Melody Barnes To Run Domestic Policy Council

My ThinkProgress colleagues are reporting that Melody Barnes, who was at CAP before I got on board, will head the Domestic Policy Council in the Obama White House. The DPC is in charge of interagency coordination and policy formation for such topics as education, immigration, criminal justice, and health care -- in short, domestic policy. This hasn't been a very high-profile role under the Bush administration since Bush doesn't really believe in domestic policy aside from tax cuts, but for an administration that's trying to play a constructive role in American life it's a very important job.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[ghenry]

Great picks, Obama, I'm hoping to see an Asian and a Latino/Latina very soon.

[8isEnoughPeriod]

We have 3 latinos already in Bill Richardson, Patty Solis Doyle and Janet Napolitano. More, and Asian Americans, First Americans are probably on the way. But Obama is so pragmatic, I think he is looking into the pool of available experts and trying to choose by talent and experience first.

[jackson1015]

Since he is the father of two young daughters, I think it's great that Obama is picking all of these smart, accomplished women to be in his cabinet. Young women can't help but look at this and feel inspired.

[brooklyncitizen]

Great to see so many black women (4 so far) being selected as top advisors or department heads. Their resumes are impressive!

Barack is that rare man that is not threatened by smart women, that doesn't play lip service when he sayis he wants equality for his daughters but then shortchanges professional women he comes across....or worst objectifies them by playing the field (Arnold, Bill,). The women that raised him shaped this perspective. It's a new day and I think we will all win.

[loco10]

She's a brilliant woman, what an amazing pick!
--Peep this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmuGoH3RJHA

[hereitis]

See, Obama knows that it is absolutely okay to choose women for key positions . . . just so long as the correct woman is chosen. Not just any woman. Go ladies!!!!

[Zia]

Now that is progress! For all progressives, he has shown whatever brain trust he is accumulating, progressives will be behind it.

[Mannock]

It must drive the Republicans nutzoid that a real brains trust can be assembled.

[yhgtup]

You Go, Girl!!! Smart & cute!

[Girlforaction]

Wait another smart hottie. I cant wait till President Obama starts his presidency. Great choices already.

[Bitsko]

Another superb choice, Mr. 0bama.

[PATina]

Wow. It's funny that everyone keeps commenting that Obama HAS to be the president of everyone... but don't seem to understand why Progressives want a seat at the table (Hint: they are a part of EVERYONE).

If most of the commenters really do want a pragmatic President who is going to listen to all sides... then all sides need to be represented. That includes progressives as well as conservatives and moderates. 2 out of three doesn't give you all sides.

[Hawka]

Wait, conservatives and moderates are the same people now all of a sudden? Everybody's got a seat at the table now, but overall I urge PE Obama to maintain a focus on a pragmatic processes and picks for the most part.

[PATina]

Who made conservatives and moderates the same people?

My point is that ALL three groups have to be represented or there will be NO pragmatic governing. If you are all for a pragmatic process then you should WANT progressives along w/ conservatives and moderates to partake in the process and be apart of policy deliberations. Being pragmatic doesn't mean leaving the left out in the cold.

[kojoman]

Concerning that 700 BILLION BAILOUT MONEY???

Will someone please give me a reason as to why, couldn't that 700 billion dollars bailout money been distributed from the bottom up. Like to the American tax payers, citizens/homeowners etc; via their bank accounts, on the conditions they pay off their home loans and other outstanding debts???

PS: 700 BILLION DOLLARS is ENOUGH TO GIVE EACH AMERICAN 2 MILLION DOLLARS EACH... Being we are only 300 million in all.

The government via internal revenue, banks etc would be assured their fees.

[toddag]

mmm... no. It's a little more than $2,000 each.

[Palmz]

If you receive a grant for a million dollars to help with AIDS victim, do you invest it in research and development for a cure or do you give each victim $20 each to get placebo drugs?

Your call.

The "bottom up" effect does not work like that. You set aside some money for R&D and you provide some relief to the victims until there is a cure. It is that balance that is eluding some of the brightest minds in the country. We need to give them a chance.

[44on1600]

We don't need $700 Billion. Banks which caused this crisis must allow homeonwesr to refinance to lower rates. Concentrate on Florida and California where you can find a high rate of foreclosures.

[patwal]

Does anyone find it mildly ironic that PE Obama is constantly talking about the ned for coming together to help solve the nation's problems, while at the same time, the progressive and more moderate Democrats seem to be so hell-bent on perpetuating their divisions?

[Shieldmaiden]

It is sad. I consider myself more liberal (I will NEVER use the word progressive) but I voted for a pragmatist. Obama constantly spoke of bi-partisanship, coming together for the common good, etc.

There are Republicans, moderate democrats, and liberal democrats he is surrounding himself that I respect. Hillary is a moderate, but I appreciate her stance on health care. Scowcroft is a Republican, but I admire him coming out against the Iraq war.

Independents, democrats, and yes, Republicans all voted for Obama because we all believed that it is time to stop the bickering, leave ideology out the door, and DO something to fix our country for the better. Creating jobs, fixing the climate change problem, and getting out of Iraq are not just liberal ideals anymore - anyone with brain stem can see we need to accomplish those things. It's time to come together people, or our country is doomed.

[momof3inGA]

So true.

[canucklivinginUSA]

Co-mother f u c k i n g SIGN

[Bitsko]

I agree. Nowadays, they're screaming before the President-elect is even sworn in.

[lizr]

LOL- no kidding. No peace with all these divisions!

[canucklivinginUSA]

Co-sign

[jcwtts1]

Great pick.

[lotuslike]

Great choice!