The guy was Secretary of Labor.
He's a professor of Economic and Social policy at Berkeley.
He had an endowed chair at Brandeis.
Time named him one of the 10 most successful cabinet members of the century in 2008.
The Wall Street Journal placed him among America's Top Ten Business Thinkers.
He's dealt with congress before.
He writes beautifully and communicates well in print and on TV.
He isn't "prickly" or any of the other adjectives you might use to cast aspersions on otherwise qualified candidates.
He's as funny as Chris Rock without all the obscenity.
His biggest shortcoming... he isn't a Republican...oh and he's short... which means he isn't big on the hoops thing. Hmmm...I wonder if he isn't getting more consideration because Obama is uncomfortable around short people. Ok, that's a low blow -- but seriously... Mr. President... how about a little diversity in height? You'll be glad you had the guy around. Besides, if he beats you up intellectually, you can always challenge him to some one-on-one on the court. :)
On a serious note: a few folks have floated the "not another Clinton holdover" meme. I think it is worth noting the guy offered the post to a Republican who bailed in the most spectacularly rude way. Who the hell accepts a job from the President of the United States and then turns around and says "This doesn't work for me" as his reason for leaving? This president reached across the aisle in the House and got.... ZIP.
Republicans want to moan about Clinton... that's their problem. I say we go with proven talent. You'll know they're circling the drain when they start mocking Reich and Obama as Mutt and Jeff. They won't have anything but short jokes left to toss out.