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Howard Dean for HHS or Health Czar
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Health And Human Services, Health Czar, Hhs, Howard Dean, Obama Cabinet, Team Of Rivals, Tom Daschle,
Politics News
Remember Tom Daschle was selected for two different positions in the Obama administration. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and Health Czar. These can be and are meant to be two distinct jobs (otherwise, why bother having a health czar).
At this point, if Howard Dean is not selected for at least one of these positions, it is a clear snub. But not just to Dean, but to all like-minded progressives. There's no way that Rahm Emanuel's animosity toward Dean can be explained away if they pass over him again, especially given his tremendous success at the DNC. That success is not a claim he holds over the Democratic Party, it is a testament to his ability to get things done.
We still want to get things done, right? We don't just want to bargain with the Republicans all day long and walk away without real change, do we? Are we playing a political game of who can appear to be more bi-partisan or are we really going to bring the change that was promised?
You know who promised change and then really delivered? Howard Dean. No one believed that he could change the mindset at the DNC and have the kind of success he did with the 50 state strategy. But he got it done. It would be unconscionable to ignore that. If they don't tap Dean for at least one of these positions, there is something seriously wrong with the way this administration is going about its business. This would bring things to the point where I would begin to question if they actually want to affect change or not.
By the way, why is there always room for another Republican in this team of rivals cabinet, but never room for one strong progressive voice we all trust like Howard Dean?
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Call MSNBC and ask that Cenk be put on after Rachel Maddow! Cenk on MSNBC - awesome!!!
Dear Brother Cenk,
As usual, you and I are in the exact same stream of consciousness, straight from the heart, speaking truth to power. Agape. dapper
Governor/Doctor Howard Dean is the perfect fit for HHS Secretary. Howard Dean made a transition in his life - from medicine to politics just for this reason - he wanted to make a difference in people's lives. Dean deeply believes that everyone in this country should have access to affordable health care. He knows the system, he cares about people, and he knows how to handle the media.
He can do this job - in my opinion, better than any other choice right now.
Your last question is the best question. Even Obama wants to run from progressives. Why is he bending over backwards for the obstructionist repugs? They have all but ruined this country.
ENOUGH ALREADY!
We don't need a czar this or a czar that.
Does Rahm Emmanuel have the same philosophical fiber that is inextricably part of what is right about President Obama for our country??
Our president must surround himself with people who think like he does, otherwise policies and appointments will go astray. I have a gut feeling that RE thinks quite differently than President Obama about America's path and it's responsibilities and it shows. There are some very strong egos operating and we are beginning to see the results of decisions made by people who have slightly different visions. Does RE's vision truly match President Obama's?? Our president needs a confidant by his side but I believe RE is not the right man for that job. Sure he's a quick wit with a quick judgement, but his manner and philosophy seems in opposition with the core beliefs of President Obama.
He should have stayed in the House where he would have been a terrific leader. Now, it is going to be very difficult to make him go away. The Clintons had trouble with that too.
Rahm is just PO'd that Dean was right and he and the DLC were completely wrong! Rahm is just PO'd that Dean was successful and he wasn't. So, now Rahm is in a position to lord it over Dean and small person that he is, that is just what he is doing. To all of those that say Obama is running the show and all of these disparate talents will do his bidding -- wake up! Howard Dean should've been the pick all along because he is truly committed to change in our health care system and has actually overseen such change when he was Governor of Vermont. Daschle was not committed to significant changes in the delivery of health care in this country, so good riddance to him. Now, Mr. Pres, bring in somebody that is truly changey and not just a political hack that you have to pay back for early endorsement.
All the buzz is saying that Rahm is calling the shots in the Obama administration. If so, that may explain why we are getting so many picks for the administration from the Right. If I recall correctly, Ms Duckworth, when she ran for Congress, was from the Right. She was for the War in Iraq, even though she had been wounded in the war. She was one of the people picked by Rahm to run for Congress, even though she did not win. So, maybe Dr. Dean will be picked for one of the positions. I certainly hope so. We can't have another tax problem. It looks like we may have an Abramoff problem with the Commerce Secretary nominee.
Dr. Howard Dean!
YES!! YES!! YES!!
It sucks that the Obama team can't admit the great job that Howard Dean did, and that Obama benefited greatly from Dean's work. Dean has earned respect and should be offered a high level job. There is no one that I would trust more to deliver an affordable health plan to the millions of uncovered Americans. I think Daschle and anyone else like him will fold and produce something ineffective or unaffordable or both. But boys will be boys and the ones in the WH seem to have their panties in a twist over Howard Dean.
Cenk gets it right once again....
"At this point, if Howard Dean is not selected for at least one of these positions, it is a clear snub. But not just to Dean, but to all like-minded progressives."
Not. I'm a like-minded progressive and I don't agree that Howard Dean should or must be selected for either position.
i rock dean.
Howard was more than thoroughly vetted when he ran for President in 2004. he has said that he wants to focus on policy, not politics and he would certanily be an honest broker as head of HHS.
the netroots and grassroots appear to have a lot of respect and support for Howard, so perhaps Rahm should think long and hard before he puts roadblocks in his way to a spot in this administration.
Right on, Cenk.
What a disappointment to see Dean passed over again and again.
It's a snub that a lot of us who are paying close attention are really getting mad about, because like you said, this is an individual who gets things done and has proven himself soundly.
Obama will ultimately begin to be seen as Rahm's boy if he continues to pass over a person with the qualifications, integrity and fighting spirit that Dr. Dean brings to the table. We don't have to worry about any tax problems with him, he's a man of integrity that I don't believe could even begin to be that careless.
Bingo, Howard Dean and Move on were the precursors to Obama and his election and it will be a real red flag if he is not nominated to be HEALTH CZAR...over VA, HHS, and the STATES and Medicaid....
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