Chris Matthews: Obama's Diverse Cabinet Like "Many Faces Of Benetton," "Clearly Representative Of America"

Chris Matthews praised the image of diversity coming out of Barack Obama's press conference Monday morning, comparing it to a United Colors of Benetton ad.

Matthews said that Obama "is very aware of the picture he's offering as well as the words" and that his picture Monday morning — three women, three African Americans, one Republican (and someone who has worked with Republicans, in Gen. Jones) — sends a clear message.

"Clearly it has the picture we're looking for, many faces of Benetton or whatever you want to call it," Matthews said, "but clearly representative of America more than previous administrations."

Benetton is a clothing brand known for its inclusive advertising featuring diverse models.

Watch:

Comments

[iPolitics]

You can argue that Obama's administration is less diverse or equal to those of Bush and Clinton. This is not an issue at all. Even Bush had Powell and Rice in his Cabinet along with Gonzales

[Frenbar]

Don't forget about Elaine Chao.

Corporate stooges come in all colors and sizes.

[honeydiva]

and PE Obama has Richardson­...your point is?

[iPolitics]

I made my point. The headline that his is the most diverse is a lie. It's equal or less diverse.

Very talented anyway you look at it.

[damnadamson]

Chris loves a sound bite ... I agree with palmG in that someones race or gender means nothing unless they're principles are sound. The only good thing about these choices is in the appearance.

[JoeSausage]

Are you suggesting that these aren't qualified picks? I'd be interested to see who you'd pick, seeing as you're so smart. By all other accounts, these are near perfect picks, given the appointees histories and qualifications. So what insight do you have that suggests these picks are simply cosmetic?

[GeorgeP922]

Where is the news here, I just reread it and saw nothing that spectacular.

Im guessing we should care about this story because of the rumors out there about Mathews running for office?

Man when can we step down from the sensationalism?

[PalmG]

I guess given this country's history, it's impressive to see a racially and gender-diverse cabinet and staff. Part of me applauds this. But frankly, the bigger part of me finds this way of looking at things tired and counterproductive. At this point, I'd rather see a cabinet full of old White men with sound judgement, integrity and a conscience (ala Jimmy Carter) than lying former first ladies who've accomplished almost nothing that qualifies her for her position, not to mention her "poor judgement" (according to the Pres-elect when he needed votes) on Iraq and a National Security Advisor and a SoDefense who pedalled this bs war. If it came down to principle over race or gender, give me old White men who are PRINCIPLED over these feckless political picks any day of the week. There, I said it.

[chendri887]

It's a sound point.

[NYCAtLast]

Although I am a fan of Pres Elect Obama, I do believe the selection of Clinton was a political decision. But, I also believed that John McCain had not done anything remarkable to qualify him for president. I also didn't think he had significant foreign policy or national security experience.

In all, I trust the Pres Elects judgment and I am willing to take a wait and see approach. I mean, look at what the country has endured over the last 8 yrs (I was vehemently opposed to Bush from day 1). I can't imagine that Bam could as bad or worse than 43.

[cmar]

As for me, I'd rather see a cabinet full of young black men with sound judgement, integrity and a conscience. ...... any time......­...

[robXdion]

You feel better don't you. You finally found a sound argument to justify sexism, BUT you still can't make a case against the competent black men (and women) in the Obama Administration, including Obama himself. Oh, and BTW, how does ONE white woman ruin it for ALL white women? Going by that standard the white male standard you love so much should have been gone with Andrew Johnson in 1859. Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, et al were PRINCIPLED too and they are the best case against your beloved white male dominance.

And as Yoda said, "That is why you FAIL."

[PalmG]

LOL, your assumptions make you sound silly. FYI, I'm a Black female. I'm all for qualified Blacks in high positions, but I am about principles FIRST and foremost. Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell were Bush hacks who helped pedal lies and deception in the name of "security.­" I'd GLADLY exchange them for two Whites with a strong moral compass. Please read more closely and do less assuming next time.

[symmetricol]

And there it is....your last two sentences said it all.

Excellent post!

Col