The Biden Cabinet

[Dahobbs 18,193]

I keep reading the title of this thread as "the bidet cabinet." I have to double check what forum I'm in. 

[Texaspython 231]

I wouldn’t be surprised if Biden is vetting these announcements with McConnell first. At least, I hope he is. You don’t fix the guv by starting out with knock down, drag out fight over cabinet positions. 

[Js1 86,946]

3 hours ago, SydneyCarton said:

Does this mean bt and Hugo are going to have to stop grumbling for 8 minutes?

No. 

[Js1 86,946]

1 hour ago, Texaspython said:

I wouldn’t be surprised if Biden is vetting these announcements with McConnell first. At least, I hope he is. You don’t fix the guv by starting out with knock down, drag out fight over cabinet positions. 

I don't think he's even formally talked to McConnell yet.  There may be some back channeling with Romney, Collins, Toomey, Sasse and Murkowski on what they'd be amenable to.

[Texaspython 231]

4 minutes ago, Js1 said:

I don't think he's even formally talked to McConnell yet.  There may be some back channeling with Romney, Collins, Toomey, Sasse and Murkowski on what they'd be amenable to.

That’s what I mean. Back channeling is something McConnell appreciates. Gotta be careful with McConnell, give him an inch and he’ll take a mile but something like this just makes sense if you want to get shit done.

[SydneyCarton 49,330]

 

23 minutes ago, Js1 said:

I don't think he's even formally talked to McConnell yet.  There may be some back channeling with Romney, Collins, Toomey, Sasse and Murkowski on what they'd be amenable to.

 

17 minutes ago, Texaspython said:

That’s what I mean. Back channeling is something McConnell appreciates. Gotta be careful with McConnell, give him an inch and he’ll take a mile but something like this just makes sense if you want to get shit done.

I realize this is blind, ignorant optimism on display, but fuck I would hope Biden can just meet McConnell somewhere and say, "Listen, there's a good chance you want to retire after this term. You have an issue with the republican party, and I know you have a list of things you're willing to accomplish that we also want to accomplish. We can leave America better than we left it. Let me help you with your Trump problem within the Republican party, and lets work together on a couple issues with broad support by all Americans. We can have a joint press conference and take equal credit and call it an example of bipartisanship and working together for America. First, lets start on how to fix the misinformation on news channels and social media. You know this is poisoning America, and it's allowing Trump to continue have weight within your party. Lets fix it, I've got a couple ideas. Next, lets talk about jobs and infrastructure..." and on from there. Biden can say it's every party for itself on a number of things, but they can work together to get Trump out and set an example that America isn't completely incapable of bridging a divide. 

I realize it's naïve, but honestly for the life of me, even if McConnell is a power hungry motherfucker who only cares about his own shit, I just still can't wrap my head around the fact that this can't be an appealing win/win for BOTH politicians and BOTH parties. 

[bad_teammate 13,481]

You know you lack knowledge, beliefs, and confidence in the subject when you view every world development through the lens of interpersonal conflict on a message board. I don't know why you guys keep trying to reignite 2020 primary fights. What do you think is going to happen?

What is it about this guy I'm supposed to be impressed with? 

Pro-Iraq War? Check
Super wealthy from working with/in the defense industry? Check
Pro Saudi war on Yemen? Check
Anti-Palestinian? Check

He's just another part of the weapons/foreign policy blob. Whatever. A return to a banal neoliberal world order viewpoint where we regrettably intervene everywhere all the time with furrowed brows and drone strikes while the defense budget grows and the revolving door keeps enriching the furrowed brows.

Woo.

