The drama of Tom Daschle's failed nomination feels like eons ago, what with all this stimulus news going on. Still, we need to fill that very important position in Obama Cabinet filled so that the Secretary can get on with the nation's health and human services business. There is quite a lot of it, ya know? From the very beginning, outgoing DNC Chair Howard Dean had been mentioned to take the position, but apparently Rahm Emanuel isn't Dean's biggest fan. Obama's CoS needs to get over himself, and listen to two former Congressional colleagues of his.
From The Atlantic:
I confess I don't know whether there is room in this world for Howard Dean to be in a cabinet that reports to Rahm Emanuel. I know that Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee is a top candidate. That said, the former Vermont governor, DNC chair, NGA chair, health care expert and presidential candidate has some momentum tonight. Sen. Tom Harkin, who has discussed the job with the White House, has publicly endorsed Dean, as has the influential House member Raul Grijalva, who wrote the following letter to Obama. GrijalvaLetter.pdfBredesen would be a terrible choice and Obama would be foolish to pick a guy known for slashing health care services as Governor. Howard Dean on the other hand, had expanded health care to nearly every child in Vermont during his tenure and has been a passionate advocate for health care reform. The "Dr." in his name is just the beginning of his track record of public service and appointing him HHS Secretary would be a great way to continue to build on that resume.
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