Here's what I think an Obama cabinet should look like. It's got clintonistas, republicans and a few liberals that deserve to be on the national stage. It is, I think, a rather liberal cabinet that looks moderate (remind you of someone?). It entails no loss of senate or governor seats for democrats and, actually, gains us a senate seat. Also, it has plenty of women in it.
Tell me what you think.
VP- Bill Richardson
I also like Kathleen Sebelius and Tim Kaine, but picking either of them would weaken dems in their respective states. Also, I very much like the idea of an experienced diplomat on this post. Former rival.
State- Joe Biden
Smart as hell, knowleadgeable as hell and a former rival. His senate seat is fairly safe for democrats.
Treasury- Jim Leach
He used to be a very moderate republican from Iowa. Check out his history, he was one of the good guys. He's knowledgeable and competent as hell on economic matters. It will be hard for republicans to paint Obama economic measures as extreme if a republican is working with him.
Defense- William Cohen
I'd actually like someone more dovish, but experience is the key word here; he has done the job before, and right now I think experience is very important. He worked under Clinton.
National Security Advisor- Wes Clark
Another clintonista that is right for the job.
Attorney General- Henry Waxman
His congressional seat is safely democratic, so no loss there. He has been amazing investigating republicans in congress. He would become their nightmare as AG.
Interior- Lincoln Chafee
Not my favorite person on other issues but he's solid on the environment . Again, I think putting a republican in there will make it easier to push a progressive agenda.
Agriculture- Ron Sparks
He's a very popular democratic politician from Alabama. I think it makes good sense to give him a cabinet position. He could be the governor or senator from Alabama some day.
Commerce- Charlene Barshefsky
She was trade representative under Clinton. Her area of expertise is China.
Labor- John Edwards
Former rival. I don't think anyone could do a better job.
Health and Human Services- Hillary Clinton
Former rival. I don't think anyone is more knowledgeable on the subject. I think she could take it, if being a junior senator is the alternative.
Education- Tom Vilsack
Former minor rival.Very knowledgeable on the subject.
Housing and Urban Development- Rocky Anderson
He was formerly the very competent, liberal, outspoken major of Salt Lake City. He is also amazing on civil rights issues.
Transportation- Mike Bloomberg
The guy is certainly competent for the job, and this would boost Obama's unity mojo.
Energy- Richard Lugar
He has been a leading voice for biofuels. Again, more can be done with a republican. He seems to have a genuine friendship with Obama. His appointment could mean a democratic senate seat gain in the future, because Indiana is trending blue.
Veterans Affairs- Chuck Hagel
This is a post in which Hagel would perform wonderfully, because it is dear to his heart.
Homeland Security- Olympia Snowe
She is smart, competent and knowledgeable enough for this post. It would gain us a senate seat.
EPA- Christine Todd Whitman
I don't love her on most issues, but I think she is honestly good on the environment. She would bring the total of cabinet republicans to six.