The standard operating procedure for a nominee is to let the contenders for say, Secretary of State, fight it out through the general election in a battle to bring the nominee the most votes, the most money, the most positive press and the most assistance. I saw this first hand in 2004 when a constant barrage of contenders tried to outraise and outhelp John Kerry.
At the time, I often brought up, wouldn't it be smart to have a Shadow Cabinet? An unofficial assortment of Democratic leaders that allows a much more direct comparison to the current crop of failures.
For example, take Attorney General -- what would be better than having say, John Edwards out there all day every day taking on Mukasey on the core issues of torture, human rights, etc? I think it would be great. It would also showcase the leadership and ability to assemble a team that Barack needs to show some people who doubt his experience and background is sufficient.
I also believe that if you look at the very successful Clinton presidency what actually drove it and America to great success was the strength of his appointments. Erskine Bowles, (a distant relative in the interest of full disclosure), was Clinton's Chief of Staff for part of Bill Clinton's Presidency. Erskine is an incredibly smart, savvy businessman and leader and his presence in The White House was a benefit to all of us. Same with Robert Rubin at Treasury, Madeline Albright, and many many more.
We can contrast Secretary of State Rice with any number of Democrats who are better, smarter and more sophisticated. I'd take Bill Richardson, Joe Biden, Richard Holbrooke any of them and have them speak all day every day.
How about Secretary of Veterans Affairs? I vote for Max Cleland, think Max would win the discussion on the GI BILL, PTSD Issues and more? Hell yes.
Chime in the comments with your choices. And compare them with their current Republican counterparts. Want to make sure it's John McSame McCain? Get these Democratic leaders out of the shadows and front and center.
Sure, it's different, sure it's unexpected, no they don't have to be binding, but this election is about more than the occupant of the Oval Office, it's about needing a complete leadership change in Washington, and we've got the team.