All Star Team

Many people have criticized President-Elect Barack Obama for his choice in his cabinet selections. They claim that he is already falling through on his promise to bring change to Washington by appointing several individuals who served under former President Bill Clinton. They question how change is coming to Washington by recycling all of these "old faces" back into the White House. Obama has responded to these allegations, stating that he wants people who "know their way around Washington", and don't need any "on the job training". It is essential, especially during these tough economic times, that Obama and his administration have the ability to "hit the ground running" when they step into office.

Today Obama nominated several more key figures to his cabinet. Most notable is Obama's choice for Secretary of State, former "arch nemesis" Senator Hillary Clinton. Clinton has extensive experience with foreign affairs. As former first lady, Clinton had the opportunity to meet with important figures all over the world. She is well respected by many world leaders, is a powerful woman, and certainly has what it takes to fill the position.



Obama has also announced Susan Rice as the US permanent representative to the United Nations, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security, and Eric Holder as Attorney General. All three of these individuals served under the Bill Clinton administration in some capacity.

For those of you who think that Obama is only choosing liberal, former "Clintonites", think again. Obama has asked that Robert Gates, Defense Secretary under the current Bush administration, continue with his position. Gate's has served in many national security roles under several Republican presidents. Gates has the unique opportunity of being one of the only Republicans in Obama's cabinet, a promise of "cabinet diversity" Obama guaranteed during his campaign. Obama has said that while Gate's will provide some "continuity" from the Bush administration to the Obama administration, he will have a new mission of "responsibly ending the war in Iraq through a successful transition to Iraqi control".

Obama has also nominated General James Jones as National Security Adviser. Jones is another individual Obama wants on his team that served under the Bush administration, having served as a Middle East adviser. Jones is a former top commander of NATO, as well as former commander of US forces in Europe.

Obama has stated that he is a believer in "strong personalities and strong opinions", and that these factors helped influence his cabinet selections. Obama also stated that in Washington it is easy to "get wrapped up in groupthink, everybody agrees with everything, there's no discussion, and there are no dissenting views". This is why Obama has brought some diversity to his cabinet by selecting conservatives and liberals, women and men, black and white, young and old. Hopefully Obama and his cabinet will bring some "fresh thinking" to Washington, and challenge each other to create some real, long-term solutions to the problems we face here in America, and across the globe.