Former foes on Obama's radar

I think McCain would make and awesome Secretary of Vetrans Affairs.

No, Another Tea Party, you're the one not paying attention. Obama rose from unknown status to President of the United States because of his brilliant campaign and his vision, which is OUR vision (well, maybe not yours). He surrounds himself with those that will help him make his vision become reality. The time for your kind of talk is over, now. Get over it and join us in making a better America for all. Sometimes, it makes me mad that I am going to have to share the wonderful things that are coming during the upcoming Presidency with people like you.

Doesn't Obama risk being overwhelmed by all those former Clinton officials he "pals around" with? Does he need experienced former foes around him as well?
Perhaps he finally realizes the sheer enormity of the tasks ahead of him and is hedging his bets?

If I were Obama, I would definitely invite him to be with me to move US to the right direction (Bush administration did not). I won 53%, he won 46%, we together won 99%. I am the top Democrat, he is the top Republican, as a team, who is better than this team to lead this nation - battered completely by Bush administration – domestically and internationally? 911, Iraq war, financial crisis, is Bush just not lucky? I do not think so. The greatest trait of a great leader is to see how he deals with his opponents. Up to this moment, Obama did shows some indications that he will be one of greatest presidents in US. Good luck, USA. God bless America.

I'm an Obama supporter, and I'd love to see him pick McCain for a post. McCain is not as daft as he appeared during the campaign. He was a victim of the GOP Base, and if Obama rescues him from its clutches, McCain 2000 will reemerge.

I have to wonder how much Teresa M was paid for that comment, or do Obama's minions have her loved ones in captivity somewhere?

I'm just waiting for the dead to rise, the lame to walk again, and the blind to see. Right after that, I want my bubblegum-pink unicorn that farts rose petals, delivered personally by Hugo Chavez, along with a basket of cookies. I mean, we're all hip-deep in peace and love and understanding now, right? I sure hope dissent is still the highest form of patriotism, because I plan to be as patriotic as liberals have been for the past eight years, baby.

What is any worst than has it already been. Mr. Obama did not get the world in its present condition, look @ your self & then shup the hell up.

Blast 3r said:
"Obama has picked a guy who couldn't even make it as a ballet dancer to be his Chief of Staff. "
--
A sorry excuse for a human being is what YOU are. Do you, moron, even suspect the amount of time, intensity of work, and dedication it takes to become even a marginal ballet dancer?I'm sure if Emmanuel "made it" as a ballet dancer you'd be trashing Obama for appointing a ballet dancer to be his chief of staff

Ron Paul would be a great choice as Department of Treasury Secretary. Someone who would know what being in debt really means. Someone who would balance the budget without taking human dignity away. Someone who knows that we as a people owe nothing to the government. The government works for us. We do not work for the government. We never will and we never shall work for the government. We are the people! We are the volunteers for America!

Hillary Clinton as the Secretary of State,hmmmmmm. If she does as much for that office as she has for New York as a Senator, we as a country , may be in trouble. Correct me if I'm in error,but I can't think of one piece of meaningful legislation she has had passed to date.

Obama have not respect current President by name calling and haressing, I would susprise if he get respect from his political enbvironment.
When you point a finger to others, you will be pointed with four, just a matter of time. You will harvest what you sow.
His political strategy is just making rumours that may be good or bad but he will get attention and he will squeeze some opportunities from there.

John McCain as the secretary of defense would be Brilliant period. There is no way that he would not be very successful in this position! Seriously, I thought when McCain told that crack-pot lady at the rally were she said he was an arab that HE WASNT AND he was a decebnt man... as well as the man he told YOU Have nothing to fear of an Obama Presidency! HE was the REAL McCain, the maverick in a red meat rally! There is no more a loyal man to the country and to a president then him!

I hope My selection for president uses his talents to truly unite!

Blast3r writes:
"There is no way he would pick John McCain to work in his administration. McCain shows he is incompetent and Obama doesn't put those kind of people under his wing."

How do you know? Other than being a black senator from Illinios, what do you know of this man? My guess is VERY little. Obama wasn't elected for who he is, but for who he ISN'T. God help this country!

