Obama - following in JFK's missteps?
I wanted to point you all to my article over at Consortium News, Robert Parry's site, where I discuss how Obama's appointments create not just a team of rivals, but a team of opponents who may sink his plans, and the historical precedent for my fears.
Here's the piece: Obama's Risky "Team of Rivals".
I also reviewed a FABULOUS film you should all run and see, Slumdog Millionaire.
Here's the piece: Obama's Risky "Team of Rivals".
I also reviewed a FABULOUS film you should all run and see, Slumdog Millionaire.
posted by Real History Lisa at 3:52 PM - Permanent Link -
7 Comments:
What's the worst that could happen? :(
Hey, Lisa, caught your article when it came out. A fine piece of work. I share some of your concerns, esp. the national security team and their monkey wrench capability.
BTW the second link also goes to the Consortium news piece.
Oops - thanks, B, for pointing out the incorrect link. And thanks for your kind kudo as well.
(The link is fixed now and goes to my review of Slumdog Millionaire, which I HIGHLY recommend.)
Great article, Lisa. I'm disappointed that Gates was kept on and that Clinton was made Secretary of State. Her ideas are more to the right of center. I'm also disappointed that I don't see any progressives at the table. Barack seems to think that he alone can represent progressives, which I think is arrogant.
Thanks for the work you do and pay me a visit at daddyBstrong.blogspot.com
Blessings.
Thoughtful article, as usual Lisa.
I would argue that there are some important differences between JFK's circumstances, and those facing Obama.
First off, Obama will ride the crest of a landslide into office, with proven ability to carry some serious coattails with him - a factor that will undoubtedly come in handy when it comes time for some arm-twisting within his party.
I also believe that kind of support will influence the way even opponents view Obama's authority and his programs. Opponents are less likely to buck the boss when they view his claim to authority as unambiguously legitimate - a view that opponents did not extend toward JFK early in his administration.
Finally, with the exception of Gates (who I suspect may be on the way out before the first term is over) I don't think Obama's differences with his cabinet are as severe as those JFK had with his own. Certainly, the lack of a circumstance as compelling as the cold war helps to defuse such differences that do exist.
Personally, I think Obama's greatest challenge is going to come from a bureaucracy staffed to the rafters with politically-motivated appointments, occupied by the most partisan and reactionary elements possible by 8 years of Bush/Cheney, as well as 12 years of Reagan/Bush before that.
It'll be interesting, to say the least.
I have been following your blog and,now, I am starting one of my own.
Was wondering if I could get a plug on your site as I hope to get blogs I follow up on mine, yours will be on there.
Please visit historianspace.blogspot.com
Thanks, look forward to blogging about history with you.
Michael
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