But if intelligence is the defining guideline that secures American foreign policy, instead of experience, then we're in good shape. Of the 18 nominations, 12 were educated at an Ivy League school, Stanford or MIT. The academic vigor of this cabinet and ability to make sound decisions will allow the Obama camp to take risks, and maybe act on the themes of change that ubiquitously resounded over the course of the campaign. Fortitude and confidence in decision making, traits necessary in this time of war, will be present. Big personalities were chosen for their use in persuasion with foreign diplomats, this strategy used instead of force abroad. With intelligence he can trust, and a Democratic congress behind him, Obama should be able to promise at least some of the change he promised in regard to foreign affairs. Lets hope all goes to plan.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cabinet Picks
What can we learn about the Obama war cabinet picks and what does this say about the current state of American Politics? Well, it says a lot of things. Obama is well known for his academic credentials, Editing the Harvard Law Review, among other achievements. But his approach to politics seems to be the same one: that of an academic. This is also evident in his choices for Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and his choice for Secretary of Defense, who also served under the Bush administration, Robert Gates. It seems as though he is more impressed with academic credentials and governing record rather than loyalty or familiarity with a secretary or other Whitehouse position. This could play out in one of two ways: the academic vigor of his picks will eventually pay off in that they make the most logically sound decisions for the country. That, or the lack of experience by himself and others like Clinton will decrease the strength of American diplomacy, and the Obama presidency will be worth little more than popularity.
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6 comments:
I disagree with the assumption that education makes a politician any more apt to lead. One must keep in mind that George W. Bush graduated from Yale an Ivy League, or that Ronald Reagan graduated from Eureka College, a not particularly impressive school. An effective leader comes down to progressive and comprehensive decision making.
"It seems as though he is more impressed with academic credentials and governing record rather than loyalty or familiarity with a secretary or other Whitehouse position."
You mean... He's picking people based on their qualifications, instead of just picking his friends?
The nerve! What is this, a meritocracy?!
To add on to Ross' comment, Abe Lincoln barely got any formal education (only about 18 months) and he mainly self-educated. He was a very successful and impressive president.
nice nick. I think that what he is doing is impressive, and hasnt been seen for literally a hundred years. so, he has my respect. I hope everything turns out well, but he definitely has the right idea. it doesnt matter where a person comes from, it just matters what they can do.
What do you mean what he is doing has not been done for 100 years. This seems like a standard realignment where he is choosing members to align with his ideology.
hmm... I remember some experienced credentialed members of the previous administration that had worked with earlier presidents and were brought on to steady the ship... Rumsfield, Cheney, Muller and so on. Susan Rice, one of Obama's advisor's with a BA from Stanford and a doctorate from Oxford, was educated enough wonder wether calling Rwanda genocide or not might effect mid term elections in the States...Change we can believe in.
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