Gosd

G

Considering Obama can't pass a background investigation to hold or legally qualify for the lowest job in government, and has no experience at anything in life except being on the gov't dole from day one, he is the definition of a perfect politician. All wanna be perfect politicians from the left side of the isle will bow down to him. (we no longer even have a right side of the isle). Since we absolutely can't get any worse, and all things happen for a reason; I can't wait to see if all the warped, but extremely intelligent, very experienced, highly educated, and mentally deranged folks he is surrounding himself with can pull of a miracle and move this country forward on the American path to prosperity.

Please, let Mr. McCain retire and spend a number of years with his devoted wife.
No cabinet post for him. Well, maybe Ambassador to Kenya. That would be a challenge for him.

Obama needs McCain so that he can start t working on an immigration reform bill, something McCain and Ted Kennedy had worked on. It's payback time - the Latino community feels that since they helped Obama get elected, he must help them by offering amnesty to the 13 million in the U.S. I hear they are planning to march to Washing on January 21st - a day after inauguration day demanding Obama keep his promise (?). That issue should be interesting since proposing such a thing would not be a good idea now given the state of the economy.

Regarding Obama's Cheif of Staff, I believe that "he" is really a very brilliant "she" . It never ceases to amaze me how the GOP supporters are so misinformed - maybe too much FOX News?

Excusemebut the country is still divided....technically he only won by 3%...so I hope he does what he says and uses all parties.....doesn't matter who, just needs to be better. I supported McCain, but I am willing to wait and see what happens.

I think the Clintons need to give it up.

Obama is a very smart man. He will offer a Cabinet position to McCain in hopes that he will accept and Napolitano, Arizona's Democratic Governor, can appoint a Democratic Senator to replace McCain in the Senate and the Democrats will be just that much closer to having 60 seats. This will be the only reason why Obama would offer him a position. I also think that McCain is probably too smart to accept any position in the Cabinet for the same reason.

Rick, you're an idiot!

John McCain as Sec. of the Veterans' Admin? The man hasnt voted in favor of our veterans in the last 5 years, not to mention being against the new GI Bill as being too expensive and it would deter our military from re-enlisting in lieu of persuing an education...That would be as bad as putting BIG JOHN in charge of Social Security, (remember privatization?) or Medicare...The man belongs in an "Old Folks Home" in Arizona or maybe in one of his 9 houses with full time nurses.

We should have elected RON PAUL, nuff said.

Another Tea Party,
While I disagree with Blast3r's ability to assess John MCCain's strengths and weaknesses, actually I think you missed some points.
Lessee, Sr White House staffer from 93-98, successful Investment Banker from 99-02 (income: 16M), Currently the 4th seated Dem in the House, DCC Chairman, political allies in Chicago: Gov Blagojevich and Mayor Daley.
Republican Lindsay Graham said of Emmanuel: "This is a wise choice by President-elect Obama. He's tough but fair -- honest, direct and candid."
And as far as Joe the Plumber's opinion that Obama would mean "death to Israel", I think it is rather interesting that Obama's first Cabinet appointment was Jewish, according to The Nation, Emanuel is "seen as a strong Israel partisan.”... imagine that!

It cracks me up to read posts by fringe white trash conspiracy theorists describing Barack Obama as an "empty suit." Pot calling the kettle "black," anyone?

obama is a only one leader ship in word how can change this.i am hopfull he will do.

"Other than being a black senator from Illinios, what do you know of this man? My guess is VERY little. Obama wasn't elected for who he is, but for who he ISN'T. God help this country!"

Speak for yourself, John. Unlike GWB, Obama has written two books that give people (who know how to read) plenty of insight into how he thinks and what he thinks. You cannot declare that Obama was not elected for who he is. That is merely your small-minded opinion. The problem with ignorance, is that the ignorant so rarely comprehend that they are, in fact, ignorant. God Help This Country, indeed. We almost lost it to the sheer savage stupidity of nitwits who thought they knew things they most clearly did not.
Colin

Hillary is his foe? Please! She is a liberal icon! Appointing a foe would look like: Attorney General Ken Starr, Treasury Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sarah Palin. Now those are people who would disagree with him!

I third the selection of Ron Paul for Secretary of Treasury, but I have little hope that this will happen.

To all of you Obama haters, and there are way too many, you need to buck up, get over it, stop being bitter and join the majority of the voters in this country and support our (your) next President. You've had your way for eight years . Now the voters have spoken and the Democrats will get the opportunity to fix all that has been broken during the Bush administration. What do you hope to accomplish by being so vicious and vile in your comments? No matter how hateful you feel, or how many times you post something insulting on a blog, Sen. Obama will still become the 44th President of the United States of America. Seriously, you really need to buck up.

to Another Tea Party,
Your argument is childish. Plus, who said becoming a ballet dancer was easy?
People like you should not be allowed to vote.

