...the ayes have it." So Abraham Lincoln is reported to have counted the votes at a cabinet meeting. His, of course, was the only "aye."
This story came to mind as I heard about the Obama supporters who complain that he has been appointing old Clinton hands to his economic team. Now he has announced a Clinton and a couple of Republicans among his national-security appointments.
President-Elect Obama knows his history. He knows that the cabinet and White House staff carry out the President's directive. And he is strong enough to know that he can dismiss those who go off on their own. Is there risk that President Obama's policy will be undermined? Yes. But given the challenges that we face as the new administration takes office, experience seems like a better bet than ideological purity.
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As Garrison Keillor said, "When a leader comes along we should have the good sense to let him lead.
I think Obama is up to it. Of course we must trust that when he says it will be his vision, his vision remains what he's told us it is.
I hope that his vision clears on Afghanistan however. As the Kingston Trio sang, When will they ever learn?
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