[Texaspython 231]

33 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

 

 

I realize this is blind, ignorant optimism on display, but fuck I would hope Biden can just meet McConnell somewhere and say, "Listen, there's a good chance you want to retire after this term. You have an issue with the republican party, and I know you have a list of things you're willing to accomplish that we also want to accomplish. We can leave America better than we left it. Let me help you with your Trump problem within the Republican party, and lets work together on a couple issues with broad support by all Americans. We can have a joint press conference and take equal credit and call it an example of bipartisanship and working together for America. First, lets start on how to fix the misinformation on news channels and social media. You know this is poisoning America, and it's allowing Trump to continue have weight within your party. Lets fix it, I've got a couple ideas. Next, lets talk about jobs and infrastructure..." and on from there. Biden can say it's every party for itself on a number of things, but they can work together to get Trump out and set an example that America isn't completely incapable of bridging a divide. 

I realize it's naïve, but honestly for the life of me, even if McConnell is a power hungry motherfucker who only cares about his own shit, I just still can't wrap my head around the fact that this can't be an appealing win/win for BOTH politicians and BOTH parties. 

I don’t think that’s naive. Biden being a much better retail politician will work better with McConnell than Obama. 

[wildcat09 29,560]

7 minutes ago, Texaspython said:

I don’t think that’s naive. Biden being a much better retail politician will work better with McConnell than Obama. 

Counterpoint: you're both incredibly naive. McConnell will never agree to anything that the Democratic party can champion as a win, regardless of what Republicans would get out of it.

[Texaspython 231]

Just now, wildcat09 said:

Counterpoint: you're both incredibly naive. McConnell will never agree to anything that the Democratic party can champion as a win, regardless of what Republicans would get out of it.

Of course, however, I don’t think you stop trying to govern in a cooperative way. What’s the harm? If they obstruct and block everything, then we know what to do.

[Js1 86,946]

4 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

Counterpoint: you're both incredibly naive. McConnell will never agree to anything that the Democratic party can champion as a win, regardless of what Republicans would get out of it.

I think McConnell would rather get a few wins with moderate cabinet appointees and confirmation hearing soundbites from questioning Biden nominees than let Biden install whoever he wants in acting capacities.  The administration can go much further left if it just bypasses Senate confirmation.  That wouldn't be Joe's style anyhow. 

[wildcat09 29,560]

2 minutes ago, Texaspython said:

Of course, however, I don’t think you stop trying to govern in a cooperative way. What’s the harm? If they obstruct and block everything, then we know what to do.

Man, the Obama administration wasn't the stone ages. It's not lost to pre-history. We even had the internet during it. We know how the Democrats behaved, how the Republicans behaved, and how the public evaluated the two parties. It didn't go well for Democrats. That's because the harm of behaving as if the GOP are willing partners in governance communicates to the public that the GOP is interested in governance and not in the systematic destruction of the government and American democracy.

They're not just some people we have reasonable disagreements with, they're saboteurs and terrorists. The Democrats need to be constantly communicating that to the American people.

[mchookem 16,729]

3 hours ago, Hank Kingsley said:

 

ahh that's one of the spots (UN) i thought Pete would do very well in, mending our relationships and reputation worldwide.

[Texaspython 231]

3 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

Man, the Obama administration wasn't the stone ages. It's not lost to pre-history. We even had the internet during it. We know how the Democrats behaved, how the Republicans behaved, and how the public evaluated the two parties. It didn't go well for Democrats. That's because the harm of behaving as if the GOP are willing partners in governance communicates to the public that the GOP is interested in governance and not in the systematic destruction of the government and American democracy.

They're not just some people we have reasonable disagreements with, they're saboteurs and terrorists. The Democrats need to be constantly communicating that to the American people.

Yeah, and that’s why you don’t nominate people that are easily attacked. Nominate good people and if they won’t agree then fight better and smarter. How else do we get what we want? We didn’t win enough senate seats (I don’t trust Georgia to go dem). What would you propose?

[Js1 86,946]

11 minutes ago, mchookem said:

ahh that's one of the spots (UN) i thought Pete would do very well in, mending our relationships and reputation worldwide.

Looks like they wanted an experienced diplomat for that role.  Pete has none of that.

