You know that old saying, “even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then...”?
I’m actually gobsmacked that Trump finally made a nomination that I can live with. Yesterday, David Shulkin, currently Undersecretary for Health at the VA, appointed in 2015 by President Obama, was announced as Trump’s pick for Secretary of the VA.
Dr. Shulkin has broad experience in the medical community, and yes, he was CEO of a healthcare organization, but still, picking someone who actually has experience with the agency he’ll be heading? That’s so unlike Trump.
Before you go jumping on me, consider this comment yesterday from a long time DKos member who actually knows Shulkin:
I knew David both in childhood and in college (at Hampshire College, of all places). He’s a very good guy, definitely liberal, and very definitely committed to public health and the betterment of the VA. [He did his pre-med at a college with no required courses, no predefined majors, and no grades.]
I don’t know how something went right with the world, but somehow it did here.
This comment comports well with the WaPo’s story on Dr. Shulkin’s nomination, his qualifications, and almost universal support by veterans organizations.
I’m a veteran who uses VA services, and was very concerned regarding potential nominee names that were being floated (such as Palin). By all accounts, Dr. Shulkin has done a decent job at the VA, so for that, I’m relieved.