[RC] Unity 08 Candidates and Shadow Cabinet -with comments
Avesland at aol.com
Avesland at aol.com
Sun Oct 22 18:51:51 EDT 2006
Unity08 Candidates and Shadow Cabinet
Annotated
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Candidates
John Mc Cain for President
To say the least, while I do like him an some ways and admire his military
record,
I have various misgivings about him. However, (1) he is from Arizona, (2) he
is
then least objectionable of all candidates currently under consideration by
Unity08,
who have strong support in the organization. and (3) he has widespread
support nationally and actually could win an election as a presidential candidate.
In short, problems or not, the best available choice even if I wish there
was someone
without his -as I see them- serious problems.
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Cokie Roberts for VP
A good balance to Mc Cain's "independent Republicanism." She is pretty much
an "independent Democrat." She also is a part of the Long family of
Louisiana,
hence should have "Southern Appeal" as well as appeal to Democrats at large
because of her celebrity status as a TV personality. She is also smart as
hell
and would fit in nicely with a "brainstrust" approach to government. She
also fits
into the "beauty contest" approach to election strategy, the idea that it is
smart
to run physically attractive candidates (as much as possible ) since such
candidates tend to win more often that others. Maybe things should not be
this way, but things are what they are, and politics is the art of the
possible
and you do what you gotta do to win. Anyway, it would be nice to see her
on TV as VP, since I like her looks as well as respect her as a thinker.
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Shadow Cabinet
Thomas Friedman -Secretary of State
Well informed, FAR moreso than most relevant people, about USA international
affairs. He also tends to be a dove, but a dove who understands the views of
hawks and is somewhat flexible, just what is needed for the State Department,
generally the "Peace Department."
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Kevin Philips -Secretary of the Treasury
He knows his stuff as his several scholarly books on economics make clear
and he has (more-or-less) populist values in this area. At the same time he
knows politics like few others and would be a huge asset to any
administration
in terms of political know-how. Now an Indy, he was a Nixon WH insider
and has connections to all sorts of big name politicos.
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Barry McCaffrey -Secretary of Defense
Smart as hell retired 4 star general, with a realistic attitude about almost
everything relevant to the military. The exact opposite of Rumsfeld,
in other words, just what DOD needs.
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Rudy Giuliani- Widely popular former mayor of New York, and a smart
attorney. Politically it would be a great plus to have NY 's votes in an
election,
Along with Freiedman (NY Times) Giuliaini in a Shadow Cabinet should go far
toward getting New Yorkers to vote for the ticket.
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Tom Tancredo -Secretary of Interior
Send a message about illegal immigration. At the same time, Tancredo ought to
mean considerable voter appeal in the border states ( CA, Az, NMex, Tex) and
the mountain West.
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Jason Clay -Secretary of Agriculture
Very, very well informed agricultural expert associated with Bioneers, the
scientific wing of the environmental movement. By no means "anti-business,"
he represents the "smart business" viewpoint in the enviro mvt. At the same
time he IS part of that movement and everyone in it knows this. Therefore,
a strong pro-environmental message to win the "Green" vote as well as
reflect sound agricultural policy.
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Juan Solana -Secretary of Commerce
Respected Hispanic economist who specializes in Latin American trade. A
viable
ticket needs an Hispanic in the Cabinet. More importantly, an administration
needs a strong economic policy vis-a-vis Latin America as part of a strategy
to counter the policies of Hugo Chavez. Someone who knows what he is
talking about is a necessity , hence Solana. As well, for many reasons it
would
be smart to create good economic relations with our neighbors to the South.
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Cecil Roberts -Secretary of Labor
Head of the UMW. Have seen him on TV. in a serious interview. I am impressed
with his intelligence and general values. Also his selection would send a
message
about the importance of coal in America's energy future.We are, it has been
said,
the "Saudi Arabia of coal." But we need to use our coal reserves wisely.
This has to
mean abolition of surface mining in all mountainous country, hence a
resurgence of
deep mining in the Appalachian region. Cecil Roberts would make sure that
this
expansion would be safe and efficient. Politically this means an appeal to
voters
in West Virginia, East Kentucky, western Virginia, eastern Tennessee, and
parts of interior Pennsylvania.
