On Cabinet Picks, Obama Savvier than Progressive CriticsRandy Shawbyline‚ Nov. 24‚ 2008As Barack Obama’s Cabinet fills with Clinton Administration veterans, some are raising concerns why no “movement progressive” has been selected. Hillary Clinton’s appointment as Secretary of State galvanized fears that Obama’s cabinet is unduly “centrist,” a concern amplified by the daily parade of predominately white male Clinton veterans in the “possible nominee” section of the New York Times. While floating such names satisfies the media’s desire to define Obama as moving to “the center,” they do not mean that our new President is abandoning his commitment to “change.” In fact, Obama’s appointments primarily show that he understands better than his critics the underlying political dynamics involved with implementing progressive change. Obama realizes that it is not a weakened Republican Party that holds the greatest risk to his progressive agenda, but rather internal Democratic opposition. This is what killed health care and labor law reform under the last two Democratic presidents, and could do the same in 2009. By bringing the Clinton’s and other factions of the Party inside his tent, Obama makes it harder for Democrats to oppose his progressive plans. |