New names coming:

• Tony Blinken - State
• Alejandro Mayorkas - Homeland Security (first Latino to run DHS)
• Linda Thomas-Greenfield - UN Ambassador
• Avril Haines - DNI (first woman to lead intelligence) 
• John Kerry - Climate Czar
• Jake Sullivan - NSA

Kerry will also serve on the National Security Council in his role - Biden keeps his focus on ensuring climate change is seen as a national security issue and will be treated as such. 

Edited November 23, 2020 by Js1

[SydneyCarton 49,330]

17 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

Man, the Obama administration wasn't the stone ages. It's not lost to pre-history. We even had the internet during it. We know how the Democrats behaved, how the Republicans behaved, and how the public evaluated the two parties. It didn't go well for Democrats. That's because the harm of behaving as if the GOP are willing partners in governance communicates to the public that the GOP is interested in governance and not in the systematic destruction of the government and American democracy.

They're not just some people we have reasonable disagreements with, they're saboteurs and terrorists. The Democrats need to be constantly communicating that to the American people.

This is absurd. I understand your point, and agree that they should do that...in spots. But calling them terrorists and saboteurs and traitors every day doesn’t work on the left the way it works on the right. And it will be just be shown negatively on Fox News and will drive away moderates. It’s not a winning strategy if they just repeat it non stop. 

[wildcat09 29,560]

10 minutes ago, Texaspython said:

Yeah, and that’s why you don’t nominate people that are easily attacked. Nominate good people and if they won’t agree then fight better and smarter. How else do we get what we want? We didn’t win enough senate seats (I don’t trust Georgia to go dem). What would you propose?

We don't have a lot of great options right now. I'd have the House pass a new Voting Rights Act and a huge new economic stimulus bill and and publicly annihilate McConnell for refusing to hold votes on them (which he'll absolutely do). The bully pulpit if actually used well can be a powerful tool. The entire Biden presidency needs to be dedicated to making sure that every American who might even consider voting hears the message, over and over and over and over again, that the Republican party actively hates them and wants them to die so it can take their shit and give it to their wealthy donors.

[Bruh Man 3,160]

Jake Sullivan in as NSA.

Apparently this dude is a genius. Yale Law/Oxford/etc. Worked on policy in Obama's second term. Hopefully he's as good as advertised.
 

 

 

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by Bruh Man

[Bruh Man 3,160]

If you want to know where your new NSA is coming from, this is a good essay he wrote in the Atlantic.
 

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/01/yes-america-can-still-lead-the-world/576427/

[SydneyCarton 49,330]

5 minutes ago, Bruh Man said:

Jake Sullivan in as NSA.

Apparently this dude is a genius. Yale Law/Oxford/etc. Worked on policy in Obama's second term. Hopefully he's as good as advertised.
 

 

 

 

And he couldn’t get Hilary to stop using a private server and personal, unsecured email account? Finn this guy.

-Inevitable Senate Hearings 

[Huckleberry 34,407]

23 minutes ago, SydneyCarton said:

This is absurd. I understand your point, and agree that they should do that...in spots. But calling them terrorists and saboteurs and traitors every day doesn’t work on the left the way it works on the right. And it will be just be shown negatively on Fox News and will drive away moderates. It’s not a winning strategy if they just repeat it non stop. 

This is incorrect in every conceivable way. You still don't understand how dumb and impressionable most people are. I didn't want to believe it either. 

[SydneyCarton 49,330]

7 minutes ago, Huckleberry said:

This is incorrect in every conceivable way. You still don't understand how dumb and impressionable most people are. I didn't want to believe it either. 

Come on man, you know I champion MISA. Fuck, you liked a post by me just today in favor of calling out stupidity and hypocrisy. But the people you want to be influencing and shaming aren’t seeing that message. If everyone in their lives called them those things regularly? Sure. But democratic politicians and democratic policy? They’ll see the cutups on Fox News and feel more justified and entrenched in their views. They’re not watching CNN or even CSPAN.  This strategy doesn’t work because the message won’t reach the necessary audience. It’s like putting a tampon machine in the men’s room. it just won’t get covered or it will be cut up and weaponized by the right. Any “moderates” who are already watching a wide variety of news sources are already Blue. The folks who couldn’t vote for Trump again as moderates that still went R all the way down? Debatable, at best. 
 

