John Podesta Rules Out Joining Obama Administration

Today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his new transition team, which includes Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAPAF) President and CEO John Podesta as one of three co-chairs.

The media have floated the possibility that Podesta might serve in various roles in the Obama administration, including Energy Secretary and chief of staff. But today in an internal memo to CAPAF staff, Podesta put those rumors to rest. Announcing that he is taking a temporary leave of absence to fulfill his transition duties, Podesta said that he has no plans to join the Obama administration:

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[Tyrione]

I'd imagine he'd rather not have the FBI full vetting and have any "undesirable discoveries" surface.

[PT6]

Remember Cheney was on BUSH's VP selection committee and

HE PICKED HIMSELF!

[PT6]

This is Great! Obama is picking people who will not select themselves!

He insists on Ethical behavior!

[klondiker]

Jeez, Podesta, whatever happened to the call of duty. If the President asks you to serve, you serve!

[khiva]

He wasn't so hot under Clinton. This is not the kind of bringing change to Washington I had in mind.

[KarlaElisa]

The Oregonian has declared a winner in the U.S. Senate election: Your new Senator-elect is Jeff Merkley.

The latest numbers - both here at BlueOregon and at the Oregonian:

691,501 Jeff Merkley
691,119 Gordon Smith
79,004 David Brownlow

[brynn6]

Hooray for you Oregon! I was born there and left when I was 19. I still have family there and I know that they are very happy!

[disgusted48]

change not retreads.

[zendem1]

I can lick stamps. Postmaster General?

[Progress08]

I would like to be secretary of whiskey.... what, that's not a cabinet position.... Dang!!!


I'm hoping that he picks experience in most cabinets and Bobby Kennedy for EPA. I think there are a lot of great people to choose from. Being an Iowan I was so proud when Jim Leach supported Obama. Ya he's a republican, but he's a smart guy and would be a good ambassador, probably no cabinet level position, but a really good statesman representative for the U.S...

I'd actually be a bit happy if many of the former Clinton people had cabinet positions because most of them did a pretty good job, but I want an A.G., Labor, Energy, Interior, Energy, Health and EPA because those positions need fresh blood with big brainy ideas.

Obama has many options for State, but it should be easy since we'll have Biden as VP and he can work closely with State given his experience and connections and the massive respect he garners around the world. Heck, Biden could basically be a second Sec. of State so long as they coordinate and don't conflict with each other.... I guess I'm saying pick a Sec. of State who Biden really really likes.

[brynn6]

Lots of people keep whiskey in the cabinet. :)

[kellygrrrl]

I'm available to be In-House Pilates instructor

[indypete]

In who's house?

[mama mac]

No problem there. His input and advice can still be considered from outside the Administration. CAP and ThinkProgress are great reservoirs of progressive thought and he will do well to continue working there.

Besides, it's possible that, as a true "progressive", he could be considered too far-left for this White House. We've all been saying that the looney charges of socialism and redistributionist in chief have been unfounded. Certain appointments, especially early in the term, could give them more ammunition for such claims.

And, as Agnim reminds, Obama has stated he would have in his Administration a minimum of old blood.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

I can see a farm from my house. Can I be Secty of Agriculture?

[planetjeffy]

I can see the moon from my house. Can I be the ambassador to the moon?

[jerryfromcalifornia]

I'm sorry but I will also have to rule out serving in the Obama administration......Unless he wants me than it will all change.

[Bluejay00234]

Exactly lol.

[CatoTheCensor]

Oh, but God, I was hoping to see Podesta working with this administration. I hope something changes, there.

[Agnim]

Good!
New blood is needed to go along with only a minimal of old blood.