All the Lieberman media coverage as possible SecofDef in 2006 is just appalling to me. For many elective positions, and some nominations, there is a published political discussion about what skills are needed for the position - admittedly, often brought by the supporters and opponents of the candidate - and yet, in the case of Secretary of Defense, there is nothing by the major media outlets. No discussion. No framework. No interviews.
Such a published framework would help people look at a nomination of someone like Lieberman and be able to determine whether his skills and strengths are a fit for the job. I believe there are still 9 living individuals who have served as Secretary of Defense. It's time for the New York Times or the Washington Post or AP or somebody, dammit, to interview these people and get the long answer to the question:
What are the most important skills and attributes that a person should bring to the position of Secretary of Defense?
And then ask Senators - every U.S. Senator. What's the priority here? What kind of individual does the United States need to fulfill this job description?
The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy adviser to the President and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct concern to the Department of Defense, and for the execution of approved policy.
Where is the news media on this question? If there's any chance that Rumsfeld is going to get canned in 2006, then this ought to be a top question for discussion.