Wesley Clark (D) should be Defense Secretary
Chuck Hagel (R) Veterans Administration

I did not vote for Obama and was scared of him due to all I heard and read. However, if he choses people for "jobs" in his administration based on their ability and knowledge, not their politics, I will then realize I made a mistake. Regardless of who we voted for we all need to get behind the man and pray for him and our country.

Please Obama is not the "one" who will save you from your sins.
Just the other side of the same coin.

Everyone's all about this bi-partisanship with this election. Gotta be honest, not feelin it. I don't want the politicians who represent me all just sitting around, getting along, not actually discussing any differences. I want them fighting for me! If we all agreed, than why even pay the politicians with tax dollars? Shout out to ALL politicians: Stay on your own sides of the isle!! Thanks!

But there has also been rumors....? I'm sorry I just can't read past that. Who wrote this article, George W. Bush? Learn to write proper English, please.

What does Joe the Plumber even know about Israel? does he even know where it is? it looks like he's one of these guys who never left his little town in the middle of nowhere.

Mr. Obama needs someone to tell him now, not to meet with Mr. Medvedev. He should only meet with Mr. Putin , thereby calling the Russians on their silly power arrangement. Time to be a leader President-elect Obama, and this would be a good first move in the international chess game. Picking cabinet members and puppies will come.

Everytime I hear Obama speak, this former Republican is grateful that we won't have to listen to Bush much longer. Here's an idea: how 'bout a President who can actually speak in thoughtful, coherent sentences without bursting a blood vessel? And while Palin still blathers on in various interviews, we should thank our lucky stars that this creationist, "God-will-open-a-door-for-me", killa from Wasilla is nowhere near the White House. Obama's refreshing willingness to listen to all viewpoints, regardless of party, can only serve to move our country forward.

Albert S,
yup, that's the genius of Obama. If he offers a cabinet post to McCain he looks like a gracious winner..."A uniter, not a divider" as we once heard from an extremely partisan President. McCain then has to choose between a harming a party that cost him the Presidency (twice) and looking like a crotchety old sore loser who is not really as non-partisan as he claims.
Brilliant maneuver if he does it, but I doubt he will offer McCain a Sect/Cab position.

"Posted by Thomas November 17, 08 11:33 AM 18.I continue to be truly impressed by this man who we have selected to be our next president. He is obviously going out of his way to pick for his cabinet people who will be right for their respective jobs, and who will bring diversity and bipartisanship to the government of this country. I sincerely hope that those who opposed his selection will cast aside their fears and prejudices and take note of Mr. Obama's thoughtful, evenhanded approach and support him as our President."

I suppose that we're supposed to discount the appointment of Rahm Emmanuel as Chief of Staff. He served on Freddie Mac's Board of Directors. Freddie was wrapped up in the packaging of Mortgage-backed securities, and was certainly a participant in the current liquidity and equity crises.

Let's hope President-elect Obama's additional staff selections won't be more of the sort who played roles in really screwing up the economy.

And another thing, Obama haters, please check out www.factcheck.org which will set you straight on the ridiculous accusations some of you continue to make regarding President-elect Obama. It is a reputable website that confirms or denies comments regarding everyone, not just Obama.

McCain could be a good replacement for "Great job Brownie!" We could pack him off to New Orleans to supervise the mess Bush still hasn't dealt with.

If Sen.McCain is to be appointed as a Secretary of Defense that would be both pragmatically intelligent and brilliant choice why because you have the most experienced international affairs person, Vice-president elect Biden and plus both very extensive national security as well as foreign affairs experiences that Sen-McCain can bring to the President-elect Obama's administration and plus speculative choice for a Secretary of State Sen. Clinton who has a name recognition internationally with also having the enormous supporters from her democratic base. When you add up these speculative names, I think President-elect Obama has a dream team in the White House.

