Houston Blogs: Roussel Blog

The Political Future: Speculation, Speculation, Speculation

President-elect Obama hasn’t even been sworn in yet and there’s already some interesting speculation on the political landscape….such as…

…Caroline Kennedy as a possible for Hilary Clinton’s New York Senate seat…and…Jeb Bush running in 2010 for retiring Sen. Mel Martinez’s Florida Senate seat.

And what about the future face of the Republican Party? Who will emerge?

Governor Bobby Jindal?
Governor Tim Pawlenty?
Governor Mitch Daniels?
Governor Charlie Crist?
Senator John Cornyn?
Congressman Eric Cantor?

And what about Gov. Sarah Palin?

Between now and 2010, some of the above will sort out. But it’s always good to remember that 24 hours can be an eternity in the political arena.

Stay tuned.

President-elect Obama’s recent Cabinet appointment

Several points of note with regard to President-elect Obama’s recent Cabinet appointments:

One, he is not wasting any time.  In a sense, they are stepping into a flying airplane. 

In some cases, the new appointees will be ready to go to work on Day One.  Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense has already previously been confirmed by the senate.  Gen. James Jones as the new White House national security adviser and Rahm Emanuel as White House Chief of Staff are assuming positions that do not require senate confirmation.

Also, with experienced people like Senator Clinton, Gates and Jones focusing on the foreign policy/defense issues, this should clear more time for President-elect Obama to devote to the number one priority—the economy.

Second, he is surrounding himself with experienced D.C. people.  There won’t be much need for on-the-job training.

With regard to Senator Clinton’s nomination as Secretary of State:
--It shores up any lingering political divisions
--She should be formidable; she knows the turf
--She already knows many leaders around the world

Three, President-elect Obama has indicated he will welcome vigorous debate from his advisers in the White House.  To which he has reminded that ultimately he will be the one setting policy and providing the vision that this team carries out. 

In the end, they all serve at the pleasure of the President.

It will be interesting to observe as it all unfolds.