Don’t believe me? Go read the thread about how many folks have successfully gotten their parents or hardcore MAGA family members to change their minds. 

Edited November 23, 2020 by SydneyCarton

[Enchubben 5,598]

1 hour ago, wildcat09 said:

They're not just some people we have reasonable disagreements with, they're saboteurs and terrorists. The Democrats need to be constantly communicating that to the American people.

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

[Sawbonz 28,085]

This is awesome

 

So does Biden give a stop work EO for the wall on day 1?

[safe sex 11,914]

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

If they stop being so fucking homophobic, sexist, and racist, maybe they'll stop being called those things?

Why are homophobes, sexists, and racists always so sensitive about being called what they are, when they have no problem publicly espousing those beliefs?

[wildcat09 29,560]

7 minutes ago, Enchubben said:

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

Does anyone here believe for one second that enchubben is sincerely interested in any sort of compromise about literally anything with Democrats?

[Huckleberry 34,407]

1 hour ago, SydneyCarton said:

Come on man, you know I champion MISA. Fuck, you liked a post by me just today in favor of calling out stupidity and hypocrisy. But the people you want to be influencing and shaming aren’t seeing that message. If everyone in their lives called them those things regularly? Sure. But democratic politicians and democratic policy? They’ll see the cutups on Fox News and feel more justified and entrenched in their views. They’re not watching CNN or even CSPAN.  This strategy doesn’t work because the message won’t reach the necessary audience. It’s like putting a tampon machine in the men’s room. it just won’t get covered or it will be cut up and weaponized by the right. Any “moderates” who are already watching a wide variety of news sources are already Blue. The folks who couldn’t vote for Trump again as moderates that still went R all the way down? Debatable, at best. 
 

Don’t believe me? Go read the thread about how many folks have successfully gotten their parents or hardcore MAGA family members to change their minds. 

That can be done on an individual basis by someone who knows the individual personally. As a general approach the ignorance and stupidity need to be called out ruthlessly and relentlessly.

Repetition works. 

[Huckleberry 34,407]

9 minutes ago, Enchubben said:

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

You're being a coward again. 

"You're not in power so fuck your feelings! Wait, what's that? We're out of power? 

Then those in power should be bringing people together."

 

 

[UDontKnow 10,557]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

Looks like they wanted an experienced diplomat for that role.  Pete has none of that.

New names coming:

• Tony Blinken - State
• Alejandro Mayorkas - Homeland Security (first Latino to run DHS)
• Linda Thomas-Greenfield - UN Ambassador
• Avril Haines - DNI (first woman to lead intelligence) 
• John Kerry - Climate Czar
• Jake Sullivan - NSA

Kerry will also serve on the National Security Council in his role - Biden keeps his focus on ensuring climate change is seen as a national security issue and will be treated as such. 

One would think Kerry's experience as Secretary of State would pay huge dividends towards national security and addressing climate change issues.

[UDontKnow 10,557]

Any updates on Secretary of Health and Human Services? Is it still purportedly New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham?

[Js1 86,946]

14 minutes ago, Enchubben said:

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

Eat a fat fucking dick and choke on it. Never seen you tell conservatives to stop blanket claiming democrats as socialists, anti-American, communists, beta males, feminazis, etc  

“Wahhh be nice to us after we treated you like garbage for 4 years!”

[406W30th 1,111]

30 minutes ago, Enchubben said:

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

The entire GOP platform is literally "to own the libs" and now you're claiming you want to bring the country together. Cool.

[SydneyCarton 49,330]

25 minutes ago, Huckleberry said:

That can be done on an individual basis by someone who knows the individual personally. As a general approach the ignorance and stupidity need to be called out ruthlessly and relentlessly.

Repetition works. 

I agree. I even said that. I was speaking of this as a DNC policy when speaking to the media. 