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William Raspberry -Secretary of HUD
Recently retired Washington Post columnist, well informed on urban issues and
a moderate voice politically, able to work with Democrats or Republicans.
Obviously as an African-American he would appeal to black voters. He is as
smart as anyone gets, also, and would fit in well with a brainstrust cabinet.
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Jared Diamond -Secretary of Transportation
Best selling author of Collapse, professional geography at it best. And if
the
field of geography isn't directly relevant to transportation, what is ?
Diamond
combines environmental values with admiration for clean business practices.
Left of center but a friend of Right of center folks about many issues.
Brainy
but able to talk with all kinds of people. California academic, hence appeal
to voters in that state.
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Jeff Goodell -Secretary of Energy
Very well informed about American energy policy from an outsider's
perspective.
Author of Big Coal, an in depth examination of the coal industry. NY Times
reporter, but someone who knows coal in the West , hence someone who can
speak to energy issues in places like Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, etc.
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John Kitzhauber -Secretary of HHS
Former 2 term governor of Oregon, very popular, voluntarily returned to
private
sector. Responsible for Oregon's 1st in the nation health care system. He is
an MD
and his leadership would be invaluable in creating a workable national
health policy.
Hence, politically, the votes of Oregon and lower income folks and seniors
all over
the map. In the bargain, he knows how to work with business.
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Christian Hoff Sommers -Secretary of Education
Philosophy professor from Pennsylvania. Has written extensively about
educational
issues and knows the subject better than 90 % of experts. As well, she could
help
define a totally new view of women's rights that is feminist in spirit yet
completely
opposed to the policies of NOW and other gender feminist crazies. Sommers
also
describes herself as a Libertarian, and hence ought to appeal to those
voters.
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Eric Shinseki -Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Stood up to Rummy and the Bush administration about strategy for Iraq in
2003.
He was right, they were wrong, obviously. Someone with real courage as well
as intelligence and, a military man of impeccable reputation. It doesn't
hurt that
he is Japanese American, hence strong appeal to voters in Hawaii and various
parts of California.
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Thomas Ricks -Secretary of Homeland Security
Washington Post journalist and author of best selling book Fiasco, about
failed policy in Iraq. Speaks directly to American concerns about the Mid
East.
Also part of the Post's web of influence, not a small matter in a national
election.
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Fareed Zakaria -Ambassador to the UN
Not a cabinet level position at present, but it was in the past (under JFK)
and
it could be, again. Zakaria is widely respected as a scholar and his TV show
tells
us that he knows how to speak with a great variety of people of many
professional;
competencies. His presence at the UN would also signal the world that the USA
takes the view that it is crucial to our national interests to "get things
right" with
Asia. America needs a strong ant-Islam policy but one that is rational, that
makes
allowances for secular Muslims and Sufis, that understands ins and outs of
Islam
at an expert level, and as well knows how to speak with Hindus even if
sometimes
critically of Hindu traditions. In political terms, Zakaria ought to appeal
to voters
with background in places like India, Pakistan, Iran, Egypt. etc.
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Note : Some public figures who were logical choices for a Shadow Cabinet
or elective national office, were omitted because, in my judgement, they
would be
best as leaders in their present positions. This applies to Senators
Lieberman and
Obama, particularly. Clearly this applies to Governor Schwarznegger
in California, also.
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WH Officials and other Gvt Posts
Gatewood Galbraith -Drug Czar
Former maverick Democrat candidate for Gov of Kentcuky, and Reform
candidate for US House from Lexington. Attorney with significant experience
in drug related cases. Favors MJ legalization but it strongly anti-hard
drugs.
Politically, the Kentucky vote, the legalization-of-MJ vote, the anti-hard
drug
vote, and votes from many Reform Party supporters.
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Michael Medved -Chairman of FCC
Has values that I agree with in the 90 % range. Orthodox Jew with a number
of "Reform Jewish attitudes." Personable, well respected, and a "family
values"
man who ought to appeal to women who are concerned about the world their
kids live in.
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Charles Krauthammer -CIA
Smart as hell, and while a self-proclaimed "conservative," he has Socialist
background and understands the Left worldwide. An asset in many ways.
Politically his appointment would also tell people with disabilities that
the Administration make choices on the strength of accomplishment
regardless of any physical limitations.
