Many people have asked me what I think about the Obama transition. The answer: So far, I couldn't be any happier. Just like during the campaign, he has been a model of maturity and professionalism. Once again, he has been the grownup in the room, surrounded by children, howling critics, and worry warts (like me). While some of my friends on the Left feel let down (too centrist!), I ask them: What did you expect? Obama promised to reach out to those who disagreed with him, and he has done exactly that. He promised to bring the country together, and already he is taking steps toward that. He promised to be a pragmatist, not driven by ideology, and it seems he intends to do that.
Consider the following examples:
1.
Joe Lieberman. While many Democrats were screaming blood after his despicable behavior during the campaign, Obama went out of his way to keep Lieberman as part of the caucus. Any personal vendettas, if there were any, took a back seat to Obama's larger goals (the same thing occurred to a lesser extent with the Hillary Clinton pick).
2.
The recent Governor's convention. The governors "were taken with Obama's openness, policy depth and just that he showed up to engage in a real back-and-forth, a move none could recall on the part of a newly elected president." One governor called it "unprecedented."
3.
Bob Gates. In order to unify the country behind his foreign policy, Obama decided to keep Gates on at Defense. Whatever his party affiliation, almost everybody agrees that Gates has done a good job in the tough, post-Rumsfeld situation. Obama recognized that achievement, looked beyond party, and kept him.
4.
Economic team. With the economy really bad, and Bush not showing any leadership, Obama put together an experienced and (by most accounts) brilliant economic team. It has, in fact, had something of a soothing effect on markets. He seems to be filling the leadership vacuum as best he can.
5.
Cabinet Appointments. Obama has put many smart, experienced people on his cabinet. These people will have strong opinions and also big egos. Obama is showing that he does not want yes-men (or yes-women); he wants real dialogue. He has the intellectual confidence to tolerate disagreement -- the contrast with Bush could not be sharper.
6.
Policy statements. Obama has continued to vow to vigorously pursue health care reform, end torture, close Guantanamo, and renew American diplomacy. He has shown that he understands basic counter-cyclical economics and the need for deficit spending during recession. He has also continued to emphasize that such spending should be aimed at rebuilding infrastructure -- the best sort of economic stimulus there is. On a policy front, then, he is still making all of the right noises.
We will see if this continues. Right now, though, he is off to a good start.
Links:
Obama's impressive performance at the Governor's convention -- including a glowing assessment by Utah Governor Huntsman.
People on both sides of the aisle are impressed with the transition.
David Brooks -- "He’s off to a start that nearly justifies the hype."
Obama's foreign policy team and renewal of American diplomacy