[Js1 86,946]

21 minutes ago, UDontKnow said:

Any updates on Secretary of Health and Human Services? Is it still purportedly New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham?

Probably the easiest confirmation 

I know former surgeon general Vivek Murthy was a possibility, but he’s very vocal about gun control. Zero chance the GOP Senate would confirm. 

[Ghost of LL 15,665]

2 hours ago, mchookem said:

ahh that's one of the spots (UN) i thought Pete would do very well in, mending our relationships and reputation worldwide.

I think what all this signals is that the cabinet isn't going to be used as chits for repaying debts from the campaign.  There has been too much damage done to the federal bureaucracy and to America's international standing, and it requires people with a lot of Washington experience to put it back together.

I thought Buttigieg would be a possible UN Ambassador candidate, as well.  And I thought it would make some sense to put him there if the goal was to repay him for his timely withdrawal and endorsement.  But he'd have a serious learning curve.  And we don't have the luxury of letting people get up to speed.

Thomas-Greenfield is a pro.  There's no learning curve for her.  She'll step in and do the job immediately.

[UDontKnow 10,557]

3 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Probably the easiest confirmation 

I know former surgeon general Vivek Murthy was a possibility, but he’s very vocal about gun control. Zero chance the GOP Senate would confirm. 

Ironically, despite being a blue state, New Mexico is also an extremely gun friendly state. Biden needs to find some way to get Murthy a high level position in his administration. Sure he's part of the COVID task force, but he has talent.

[Js1 86,946]

Guess it’s Yellen

 

[Enchubben 5,598]

5 minutes ago, wildcat09 said:

Does anyone here believe for one second that enchubben is sincerely interested in any sort of compromise about literally anything with Democrats?

Does anyone think throwing around ridiculous hyperbolic broad based statements across 70M americans like this helps?  I wouldn't think that's a contentious issue, but then you have the following:

43 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Eat a fat fucking dick and choke on it. Never seen you tell conservatives to stop blanket claiming democrats as socialists, anti-American, communists, beta males, feminazis, etc  

“Wahhh be nice to us after we treated you like garbage for 4 years!”

Point one out and I'll denounce it just the same. 

[Bullneck 19,454]

On 11/7/2020 at 2:34 PM, RCRanger03 said:

Energy - Bear with me on this one. Rick Perr...... I can't even do it. 

 

How about this guy?

 

Spoiler

Ernest Jeffrey Moniz, GCIH^[1] (/moʊniːz/;^[2] born December 22, 1944) is an American nuclear physicist and political figure. From May 2013 to January 2017, Moniz served as United States Secretary of Energy in the Obama Administration. Prior to this, he served as the Associate Director for Science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States from 1995 to 1997 and was Under Secretary of Energy from 1997 to 2001 during the Clinton Administration.

Moniz is one of the founding members of The Cyprus Institute and has served at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems, as the Director of the Energy Initiative, and as the Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.^[3] Before his appointment as Secretary of Energy, Moniz served in a variety of advisory capacities, including at BP,^[4] General Electric,^[5] and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.^[4]

 

Edited November 23, 2020 by Bullneck

[Js1 86,946]

Ayup 

 

[G650 14,422]

17 minutes ago, Bullneck said:

How about this guy?

 

  Hide contents

Ernest Jeffrey Moniz, GCIH^[1] (/moʊniːz/;^[2] born December 22, 1944) is an American nuclear physicist and political figure. From May 2013 to January 2017, Moniz served as United States Secretary of Energy in the Obama Administration. Prior to this, he served as the Associate Director for Science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President of the United States from 1995 to 1997 and was Under Secretary of Energy from 1997 to 2001 during the Clinton Administration.

Moniz is one of the founding members of The Cyprus Institute and has served at Massachusetts Institute of Technology as the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems, as the Director of the Energy Initiative, and as the Director of the Laboratory for Energy and the Environment.^[3] Before his appointment as Secretary of Energy, Moniz served in a variety of advisory capacities, including at BP,^[4] General Electric,^[5] and the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.^[4]

 

Best hair ever. I miss him on PBS Newshour

[Mrs Whiggins 13,050]

I liked this little tidbit on the recent names released:

 

[washparkhorn 9,967]

1 hour ago, Js1 said:

Guess it’s Yellen

 

Biden spox denying this, for the moment.