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Dana Priest -NSA
Washington Post expert on security and related matters. Smart and articulate
she also would send a message to women voters that their government
seeks the best qualified women and wants them in positions of power.
Another W.Post choice as well.
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Bernard Kerik -FBI
Brilliant NY cop who has a Syrian wife. He knows Arabic and has
experience on the ground in Iraq. He was forced to concede appointment as
head of Homeland Security when it was learned that he had employed an illegal
as a nanny, but it is safe to say that he has learned all the lessons he
needs to
have learned from that indiscretion and deserves a second chance.
Politically helpful with the Arab vote and the "police vote" nationally
as well as the NY vote.
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Stewart Brand - EPA
Encyclopedic knowledge, former publisher of Whole Earth Catalogue.
Would secure the environmentalist vote as well as being able to contribute
professional expertise to the EPA. It doesn't hurt that millions of New Agers
also identify with Brand.
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Thomas Sowell -Office of Gvt Ethics
At present this office is just about invisible in government. However, his
appointment would be intended to change that and make it highly relevant
to how gvt operates. Sowell is a conservative who can speak to liberals.
He is a scholar of significant accomplishment. Ought to be a real help
with the black vote as well as with "values voters."
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Dr Julie Gerberding -Surgeon General
Current head of CDC, an epidemiologist who is an expert on epidemics
of all kinds, and someone with expertise in biological weapons,etc.
Another highly qualified woman who ought to help with the women's vote.
She should also be a big plus as far as the "medical vote" is concerned.
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James Fallows -Chief of WH Staff
Editor at Atlantic Monthly. Not right about everything, but certainly right
about most of what he comments on, and he is very astute politically.
Part of a plan to make the gvt more Radical Centrist in character since
he is associated not only with the magazine, which is more-or-less RC,
but with other leaders of the East Coast RC movement. Maybe not much
of a factor in terms of votes, but a Beltway insider good to have
in one's corner.
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Maria Bartiromo -NEC advisor to the prez
More sex appeal politics, no question about it, but to say the least
she is smart as hell and would be a huge plus on Wall Street.
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Michael G Mullen -Natl Security Advisor
An admiral known for his integrity and competence, who headed operations
in the Balkans in the 90s. Politically the "Navy vote."
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Geoge Stephanopoulos -Director Communications etc
The most independent of the Clintonistas in that era, smart as anyone gets,
and now a media "talking head" who knows his stuff. His selection would
send a message that even if Clinton is regarded as Satan, there were some
good things about the WH in the 90s and Democrats who see the light
are welcome in Unity08.
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Policy Advisors
The concept is that all of these people would hold WH or other gvt offices
yet be most wanted as "idea people" who would confer with Cabinet members
and others on a regular basis BEFORE policy decisions are made. They are
supposed to be autonomous and as independent in their views as feasible,
not as obstructionists. but as necessary for the sake of not letting good
ideas,
or good criticisms, escape notice when making public or national policy.
Juan Williams -respected journalist at both NPR and Fox, a nice combination.
Should help with the black vote and especially with TV fans of Bill Cosby.
Good values , too, and splendid addition to the Admin.
Nancy Pearcy -Evangelical brain with Lutheran background. Excellent for
the "family values" vote as well as social issues generally. Terrific
personality
who would make an excellent WH liaison to the Evangelical community,
Steve Sailer - Calls himself a conservative but in many ways he is an
"independent radical." I personally have serious reservations about a number
of his social views, but everything of his I have read is as thoughtful as
you can
imagine and well worth consideration even if for no other reason than
to know about, so that some views can be researched and debated to
good effect. Politically not much of a plus as far as typical voter groups
go,
but someone who ought to appeal to all those "Mencken types" out there
who are small in numbers but who cast a long shadow in the Blogosphere.
Daniel Pipes -Orthodox Jew who takes a responsible hard line toward Islam,
pro-Israel while also critical of Israel for various faults. IMHO. a perfect
choice for such a post, who would always have the president's ear when
deciding Mid East policy. Politically someone who would be a great help
in "picking one's enemies" carefully, viz, the entire "appeasement crowd" in
higher ed who the WH ought to seek to utterly defeat and humiliate.
