Nominees, Expectations and Keeping the Message Focused

There seems to be some piling on the Obama administration right now regarding the events of the past week and their failure to pick nominees for key positions who could pass muster in terms of the confirmation process.

Yes, it seems fair to say it was a week of miscues. In an attempt to keep the message focused on the economic stimulus legislation, the message got diverted and fuzzy. The week dissolved into defense and debate about these nominees, rather than the paramount issue of the moment—the economy.

A couple of points to consider about this:

This is nothing unique—past presidents have certainly had nominees who failed to make it through this process. What is different right now is the urgency of the times in terms of the economy and need to get qualified individuals in place promptly who can be addressing our economic ills.

What is occurring here, too, is the expectations game. President Obama has come into office with high expectations for solutions. He has realistically tried to keep such high hopes in check by statements to the effect that solutions are going to take time. But there is little he can do about a groundswell of hope from the public. This is a natural occurrence with any new administration. It’s just that the stakes are higher and more urgent right now.

Yes, in all fairness, it was a week of stumbles. But let’s not be too hasty to pile on. It would seem there was some good to come from this experience. What, you ask?

Well, it certainly can be said that they are not taking shortcuts in the confirmation process—that they are making all adhere to the highest ethical standards—no exceptions.

This administration—and the nominees who have withdrawn—seem to recognize that this process is a bedrock of any administration and it is essential for it to maintain credibility lest the public begin to lose confidence.

The less good news is that this once again delays the business of getting about the country’s business. This administration has stepped into a flying airplane in terms of pressing problems—they need good, qualified people at work—now. They—and the anxiously awaiting American public--don’t need another week like the one that has just passed.

Comments

[MIchael]

What are you smoking Mr. Roussel?? YOU said; "adhere to the highest ethical standards—no exceptions"!!! What about the new treasury secretary ? He did pass muster with a democratic controlled senate and a president that refused to flush a tax evader from his administration. This flies in the face of "This administration—and the nominees that recognize the need to maintain the credibility of the process." And, don't forget the broken promises of the president! NO lobbyists in his administration???? That is except for the dozen or so he sucked in to oversee areas they had previously lobbied (health care, etc.). Now we have Leon Pinetta WTH???

[dokWakaccouff]

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