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Leon Panetta will head the CIA

January 5, 2009 /

I just heard this on MSNBC. Having Leon Panetta run the CIA is another brilliant appointment by Obama. The CIA has been a problem for years, as the United States has suffered through intelligence failures and corruption scandals in the military procurement process. More importantly, the last administration cherry-picked intelligence when selling the war.

Leon Panetta isn’t the first person that comes to mind when considering a CIA director, but Panetta is one of the most capable and respected public officials in the country. He’s not a spin doctor and he doesn’t sugar-coat problems. He’s a serious man, and we need people like him in government. He also knows his way around Washington.

I suspect that this also signals that Obama is serious about cutting unnecessary military spending. The procurement process os out of control, and Panetta is a serious budget hawk. Panetta can work with Bob Gates to take on the big spenders in congress.

Democrats, Policy, Politics

Obama’s stimulus will include big tax cuts

January 4, 2009 /

Barack Obama is serious about getting the economy moving again, and the inclusion of tax cuts in the stimulous plan makes sense.

Aiming to foster bipartisan support for his record-setting economic stimulus, President-elect Obama plans to propose huge tax cuts for businesses and middle-class workers that will total about 40 percent of the package, or up to $310 billion, congressional officials said.

The revelation is part of an intricately orchestrated roll-out of the plan that includes an appearance by Obama on Capitol Hill on Monday and a major speech about the economy later in the week.

Obama plans to ask Congress for a stimulus package of $675 billion to $775 billion, so the planned tax cuts will total about $270 billion to $310 billion, the officials said.

Obama strategists say he wants to get 80 or more votes in the 100-member Senate, and the emphasis on tax cuts is a way to defuse conservative criticism and enlist Republican support.

But officials say the tax cuts will be based on historical and empirical evidence of what works, not ideology. Rather, the targeted tax cuts will be designed to stimulate job growth in the private sector and help middle class families, the officials said.

For families, the tax cuts include the $500 “Making Work Pay” payroll tax credit Obama proposed during the campaign.

For businesses, the tax cuts would include breaks for small employers and a “new jobs credit.”

If he can get this through quickly with bi-partisan support, we have a much better chance of avoiding a complete meltdown.

Democrats, Economy, Policy, Politics

Tim Kaine will be new DNC chairman

January 4, 2009 /

This is a great move.

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will become chairman of the Democratic National Committee later this month, serving as the top political messenger for Barack Obama’s administration even while finishing his final year in the governor’s mansion, several sources said.

Kaine, 50, who emerged as a finalist for the job of Obama’s running mate last summer, will operate from Richmond in a part-time capacity until January 2010, when he will become the full-time DNC chairman. Kaine is constitutionally barred from running for reelection.

Kaine, a friend of the president-elect’s, is a gregarious chief executive who is known to relish political combat and helped put Virginia in the Democratic presidential election column for the first time in almost 50 years.

Kaine would have been great in Obama’s cabinet, but it was important that he serve out his term as governor. This allows him to to become involved in moving Obama’s agenda while serving out his term. He’s an excellent surrogate for Obama and the Democrats and he’ll be an important asset as the Obama team rolls out new policies. He knows his stuff and he’s great on TV. He looks even better when compared to the circus at the RNC.

At some point, I expect him to take a larger role in Obama’s administration after the 2010 elections.

Democrats, Politics

Bill Richardson withdraws name

January 4, 2009 /

Bill Richardson will not be the new Secretary of Commerce.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name from consideration as commerce secretary for President-elect Barack Obama, citing an ongoing investigation about business dealings in his state.

Richardson, 61, who competed unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination, was secretary of energy and U.N. ambassador during Bill Clinton’s presidency, and also the first high-profile Latino named to Obama’s Cabinet.

But a grand jury in New Mexico is currently looking into charges of “pay-to-play” in the awarding of a state contract to a company that contributed to Richardson.

The importance of the inquiry was apparently dismissed when Richardson was first nominated. But it may have taken on more weight in light of the “pay-to-play” allegations involving Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

This is a big deal only bcause Richardson would have been excellent as Commerce Secretary, and we could use a good one right now. I’m sure Obama will find a suitable replacement.

Th media will have fun wih this for a day, as this offers yet another distraction, but it’s better to take the hit now.

Democrats, Politics

Back to work

January 4, 2009 /

I’ve been slacking on this blog over the past several weeks, mostly due to the holidays and being a little burned out after the long political season.

Now that we’re finally on the verge of the new Obama administration, I suspect there will be plenty of things to dicuss in 2009. I expect the new administration to hit the ground running and to set a completely new tone in Washington. I have high expectations for Obama’s presidency, and I have confidence he will live up to them.

Policy, Politics

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