 

[washparkhorn 9,967]

43 minutes ago, Js1 said:

Ayup 

 

I have to give Yellen credit - she understands the perils of austerity in a recession. Most in Washington have no inkling of what happens to the the economy when austerity is the number one economic priority for an administration. Fed Powell has over and over again stressed that a fiscal response is needed from Congress. Perhaps Yellen and Powell can convince the Hawleys and Buttiegiegs their austerity first policies are horrible economic policy for the nation.

(probably not - the Hawleys and Buttegiegs understand who butters their bread)

Note 1: Powell and Yellen are orthodox economists. Austerity in this day and age is the product of Congress and the President - not orthodox economic theory. 

Note 2:    Orthodox Economic Theory ≠ MMT (for the one person who might be wondering)

Edited November 23, 2020 by washparkhorn

[HillaryFan420 121]

Just now, washparkhorn said:

I have to give Yellen credit - she understands the perils of austerity in a recession. Most in Washington have no inkling of what happens to the the economy when austerity is the number one economic priority for an administration. Fed Powell has over and over again stressed that a fiscal response is needed from Congress. Perhaps Yellen and Powell can convince the Hawleys and Buttiegiegs their austerity first policies are horrible economic policy for the nation.

(probably not - the Hawleys and Buttegiegs understand who butters their bread)

this is her from February of this year so I would be skeptical of her being supportive of robust stimulus in the first place

Quote

And the details change from year to year but for more or less the last 20 years at least, what you see is the U.S. debt path is completely unsustainable under current tax and spending plans and the exact way in which it takes off moves around from year to year depending on what happens but that fundamental problem of the U.S. debt path is not sustainable, I think is something that most people don’t understand and I see very little evidence of concern about it in recent years.

https://www.marketplace.org/2020/02/04/debt-inequality-and-the-coronavirus-a-conversation-with-former-fed-chair-janet-yellen-and-the-world-banks-david-malpass/

Of course in the same interview she blames growing inequality and stagnant wages on the "skills gap" twaddle.  You have to be very learned to be this stupid.

[washparkhorn 9,967]

We are already MMT'ing as a matter of fact. It is the unstated Fed Policy. 

If Yellen and Powell don't want to admit (for political reasons) they are using MMT , I understand. But MMT is happening and has been for some time now. Economic progressives want more to share in that national wealth. We have plenty of ammunition and economic evidence to expand MMT operations to finance the next leg forward for the American Economy.  

Inflate or die remains the Fed's battlecry - and the Fed isn't wrong on this principle. We must grow the economy or fade into the sunset.

Edited November 23, 2020 by washparkhorn

[ChiTownDoc 21,325]

2 hours ago, Enchubben said:

Deplorables, homophobes, sexists, racists and now saboteurs and terrorists. That kind of blanket claim is sure to bring us together.

That's like the blanket we gave the Native Americans right?  

 

Also, it's refreshing to see the old BT back.  I'm still getting used to the new moderate Slorch, so the comfort of having a cranky far left lunatic BT back really rustles my jimmies. 

[Js1 86,946]

38 minutes ago, Mrs Whiggins said:

I liked this little tidbit on the recent names released:

 

I like the part where none of them are Bidens or debasing themselves by kneeling outside Trump Tower in front of tv cameras hoping Donny sees them. 

[Mrs Whiggins 13,050]

19 minutes ago, ChiTownDoc said:

That's like the blanket we gave the Native Americans right?  

 

Also, it's refreshing to see the old BT back.  I'm still getting used to the new moderate Slorch, so the comfort of having a cranky far left lunatic BT back really rustles my jimmies. 

I took a look at some of his posts on the Ag site and he's pretty good at giving those folks atomic wedgies.

[Bullneck 19,454]