Transition Team Co-Chair Valerie Jarrett Discusses Priorities on ?Meet the Press?

[admin]

President-elect Barack Obama's transition team is "hitting the ground running" on its top priorities - the economy and foreign policy, Transition Co-Chair Valerie Jarrett said on 'Meet the Press' today.

She expects Obama to make more announcements on key positions in the days and weeks ahead.

"I think that, in a sense, putting together the Cabinet is like a jigsaw puzzle, and he wants to make sure that it represents the diversity of our country, diversity in perspectives, diversity in race, diversity in geography. And so all of those pieces are going to come together. And he will pick the best person for each position," Jarrett said.

Jarrett also said Michelle Obama plans to focus on the work-life balance when she becomes First Lady.

"She knows how hard it is to manage being a mom, a spouse, have a professional job. And she has a lot of support. She's the first to say, 'Look, I did it with all this support. What about the women out there who are doing it in such a challenging way?'" Jarrett said.

[Michael (Mick) Lee Sander]

Thank you. That diversity is just what I want to see in the new cabinet... more representative of this nation. Looking forward to a "rainbow coalition." Good on Obama & his transition team. Mick

[oo1987]

I love Michelle Obama. It's so nice to see a strong, dedicated and successful woman who is also sensitive to the struggles women face trying to hold together a family while still having relevant work lives. She seems to down to Earth, not to mention empathetic and sympathetic on all the right issues.

[Jay Busch]

Dear Obama/Biden Team,
I appreciate the seamless transition from campaign to preparing for the challenges of governance. It is most impressive that the deliberative yet transparent approach that served the campaign so well is clearly operative with the transition team. This bodes well for the realization of the vision of the campaign becoming reality in the governance of our nation. Thank you, best wishes, and congratulations to all engaged with this vital effort. Please let me know how I can be of use. Best Regards, Jay Busch

[oo1987]

Speaking of the transition, do you think it will continue at this rate once he takes his place in the White House, or do you think there are too many issues to expect immediate work on some of the promises that have been made? I think the fact that they are already working so hard on setting priorities, and trying to get others involved, it bodes well.

[jdud]

Frankly, I am disappointed in Obama's rumored choices for his cabinet. Hillary Clinton as Sec. of State? Come on! This is change? Diplomacy has not been one of Hillary's main attributes. How about Bill Richardson for Sec. of State?

I worked many hours/weekends and in 3 states for Obama, so please don't take this as anti Barack.

[vicwind]

Originally Posted by jdud

Frankly, I am disappointed in Obama's rumored choices for his cabinet. Hillary Clinton as Sec. of State? Come on! This is change? Diplomacy has not been one of Hillary's main attributes. How about Bill Richardson for Sec. of State?

I worked many hours/weekends and in 3 states for Obama, so please don't take this as anti Barack.

I too am worried about the choice of Hilary for Sec. of State. I applaud the sentiment but fear the consequence. it's lovely to believe one can control the CLintons but no one has proven that to date. I also am not sanguine about her diplomatic ability. I think she's a wonk about our gov't. But one needs more than wonk for diplomacy. And her ideas on the how to deal with the most troublesome leaders in the world will not be obama's. She demonstrated that during the campaign.

[jdud]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way. What can we do to spread the word and, perhaps, effect a positive result? Let's do it!

[Trixie]

Originally Posted by jdud

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels this way. What can we do to spread the word and, perhaps, effect a positive result? Let's do it!

Not from me! I was surprised but thrilled to hear Hillary for State. I think she would be great. She is brilliant, very repected in the international community and she knows the issues. The best, most successful leaders suround themselves with brilliant people that can bring differnt views to the table giving the leader the best and the brightest viewpoints to help make decisions in this very complicated world in which we now live.

[jdud]

No question she is brilliant. No question she should hold some position in the new administration. I think she'd really shine in the Supreme Court! Looking back at the primary campaign, however, I don't see her diplomatic skills shine. Me thinks if Obama appoints her as Sec. of State, his objective is to take her out of the political arena. I can't think of one Sec. of State who has been elected president, but I'm not a history buff. If I were her I'd hang onto that Senate seat. That's her best path to the White House. (Wouldn't that be a fun campaign: Clinton v Palin. Intelligence v ----? )

[John Hickey]

I was pleased that President Elect Obama met with Mrs Clinton and discussed her view of being considered as a candidate for appointment as Secretary of State. I believe she is an ideal candidate for the position. She has the maturity, knowledge, intelligence and ability to be an extremely effective Secretary of State. I believe she could effectively communicate the policies of the President to world leaders.