It might be a good idea if McCain were nominated to a cabinet position. McCain is opposed to torture. Obama clearly needs to distinguish between honorable political adversaries and political criminal defendants facing civil proceedings by honorable private individuals and organizations. Obama must not empower political and war criminals with his support because he is a trained (criminal defense) lawyer, and the honor killers prevail in battle. Obama made a horrible error selecting his Vice - HIV/AIDS chief - when facing apology for massacring Afghan civilians www.title24uscode.org/FREEIT.htm

I just can't understand some of these comments. Who decided that Obama was the man for the job? What experience does he bring to the table? He speaks eloquently and that's what got him where he is today. Knowledge of country, foreign affairs are not his strong point. McCain incompetent? Someone must be smoking something. McCain's failure to win was that he was running in the same party that ruined the country this past eight years. McCain is anything but incompetent and as far as I know, was willing to give his life for his country, unlike the man who now will be president. As far as I know, Obama has done nothing for his country so far but run for office.

wow..... just wow.

You all are missing the fact that Obama won't even disclose where he was born, which I believe is not in the U.S. He is a muslim that is associated with terrosits and we have elected him into office. Shame on America. We cannot blame the downfall of America on one man, it's been many politicians, Dems and Reps, and the people of America that is to blame. But, there is one Man that will clean up all the world, and that Man, Jesus Christ, is being ignored by most. Shame on us again.

President-elect Obama has the potential to bridge divides and hear, and really listen to, the voices of those who disagree with him . . . How great is that! I voted for him and have unqualified trust in his judgment to make the right decisions, and for the right reasons too! As citizens we need to act accordingly and support our newly elected 44th President!

I certainly hope that Barack Obama will NOT ask John McCain to fill any position in his cabinet. I did not contribute to the Obama campaign to support McCain in any way.

I am deeply concerned about the future of our country. I voted for Obama as the lesser of two evils, and I hope that was correct. There are three problems we must face: 1. Hardcore consevatives, who think it is goverments role to legislate morality and behavior that they have no business wasting taxpayer's dollars on. Also, those who think that America should force our idea of "Democracy", or religion, on other countries or cultures. 2. Hardcore liberals who would have us legislate "fairness" in the form of socialized everything and a welfare state we can't afford. Also many of the same who would run American business into the ground with over-regulation. AND 3. The blindness caused by either of the previous positions!

Nanax3,

You are clearly entitled to your illusions. Bush has had to fight terrorism that was ignored for 8 years by the Clintons (93 World Trade Center, USS Cole, Khobar Towers, Kenya and Tanzania embassies). The sub prime housing mess was started by the Clinton Administration not evil Republicans as he pressured Fannie Mae to accept more low income people with questionable credit (ie sub prime) or lose their government backing. The Republicans tried in 2003 and 2005 to reform Fannie Mae practices, but were blocked by Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and Obama (2005) . Funny how they all sang about "George Bush's failed economic policies"

As Chief Executive of the United States, I hope he selects people with real executive experience, like state governors, military officers, or industry CEOs, particularly since he has NO executive experience himself. When it comes to leadership, all he can say is that, as a senator, he had one vote on a committee of 100. That's not very impressive. Just hope that the individuals who wind up really leading the country have agendas consistent with the values and priorities of the American people.

Thank you Obama voters.
Now businesses will have to climb over so many hoops & red-tape and taxes that it will discourage new jobs growth.
Thank you Gov. Patrick for your lies and real-estate tax relief.
Thank you MA Liberals for re-electing live-shot Kerry.
Obama made fun of soon-to-be entrepreneur 'Joe the Plumber' and stated to Mr. Plumber that Obama would spread the wealth around. This recession genesis is the fault of MR. B. Frank and Senator Obama and their Sopranos style bullying of the Mortgage Industry; the mortgage industry was coerced into making bad loans to deadbeats and risky homeowners to increase loans to people with the right color. Thank you Liberals and the results of all this is everyone’s 401 (k) and IRA's have tanked.
The US sub prime mortgage debacle has led to the World-wide financial crisis.
a

Obama is going to undo all the damage done to the American Constitution and America's moral standing by George W. Bush.

If you don't want him to do that, you're a poor sort of patriot.

interesting that clinton may be the sec of state given that in the primaries she was said to have no foreign pokicy experience, now all of a sudden she has, wow. its a nice slap in the face to dems though, you didnt want as VP so she didnt get it that is before the election, now after when the votes are in, you get shafted with now and can't do anything about it,,ahh the irony

Well Mr Obama, What are we going to do about all these stolen looto tickets?
That's what I would like to know. Including mine of 24.5 million dollars How are these racateers doing it? And did you get elected by point or is the circle yours?
Electronically at point NBC? Looks like it from here.
It's recorded in the local newspapers by cryptogram and I can prove it.

