I like the kitchen, but I think it needs a new Cabinet

Posted on November 10, 2012 by Fairlington Blade

I was planning this post for the weekend, but then events overtook me. 

Secretary of State: John Kerry replaces Hillary Clinton

I’m going with the obvious choice for this post. Rice will be blocked by a filibuster, so she’s out. Kerry covets the position, worked hard for Obama, and is probably tired of the Senate. The only strike against him is that it opens up the seat to a Republican who would very much like to return to the Senate. Frankly, I’d like to see Scott Brown back in the Senate. I would have voted for Warren if I still lived in Massachusetts, but I’d take him over the typical Massachusetts pol. If the some of the teeth of the filibuster were pulled, I’d probably vote for him. Brown will probably run for governor of Massachusetts if Kerry stays.

Secretary of Defense: Chuck Hagel replaces Leon Panetta

Hagel is a natural for a cross-party appointment. The occasional endorsement of a Democrat doesn’t hurt.

Treasury: Jack Lew replaces Timothy Geithner

Too obvious to justify.

Attorney General: Who replaces Holder?

I’m interested in the thoughts of those with a legal background or interest. Occasionally listening to Supreme Court arguments on C-SPAN doesn’t qualify me. I did enjoy the oral arguments broadcast this morning on Clapper vs. Amnesty International.

CIA: Jane Harmon replaces David Petreaus

I didn’t have this one on my list of changes. Just goes to demonstrate the foresight of Harold Macmillan, who when asked what might blow his government off course responded “Events, dear boy, events.” Elevating acting director Michael Morell is an obvious choice, but he was denied the chalice in the past. Perhaps Obama will go for continuity over history.

Agriculture: Bob Kerrey replaces Tom Vilsack

I think Bob Kerrey is a dead lock for the cabinet. The question is where? Several possibilities occurred to me. He’s a Cornhusker (like me) and he served on the Agriculture Committee in the Senate. He also served on the Intelligence Committee and the 9/11 Commission, so CIA and DHS are possibilities. He was president of the New School from 2001 – 2010, but I think Education won’t change.

Energy: Bob Chu is out. Who is in?

Here’s a chance for cross party work. I’m not sure who’s coming in here, but somebody with energy sector connections would be a savvy choice.

Anyone else have some thoughts on the cabinet?

BB

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