Juan Cole - A major figure in Academia in terms of Mid East expertise.
who often lines up with the appeasement crowd but nonetheless someone
with his own agenda, with more-or-less an independent mind. Baha'i
background but critical of Bahais about various things. Wanted for his
considerable knowledge, which is world class, and to bring balance to
deliberations about Islam and the Mid East. He might well be outvoted
most of the time but he would be listened to and, doubtless, sometimes
be able to move opinion his way. Politically possibly helpful in Michigan.
Raplh Nader -more than a "token green," someone who, even if many of'
his social policy stands are fahrschimelt, can speak to consumer needs and
concerns like no-one else. Also an Arab American. This helps send a message
that the Admin is critical of Islam but NOT of Arabs per se.
Michelle Malkin - independent voice more-or-less on the Right, but with
appeal to Indies and others. Very smart and also someone with courage of
convictions. Filipina. Politically ought to be helpful in California and
Hawaii.
Note : DB, of RadicalCentrism.com, has offered a critique of my choices and
has put together a list of his own. After thinking about what he has said
this
would be a good time to give my thanks for his opinions. As well, there are
several additions I'd like to make which reflect DB's views to some extent.
Among other things there should be more attention paid to Texas and
business interests. These are important points.
What is impossible now, at least as I see it, are changes in choices for the
Cabinet, at least for some time, but it is well within reason to add
Political
Advisors who could fill as yet undetermined government or WH posts. Those
recommended by DB include :
George Will (who would make a good baseball commissioner or Supreme Court
Justice as well as anything else).
P. J. O'Rourke -noted Libertarian and political critic and honcho at the
Cato Institute.
Mickey Kaus -of Slate magazine, Microsoft connections, and political
pundit.
Eugene Volokh -independent libertarian and political critic
Tom Hicks - I'm somewhat leary about him but there are few more successful
business men who also are as politically astute. A major influence in Texas
as well as national radio. Maybe someone to disagree with as often as not,
but obviously someone to learn from and who could add a needed dimension
to deliberations on communications.
There are a more DB recommendations who deserve consideration, but
let me add a few more of my own-
Melissa Charboneau -CBN reporter and political expert. Would add
more Evangelical perspective and, of course, sex appeal.
Brian Lamb -CSPAN head honcho, as fair minded as anyone can be,
Also would help with Indiana vote.
Jim Davis -Florida Democratic Congressman with a record for
responsibility and bi-partisan co-operation to get things done.
Making choices for all conceivable government posts is a daunting task,
especially if you want to be sure to cover all important political bases.
Weaknesses in my selections are the absence ( as far as I know ) of
individuals from Ohio, Minnesota, Chicago, the state of Washington,
Georgia , Oklahoma, and Missouri and maybe a few other states.
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Other Government Posts
Ted Halstead -Director of Admin Publications.
Radical Centrist and author. Featured in CSPAN and a good
public speaker. Ought to be helpful with "youth vote."
Mark Satin -Director of Admin Internet Programs
Radical Middle champion , someone who really knows how
to make optimal use of the Web for political purposes.
Mitt Romney -Director of Legislative Affairs, a minor post in the past
but here considered to be of vital importance. Any admin must work with
the Congress and with state gvts to enact its proposals, and needs the
support of governors, senators and representatives. Romney knows
politics, he knows Massachusetts as its governor, and is a Mormon,
which ought to be helpful, in winning Utah and Idaho.
John Edwards -WH Counsel Well known and a link to Kerry people.
Even if I am not at all a Kerry supporter clearly it would be a good idea to
win some of those people to Unity08. He knows the Law and politics
and ought to make a strong ally as well as a good staff person in the WH.
Hedrick Smith -Expert on DC politics and on Russia. Karl Rove is in this
position under GWB. Smith ought to be able to bring that kind of level of
expertise to the job, What he might also do is to hold regular WH briefings
for
the Admin which feature presentations (and Q and A) from Zogby, Cook, and
Gallup. I'd even have Dick morris over on occasion, but with some real
reservations.
Brit Hume -Press Secretary Good news anchor with a balanced
point of view, objective for the most part, with a sense of humor. One good
idea from the current Admin, which I disrespect for the most part, was the
selection of a newsman as press secy. Brit Hume ought to be a really
excellent choice.
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