Regards ,
dePaul Consiglio
July 17th 1952 (SSA # 101423386 ) NYTimes Vol CI No.34508 Tursday

interesting that clinton may be the sec of state given that in the primaries she was said to have no foreign pokicy experience, now all of a sudden she has, wow. its a nice slap in the face to dems though, you didnt want as VP so she didnt get it that is before the election, now after when the votes are in, you get shafted with now and can't do anything about it,,ahh the irony

Obama is showing why he won the election. He exhibits good judgement and a depth of knowledge. I am hopeful that a catastrophic economic collapse can be averted and am not sure that anyone can stop it but I am glad that we have new leadership. Would I support McCain as a secretary in Obama's cabinet? Yes, but his best days are probably behind him so I would not want him in a high-demand situation. We need McCain's decency and ethics. I also like Graham. He seems like a decent person. Hillary is at the top of her game right now and offers a lot. To all the Obama haters out there, the more you dig, the deeper you get.

Reply to comment #6 in this thread: note that since the Constitution limits a president to two terms of office, it would probably be impossible to appoint Bill Clinton to position in which he would be in the succession to the presidency.

Islam is far beter than capitalism . no mater what Obama does , he will still be an istrument Of secularism , I recommed Islam , The system of Islam as Alternative to the Capitalist system
www.khilafah.com

For Mr. Obama to put politics aside and just pick a group of people who he believes are right to help with the job at hand would not only be refreshing but good for the country. People are complex in their abilities as well as beliefs; it's a wise man that can see the hidden talents in people orchestrate their use. Those people would surely show their appreciation by rising to the occasion collectively. This is an exciting time.

Wow, lots of English majors in the house. lol

I would like to see Ted Kennedy be appointed. He and Prez O' would be awsome!

donna gorgo wrote, "Unlike GWB, Obama has written two books that give people (who know how to read) plenty of insight into how he thinks..."

If you actually read these books you would have read the part where Barack Obama describes his young adult years as being blacked out on cocaine. That was "PLENTY of INSIGHT into how HE THINKS and what he thinks" enough for me not to vote for him!

Sorry, but I agree with John!

Posted by Don Jones November 17, 08 11:13 AM 6.Hillary Clinton should be a competent Secretary of State, but let's keep her husband on the sidelines. He has done the US intelligence budget enough harm leading up to the 9/11 tragedy. Let us not include Bill in important decisions again.

Just a quick note to Don. Please read Proffessor Andrew Bacivich's book The Limits of Power. You will understand that no President Democrat or Republican has used or trusted most information coming out of the HUMUNGOUS US Intelligence web of agencies. It's our biggest waste of money next to the two wars we are currently fighting. It needs to be streamlined immensly. We need to get back to keeping our own house in order and lead by example once again instead of by force.

Let me see...Bush is responsible for everything...right? I wager that Obama will learn many things that Bush did right during this transition period as Obama is given all the facts that we haven't known...it should be interesting. It would be nice if the democrats would own their own errors. I feel we are in a financial mess because of the sub-prime mortgage mess. Please note that the sub-prime mortgage problems began with Carter...were strenthened by the demands from Clinton to give mortages to those who could not afford them and even encouraged the banks into letting welfare checks be collateral. Chris Dodd and Barnie Franke kept pushing these no good mortages saying that there was not problem and more people were home owners than ever before... they were head of this "committee"...interesting that they are all Dems. I am sure you want to blame Bush, but please note that the Bush admin. and McCain began red flagging this in 2000. The dems just shut their warnings down saying there was no problem....yet, they all seem to get a pass on the mess that we are in right now...they created it and if they could blame it on a Republican they would...since they can't no one discusses how we got here. Now the same people who created the mess are going to straighten it out? It is great that lots of people could live the "American Dream" and own a home, but many think they are entitled to own a home...the constitution gives us the right to the pursuit of happiness...no guarantees that I have ever read. There is always more than one side to a story- please quit with the Bush blaming on everything! 911 is the fault of the terrorists and all of us thought we were invincible and untouchable...we are not, we were not...and our eyes were opened...it is not Bush's fault. You may hate him, but I thank him for keeping me safe for the past 7 years... PW

News Flash to MA republicans.
Senator McCain LOST! Republicans got what they deserved by electing a wish-washy (r)epublican that did more to damage the Republicans than any Democrat. Wake up & act like leaders & espouse Conservative values like reducing & controlling government spending, supporting conservative US Constitution following judges and reducing barriers on new business and industry AND reforming welfare and ending handouts to those that are not truly destitute AND ending public (state and federal) assistance to illegal aliens.

