Comment: Treasury Secretary: Catherine Austin Fitts We need the highest integrity and intellect that's worked in Wall Street but came out of Wall Street clean. She has been proving ideas public finance with actual projects that would inpsire everyone to let go of government's money and dirty politics while funding our future with higher principles, our own sweat equity and increasing the popcicle index(our childrens likely success). Poster: Paul E. Fowl Comment: MY SUGGESTIONS; COLIN POWELL BILL CLINTON HILLARY CLINTON MAYOR OF NEWARK, NJ MAYOR OF NYC FELIX ROTAHAN PETER UBENHOFF (SP) OLYMPICS REPRESENTATIVES OF SMALL TOWN AMERICA REPRESENTATIVES OF SMALL BUSINESS CONDOLESA RICE MITT ROMNEY AL GORE******* Poster: Carolyn Walker Comment: Robert Kennedy Jr.: EPA, Barbara Ehrenreich: Labor, Robert Reich: treasury, somebody like himself Attorney General, Bill Richardson State, Wendell Berry: Agriculture, General Taguba Defense or homeland security. I have other thoughts too but can't cough them up at the moment. Poster: Norm Comment: It will never happen, but I would like to see Zbig B. as Sec.of State and Gary Hart as Sec. of Defense. Poster: Jimmy Comment: John Kerry is a walking 'loser.' Obama should not pick him as he would remind people of the former losership of the Democratic Party. John Edwards would have been a solid choice, but he blew his career. I like Janet for AG, and I'd also like to see Daschle get his due. Maybe Richardson as Sec. of State? I miss Robert Reich. Why is he not being considered? Biden-Shaheen in 2016! Poster: Phyllis Wrynn Comment: My dream is for Al Gore to be Secretary of Energy. What could be more perfect? He is connected to the greatest minds on issues relating saving our planet. His staff could hit the ground running. Perhaps seeing him in a position to actually affect policy and bring about true reform with fuel efficiency standards, the widespread use of solar power and other alternative energy, would bring some solace to those of us who have never gotten over the stolen election in 2000. I adore Howard Dean. He is incredibly smart and down to earth and he would make a great Secretary of Health and Human Services or Surgeon-General. Because he has done such a remarkable job as DNC Chairman, continuing in that position makes sense. But, he is a doctor and practiced medicine in the past and his wife is still a physician. He understands the issues very well. He can explain things in terms we mortals can grasp. Perhaps Howard could be head of the new health care initiative? Poster: arthur Comment: Secretary of Interior (which should include USFS): Jamie Clark Agriculture: MN Secretary of State Mark Ritchie Defense: Gen. Wesley Clark State: Gov. Bill Richardson Treasury: Warren Buffett (new): Environment: Robert Kennedy, JR (new): Climate Change: Al Gore Veterans Affairs Max Cleland Poster: Karen Comment: One thing is for sure, my fantasy does not include John Kerry. |
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