Still boorrrred… but in agreement

I agree with pretty much everything VK mentioned in his last post, but just a few quick things:

– It is frustrating to me that we’re keeping a Republican in as Defense Secretary, but only for the reason that he is a Republican. I don’t think it’s good for image– it looks like the Democrats are basically conceding that Republicans own defense. So that’s irritating. That said, Gates has done a spectacular job, all things considered. I think he’s about as responsible as anyone for pushing back against the Cheney wing of the White House and keeping us out of war with Iran. And the consensus seems to be that he’s the sort of guy who will figure out how to implement practically the mission he’s given, so we can hope that he’ll be open to Obama’s plans. Also, I think this allows Obama to tie the Iraq debacle entirely to the Bush administration, as, theoretically, Gates will be leaving around the time we get our troops out (if timelines/horizons/whatever are to be believed).
And even more, leaving Gates there gives Obama cover for when he wants to do something that doesn’t please Republicans– “Look, even Gates agrees! You Republicans need to calm down!”

– Yes, Larry Summers is a douche.

– It’s being reported that Mary Beth Maxwell is being considered for Labor Secretary. She’s a community organizer and labor leader who founded American Rights at Work. Also, she’s openly gay, which is important in a Labor Secretary. Anyway, some AFL-CIO leaders and groups within SEIU back her as the choice. I don’t know a lot about her beyond this, but these look like pretty good signs.

– And yes, if we want things to happen, we need to make them happen. Obama has said that he’ll need pressure from the progressive wing of the party, so I have no problem with making him feel it (I’m just not interested in the “ONOZ OBAMA BETRAYED US WITH HIS CABINET PICKS!!!!!1111″).