In a crisis, stupidity and hate cannot be tolerated. It's amazing how much of it shows up on message boards by people who cannot see past the ignorance and prejudice they've lived with all of their lives. A just society drowns out the self-centered, the hateful and those intent on keeping America in their nineteenth century version of the world. To those who are "shouting out" in support of the ignorance of the extreme right, please take a look in the mirror and read the headlines from November 5th. Your world is over. Be part of the solution rather than cling to the views of the tired, self-centered and short sighted flag waving Palin adoring views of the extremists on the right. Thank God that horror story is over. Let's get behind the intelligent, bipartisan leader we have elected.

Obviously Obama got an "A" in speech class, speaks well and will make a good obedient puppet for the Pelosi/Reid administration. The amazing part is the number of American people that listen to 22 months of non-substitutive rhetoric around the word Change that now expect meaningful decisions. That's amazing...

Shocking! Now that BO has been elected we are supposed to put aside our partisanship get down on hands and knees and bow to his majesty! Are you crazy. We are now the opposition, we don't care if the majority of fools has spoken. For 8 years the vile, venomous and oh so odious left has been a cesspool of hate towards Bush and most recently Sarah Palin. Yes, the great Obama is sooo intelligent and so virtuous, he ran as a centrist, but his record defies his campaign lies. How can anyone with any sense of history compare Obummer to Lincoln, one of the greatest men in American history. Get a grip all of you crazy Obamaphiles, the Kool-aid hasn't been passed out yet.

Obama seems to be taking a chaper from Lincoln’s book…keep your political opponents close.

Obama’s smart…he knows if he gets people like Clinton and McCain out of the Senate, it will be easier to get his extreme left wing agenda through.

I’m rather troubled…at this rate the only people with enough clout to oppose him will be the people with as leftist views as his own.

McCain would be great in Obama's Cabinet for overseas matters....
Obama should get Romney for Domestic Economy !!

All you people saying "Get over it. He won. Now get behind him." Where were you eight years ago? Four years ago? Did you "get over it" when Bush won? Were you "behind him" as YOUR president?

Rank hypocrisy, friends.

It is so facinating reading all of these posts. I wonder who will be first in line when this country's economy start improving, jobs become available, healthcare for all becomes a reality, college tuition becomes affordable, etc.? This has been a pattern for million of years, always judging someone based on who you are (takes one to know one). Never giving someone the opportunity to prove themselves (using negative information fed to you). What we say are representative of
are who we are personally. I do hope that we take the time to provide our children with the right tools for their future, so that they will be more open minded and learn to judge each other based on their own experiences.

C

who we are.

Question to all those who hve unwavering support for Obama. What if you are wrong? What if he messes up badly and chooses bad people?

What if he caves to the democratic party who will not want republicans in the cabinet. This happened t both Clinton and Bush. Both said they would reach across the isle but their party nixed that.

He may be a great president he may also be just like the rest of them.

Will You critize him if he does?

Obama has obviously read Machiavelli. Good for him.

wow! to everyone that is telling right wingers "not to complain and join behind our new president"...don't be so hypocritical. i have been very vocal on my complaints about the current administration, so it's only fair that now with this change, the other side gets a turn. we live in America, so vocalize your grievances with Obama! but at the same time, those who do so acknowledge that you can disagree with our president without being anti-American. just keep reading, keep being informed, and keep being skeptical...Obama is no messiah, he's a politician; like any other politician he's going to change his mind, fail to deliver on promises, and otherwise make decisions that we disagree with.

Please don't put McCain anywhere near the Veterans Administration. Not all veterans love John McCain. He voted against the new GI Bill. He voted against increased armor for Humvees. He voted against the Stop Loss bill to keep GIs out of war zones for the same length of time they served in them. I'm happy to see Obama reaching out to all parties, but let's not get carried away here.

