This is the second in a series of weekly discussions of the cabinet-level posts in a potential Kerry administration, with the intent of coming up with a full "shadow cabinet" by the start of the convention.
Last week,
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the consensus choice for EPA Administrator with 45%, beating out Kathleen McGinty (18%) and Jim Jeffords (16%). Feel free to continue to
vote for and discuss last week's post. This week, we'll focus on
UN Ambassador...
Note: nominations will usually number around 5-8. The idea is to pick the best candidate for each position (not the "most likely"), but also a candidate who might realistically be chosen by Kerry (i.e. Kucinich as Sec. of Defense is not likely). I admit to not being an expert in many (if not all) of these areas, so other suggestions and criticisms are welcomed. The idea is to get a realistic idea of what the next executive branch should look like.
On to the nominations for UN Ambassador: (Yes, there's a Rice and a Powell, but this is not the Bush administration!)
Susan E. Rice [2, 3], ex-Asst. Sec. of State for African Affairs
- Served in multiple foreign policy positions throughout the Clinton administration, including NSC positions such as Director for International Organizations and Peacekeeping and Senior Director for African Affairs. Ended up at the State Department. A former Rhodes scholar, she is now at the Brookings Institution and has extensive knowledge of the UN and international diplomacy. Also a possibility for other administration positions relating to national security, and a long-shot possibility for Sec. of State.
Gen. Anthony Zinni, US Marine Corps (Ret.)
- Ex-CENTCOM Chief who has had many tours of duty as a Special Envoy to the Middle East under both Clinton and Bush. Endorsed Bush for President in 2000 but has since referred to that as a "mistake," and publicly criticized Bush for the rush to war against Iraq. An experienced diplomat who - as a former top military official who endorsed Bush - would be a great asset in a campaign-trail "shadow cabinet" if he were to endorse Kerry. The jury is out on whether he would make a return to politics, though, especially in such a high-profile position.
Nancy J. Powell, US Ambassador to Pakistan
- A career diplomat who has served in many positions in both the Clinton and Bush administrations. After serving in various African countries in different diplomatic capacities, she was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs in the State Dept. under Clinton, and later served as Ambassador to Ghana and Pakistan under Bush. She has experience with US policy in both the subcontinent and Africa, which would make her a great asset at the UN in those problem areas in particular. One of many "non-partisan" choices who have served with distinction in both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Betty King, ex-US Rep. to the UN Economic and Social Council
- A career diplomat who held a top spot in the US mission to the UN in the Clinton years, a very strong supporter of women's rights (with strong pro-choice credentials), and a forceful advocate on humanitarian issues such as HIV, population growth, and refugees. Before her service for the Clinton administration, she was a government offical and professor in Arkansas, and worked as an executive for various non-profits. Born in St. Vincent, West Indies.
Jonathan Winer, ex-Deputy Asst. Sec. of State for International Law Enforcement
- A long-time Kerry staffer and advisor on foreign affairs (dating back to the Iran-Contra invesigation), and an experienced negotiator on international finance and law enforcement at the State Department under Clinton. As a litigator, he also worked on the BCCI investigation for the Senate. As a close confidant of Kerry's, he's a lock in any Kerry administration, if not as UN Ambassador, then as White House Counsel, at State, or on the NSC.
Peter F. Romero, ex-Asst. Sec. of State for Western Hemisphere
- Has served in the foreign service throughout Latin America (including Ambassador to Ecuador), culminating in his appointment as Asst. Sec. of State in the new Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau in 1998. Was blocked in confirmation hearings by Jesse Helms and the Republicans and had to be recess appointed by Clinton. Would bring a focus on Western Hempisphere affairs, and has proved himself an experienced diplomat and negotiator. However, his support for "Plan Colombia" may not make him a popular choice on the left.
James B. Cunningham, Deputy US Rep. to the UN
- Another Clinton/Bush career diplomat holdover, Cunningham currently serves as Deputy US Representative to the UN, and before that was Acting US Ambassador to the UN before Negroponte was confirmed. Has vast experience in many different capacities, including the US mission in Rome, at NATO, advising the State Department on US-European policy, and even back in the first Bush administration as a counselor at the US mission to the UN. He may be the most logical choice from a purely beaurocratic standpoint, and is eminently qualified.
Carol Moseley Braun, ex-Senator (IL), ex-Ambassador to New Zealand
- Brings some foreign service experience and would be a great advocate for women's issues, as well as humanitarian issues. Her personality is a huge plus and she seems to have erased any lingering political problems with her largely well-received run for President. She may not be the best choice in terms of diplomatic experience, however. Also a possibility for a number of other cabinet posts, such as H&HS or Education.
Other suggestions: write in below!
Next week: Drug Czar