Daschle withdraws
February 3rd 2009 20:38
Today, Tom Daschle withdrew his name from consideration as HHS secretary. I'm glad. Two days ago, I wrote about my disgust with this pick and with those who would defend (i.e., excuse) his actions. The American people are tired of there being one standard for the politicians and another standard for us, the lowly laborers who are here to finance their hypocrisy and excesses. Obama should've pulled Daschle's nomination when he found out about the tax problems. He didn't. He should've pulled Daschle's nomination when it was discovered that Daschle had been lobbying for health care companies. I thought that the cozy lobbyist-politician relationship was something Obama wanted to put an end to. But, no, Obama continued to push Daschle on us. Thankfully, the heat (or guilt) built up enough that Daschle stepped down. In a way, that is good for Obama. He will name a new HHS secretary and the story will fade from the headlines, but all these failed nominations reflect poorly on Obama's judgment. Also, it shows that Obama has no plans to abide by his promise to "change the way Washington does business".
The question that plagues me is this: Why was Geithner given a pass for his tax troubles -- by the media or the politicians or whomever -- and Daschle took a political bullet for the president? Did Daschle have more of a conscience than Geithner? Or was HHS something that many people could do while Geithner was singularly qualified for the Treasury job (despite his tax transgressions)? Or was it the added hypocrisy of Daschle's lobbying background that forced him to pull out? I don't know. Geithner getting through was shameful, though. He should've walked the nomination plank like Daschle did.
The question that plagues me is this: Why was Geithner given a pass for his tax troubles -- by the media or the politicians or whomever -- and Daschle took a political bullet for the president? Did Daschle have more of a conscience than Geithner? Or was HHS something that many people could do while Geithner was singularly qualified for the Treasury job (despite his tax transgressions)? Or was it the added hypocrisy of Daschle's lobbying background that forced him to pull out? I don't know. Geithner getting through was shameful, though. He should've walked the nomination plank like Daschle did.
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Comment by Mike Pouraryan
Outsider Views:
Smooth Political
Kitten Politics
As always, nicely done!!
In my view, he did the honorable thing. Remember, also, that the Deputy Director-Designate of the OMB also withdrew her name.
I think Daschlesaw the writing on the wall. I caught a glimpse of Rick Sanchez on CNN earlier and agree with him that Obama pushed him out. If healthcare is not handled right, I think it will bankrupt America. Daschle would have proven to be a distraction. I'd suggest we see who the President nominates and assess it then.
Mike
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate
I don't know if Obama pushed him out or not. Just yesterday, Obama said he "absolutely" stood behind Daschle for the HHS post. Perhaps he was orchestrating a withdrawal behind the scenes, but he flat-out lied yesterday if that was the case.
I agree with you about healthcare. We desperately need healthcare reform. However, I don't generally feel that the government is good at efficiently managing large-scale programs. Corruption and bureaucracy are endemic in much of they control now.
Comment by S.L.
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Comment by PopulistConservative
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Comment by Lester Caudill
Round Politics
Because in real America if you don't pay your taxes you go to jail, but if you are a democrat and don't pay your taxes you get a cabinet position in B.O. administration.
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate
Comment by S.L.
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