To Dave, Sarah, Edmund, Bob and the bloggers like you: You need to chill out ,as my daughter would say, and let go of your anger, hatefulness and bitterness. Where, pray tell, is it going to get you during the next eight years (Yes, eight, because Obama WILL be reelected)? I, along with millions of others, lived through the Bush administration and never once did I write anything scathing about George W. He was and still is MY (our) President but I did not go off the charts because I disagreed with his politics. And some of you will NOT admit that he screwed up on many issues. It can't be his doing. It has to be the Democrats! Give me a break! No doubt about it, folks!

Ron Paul for Treasury Secretary!

He's been telling us this mess was coming for the last five years.
If you want to topple the broken Washington DC Apple Cart, the Fed and Treasury are good places to start!

Responding to Comment 91 by Sarah:

Competition is how is this country came to be. Competition is the driving force behind new ideas. Competition is what drives prices down. Why should the world of politics by ANY different? If you want new development and believe in the "Change" mantra that was the platform of O's campaign, you should completely agree with me. If all of our politicians sat around and did nothing but agree, we would still, as you put it, "be back in the nineteenth century".

No one ever yelled "kill him" at any McCain rallies. If that had happened the Secret Service would have immediatley arrested them. That is a direct threat to a presidential candidate. They do tend to take those things seriously. You should research the articles that quote the secret service on that one, Al.

Chuck Hagel would be an excellent choice for Secretary of Defense

Bob says: "All you people saying "Get over it. He won. Now get behind him." Where were you eight years ago? Four years ago? Did you "get over it" when Bush won? Were you "behind him" as YOUR president?

Rank hypocrisy, friends."

There is no hypocrisy in that... WE gave Bush a chance. He squandered it after 9/11. You, on the other hand, have hated Obama from the get-go.

Suze......and just what have you done for the nation lately. I'm such saying you can dish up a heap! I'm sure your more than qualified in spouting off than doing much!

Post #21, how easily you forget that Osama Bin Laden was handed to Clinton on a silver platter but he said no thanks. Remember that? Yes, Clinton does have blame in what happened on 911.

If it takes offering Mrs Clinton SoS then I think the president elect should offer that job to her. I think she would be a valuable asset to him and she would be his "Solomon Chase". Chase eventually ended up on the Supreme Court.
The big problem is Bill Clinton.

Ruffus:

You would like to see Ted Kennedy appointed? The same TK that watered down the immigration process to the point that immigrants no longer need to possess a skill to come into this country? He was willing to bring down our nation in order to expand his voting base. I'll pass on Ted Kennedy.

Hillary would be foolish to take a position in the Obama administration and link herself to this fiasco. She will stay in the Senate so she can run against Obama in the 2012 primaries.

As for McCain, he's doing what he does best - selling us all out to the Democrats.

I strongly endorse Hillary for the SoS job. In fact, I think Obama should give all the important positions to people with no executive leadership experience. That would even better secure a Conservative victory in 2012.

Ted Kennedy = mini Obama,
Liberal Lion of the Senate espouses Liberalism and fiscal flatulence and irresponsibility. President elect nObama is Ted Kennedy jr.. Is this the best MA can do year after year? Liberalism really is a mental disorder.

Perhaps the first duty of the Virtual Office of the Secretary of Defense of the President-Elect should be to improve the morale of the American people who, in good faith, exercised their Constitutional right to support the campaign of a candidate other than Sen. Obama because they perceived fundamental, qualitative differences between the candidates. Many citizens are cynical due to collaborative efforts by the President-Elect & The Party sponsoring him to suppress documents pertaining to eligibility. I am under the impression that the opinions Sen. McCain expresses regarding judicial and constitutional integrity entail empathy with such Americans. We would rather continue to appreciate his voice in its well-earned role as a senior Senator; it would surely resonate more freely.

I think Obama should select Colin Powell as Secretary of Defense. There is no political figure or former war general as admired by all parties as him. Plus if Obama wants to endorse true unity, there are very few political figures whose views are as moderate as his. With years of experience under both parties at the job he would go into the job and know exactly what he was doing.
While he made the mistake of endorsing Iraq to the UN, he was under intense pressure by the Bush administration to do it. He retired very soon after that decision, at later said how much he regrets doing that. Powell will learn from his mistakes unify both parties and bring much needed experience to Obamas cabinet.

