Sucking up is now the only credential needed in Donald Trump's administration. Skip the resumé, scrap the innovative ideas, and you can stick all that so-called "experience" where the sun don't shine.
Just ask Trump's favorite physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, who just went through a public buzzsaw of a vetting process after Trump tapped him for his glowing reviews of Trump's "good genes," "excellent" health, and tremendous "stamina." The Washington Post writes:
Trump’s operating principle is “ready, shoot, aim, as opposed to ready, aim, shoot,” said one White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to comment candidly,
A Republican strategist who works closely with the West Wing was even more blunt: “The Trump White House vetting machine is an oxymoron. There’s only one answer — Trump decides who he wants and tells people. That’s the vetting process.” [...]
Walter Shaub, a former director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics who resigned last summer in protest of Trump’s conduct, said the president’s “ethics are based on loyalty.” Shaub said he repeatedly told administration officials that they should slow down and vet candidates.
He added, “When you make the announcement before you do all of the work, you could end up embarrassing the nominee.”
Or ruining their career. But the string of unethical, underprepared nominees who either implode on contact (Dr. Jackson) or actually survive only to stir up a sea of controversy (EPA chief Scott Pruitt) is definitely embarrassing someone: Republicans.
“They need to probably vet before they start throwing names out,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).
And by "they" Ernst really means Trump. Because he's running wild and loose in the White House—like a greased pig on Red Bull. Perhaps the GOP-controlled Senate could sober him up a little bit by doing their jobs.