[Trixie]

Hillary really won my respect back in 1992 with her healthcare plan. I may be one of the few that actually read all 1500 pages. At that time, we were one of "those families" that had a child with pre-existing conditions. We stuggled to maintain our health insurance so that our child got the best care. Let me tell you, it matters where you are able to take your child when they need heart surgery.

[jdud]

I hope your faith in Hillary is proven valid, IF she gets the job. While I can't agree with your assessment, I really believe this is the moment in time we need to open our hearts and minds to new ideas. I believe in our new president and will support him completely, even though I may not agree with him. (Isn't it great to live in a country where such thinking is permitted?)

Peace,
Joan

[jdud]

Trixie,

I totally agree with you! Hillary was given an impossible task back then. I'd love to see her in charge of that now; Barack has opened the door and needs someone to take Americans through it. I can't help but wonder why we are the only western nation without national healthcare (even though my brother is a doctor.) Now there is an area where Hillary could be totally beneficial. She's been there; she's a committed advocate; she's articulate, and she wouldn't be representing her spouse but rather her own values and her new president. Go, girl! Let's not waste her in the Dept. of State (yawn), but put her right out there in front of the American voters!

[Trixie]

Originally Posted by jdud

Trixie,

I totally agree with you! Hillary was given an impossible task back then. I'd love to see her in charge of that now; Barack has opened the door and needs someone to take Americans through it. I can't help but wonder why we are the only western nation without national healthcare (even though my brother is a doctor.) Now there is an area where Hillary could be totally beneficial. She's been there; she's a committed advocate; she's articulate, and she wouldn't be representing her spouse but rather her own values and her new president. Go, girl! Let's not waste her in the Dept. of State (yawn), but put her right out there in front of the American voters!

I read yesterday that is a role Howard Dean wants.

I think if Hillary takes State, she will be representing Obama's position, not her own or Bill's.

I do like Bill Richardson, too. Lots of talented people.

[jdud]

If he needs to appoint Hillary, let her be Attorney
General. She is said to have a brilliant legal mind.

[vicwind]

Hey all you worried about Hilary being Secretary of State - check out the times editorial today SAt. on the subject. It reassured me about the choice if she is selected. SOunds like the insiders consider her to be perfect for the job. And you have to admit it is a great way to keep her off the slate in four years or eight.

[thongkha]

Dear President-Elect Obama:
I'm very disappointed about this talk about Clinton possibly getting the Sec of State position. I voted for you naturally thinking that you would give the position to Richardson; he is perfect for Chief Diplomat. So far, it looks and feels like a Clinton admin. I voted for Barack Obama in the primaries because I wanted a clean departure from the slick wheeling and dealings of both the Bush and Clinton admin. (perhaps slick is not the right word for the Bush admin, but you know what I mean.) It's not too late. I am begging you not to do this. Please ask Hillary to take the UN Ambassador position instead. That would be the smart move and more suitable for her. She would be a solid choice for the UN, and Richardson, as we all know, is perfect for Sec of State. Hillary has certain characteristics that make her well suited for the UN Ambassador position. She is not suited for the Sec of State position, but Gov. Richardson is. It's that simple; Thank you for listening.

[jdud]

Right you are, Thongkha. How many more emails will it take to convince our new Pres. about Hillary?

[BevaLee]

Originally Posted by vicwind

I too am worried about the choice of Hilary for Sec. of State. I applaud the sentiment but fear the consequence. it's lovely to believe one can control the CLintons but no one has proven that to date. I also am not sanguine about her diplomatic ability. I think she's a wonk about our gov't. But one needs more than wonk for diplomacy. And her ideas on the how to deal with the most troublesome leaders in the world will not be obama's. She demonstrated that during the campaign.

I agree. Though she's very intelligent, well educated, she's been in Washington for awhile... I too share your concern.

She gave a speech in Aspen several years ago. Something she said (which I wont repeat) made her seem quite vain... and out of touch with the regular folk.

During the campaign she was vicious. It was dissapointing to watch, for me.
Her approach shattered some illusions, but reaffirmed the sentiment expressed in Aspen.

I don't know where she would be a good fit in the new cabinet.

[Desert Biologist]

Senator Clinton may in fact do very well as SOS, but I'm a bit worried by Vilsack and Salazar. Both seem a bit more conservative on environmental issues than I would like and Salazar's association with Gale Norton and Alberto Gonzales bothers me a lot.

We can't afford to go backwards on environmental issues at this point.

[Desert Biologist]

He may not be such a bad choice after all. He has a mixed record in Iowa, but several of his policies are very progressive. Salazar worries me a lot! I hope that this is not another case of throwing just any political hack in as head of Interior because the Department is not seen as important. I do not trust Senator Salazar to follow sound scientific advice. However, I willing to be convinced. His apparent friendship with Gale Norton does not bode well.