Perhaps the first duty of the Virtual Office of the Secretary of Defense of the President-Elect should be to improve the morale of the American people who, in good faith, exercised their Constitutional right to support the campaign of a candidate other than Sen. Obama because they perceived fundamental, qualitative differences between the candidates. Many citizens are cynical due to collaborative efforts by the President-Elect & The Party sponsoring him to suppress documents pertaining to eligibility. I am under the impression that the opinions Sen. McCain expresses regarding judicial and constitutional integrity entail empathy with such Americans. We would rather continue to appreciate his voice in its well-earned role as a senior Senator; it would surely resonate more freely.

Listening to the right wing thumpers(Jesus called, he said stop using my name in wars and politics) and the old style republicans that haven't figured out that Nixon was that last closest thing to a Republican Fiscal Conservative...even though he's the one that got us off the Gold Standard when we were running out of money then.
It makes it all clear how we went from #1 in education in the world in the 60's to somewhere around 52nd??? If you guys want America to "wake up" how about reading a book without pictures.....Just because you have a Bachelors Degree in Management from BC or UNH or Harvard doesn't mean you are an expert in Political History or Supply Side economics. If you guys had your way Women still wouldn't have a vote, Blacks would still be slaves, Gays would have to stay in the closet so you didn't beat them up in Jesus's name (like he'd ever do that).

One thing I can agree with the Righties on is the 2nd amendment. If the Righty fanatics ever have an uprising we will all want to be able to protect ourselves.

We'll at least for now we are all right...but when Obama is successful with putting us on the right track in education, industry, science, healthcare and fair taxes...he'll never get the credit he will deserve by the Righties.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS!

Perhaps the first duty of the Virtual Office of the Secretary of Defense of the President-Elect should be to improve the morale of the American people who, in good faith, exercised their Constitutional right to support the campaign of a candidate other than Sen. Obama because they perceived fundamental, qualitative differences between the candidates. Many citizens are cynical due to collaborative efforts by the President-Elect & The Party sponsoring him to suppress documents pertaining to eligibility. I am under the impression that the opinions Sen. McCain expresses regarding judicial and constitutional integrity entail empathy with such Americans. We would rather continue to appreciate his voice in its well-earned role as a senior Senator; it would surely resonate more freely.

First let me say, Pat Wendling GET A LIFE! If you actually believe that George W. Bush has kept you safe you really need some serious help. Bush/Cheney won the 2004 election by keeping Americans afraid. Some of their decisions and actions are really what we should be afraid of.That being said, we do DESPERATELY need to end partisan politics. We must stop the labeling and blame game.
Barack Obama was elected by a landslide. He is bright, optimistic and strong. He is a leader. A true leader does not need to know all the answers. He needs to know how to lead and how to get the very best from all those who work for him. He makes me proud to be an American.

I think we best be getting on with the promise of making America energy independent.Iran just asked OPEC to reduce production by yet another 1.5 million barrels per day.This past year and the record gas prices played a huge part in our economic meltdown and seriously damaged our society.We keep planning to spend BILLIONS on bailouts and stimulus plans.Bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. Make electric plug in car technology more affordable. It cost the equivalent of 60 cents a gallon to drive an electric plug in car. The electric could be generated from wind or solar. Get with it! Utilize free sources such as wind and solar. Stop throwing away money on things that don't work. Invest in America and it's energy independence. Create cheap clean energy, create millions of badly needed green collar jobs. Put America back to work. It is a win-win situation. We have to become more poractive citizens, educate ourselves and demand our elected officials move this country forward into the era of energy independence. Jeff Wilson's new book The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW outlines a plan for America to wean itself off oil. We need a plan and we need it now! www.themanhattanprojectof2009.com

Today my dear "apolitical" friend told me what scares her is how Obama supporters are so happy and seemingly irrational in their enthusiasm for Obama. What scares me is the irrational hate and yes, insanity, shown by some of his opponents. Weirdly, I see that people in this blog are claiming that Obama has never stated where he was born (hint: his birth certificate has been posted for over 1 year on the internet). Intolerant Christians claim that Obama is not a Christian, although he has made many public statements affirming his christian faith. (I thought Christians believed that people's testimony equaled an affirmation of faith.) I hope that all of you who are in such a frenzy of anxiety will be able to enjoy our good days ahead.

There is ZERO chance that Mcbush is going to be anywhere near the whitehouse. He's a walking cluster$%ck. He did such a stellar job with the bail out, maybe he'll be the next treasury secretary!