It appears that many of you suggest that his senate position should go to a republicn so at to be a partisian choice or perhaps an enemy of his. I don't care what color she is or if she is a friend of his or not. My only issue is is that she's smarter than Palin.

My kneejerk was that the best person for the job should get it. But then I thought about the affirmative action aspect and it doesn't seem unreasonable to find the best African American for the job. Of the 100-member Senate, President-Elect Obama was the ONLY current African-American member (and only the 5th ever). If he's fully qualified, I think Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (Illinois 2nd district, and a 13-year member of the House of Representatives) would be a fitting replacement…

For crying out loud! After reading a few of these posts and realizing how incredibly ignorant and or mindless some people are, I completely understand why our forefathers set the electoral college in place. Some of you participating in this blog do not have the mental capacity to separate fact from fiction. And will follow any voice that sounds soothing like bleating sheep. McCain supporters accused Obama supporters of "drinking the koolaid" but all of the negative rhetoric and conspiracy theories came from them. And like blind mice they followed the music that tickled their burning ears.

It is a waste of time to present facts to this type of people because they will believe what they want. They look for any excuse to not support him because they are afraid to say why they really don't support him. It isn't his political style, policies, or even whether he has enough experience, all of that is a smokescreen for not liking him because he is black.

And you know what? That's ok because most people fear what they do not know. The good thing is, they have four years to find out. For everyone elses sake let's hope they can be opened minded enough to learn.

Wow….what happened to Jesse Jackson Jr.?

I would love a rainbow coalition as Mr. President cabinet. That's America.

I'm amazed at how many people mentioned race! If this woman is capable, I don't care if she's purple. Appoint her for the job.
Simply…race has nothing to do with it. Get over it already.

While Ms. Jarrett is a very intelligent woman, I don't think it would be very wise for Gov. Blagojevich to appoint her to Obama's US Senate seat with no elected political experience. She is good friends with Obama, and one of his closest advisers and supporters, but that is not a qualification for the job. Cronyism needs to stop now, and high-powered positions need to go to people who are actually qualified for them. If Jarrett wants to be a member of Congress, perhaps she should run for the House of Reps if a member from Chicago gets appointed to the Senate in Obama's place. I think the governor should at least consider Obama's preferences, and ask him for three or four of them, but exercise his own discretion in choosing the replacement. As has been mentioned, I think Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., would be a good choice, since so many people are worried about the loss of the only African-American in the Senate. Rep. Bobby Rush or Rep. Danny Davis are two other well-qualified African-American congressmen from IL that could also fill the seat. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Hispanic congressman from Chicago who has served 15 yrs, or Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Jewish congresswoman from Evanston, might be good replacements as well.

same old , same old , politics , politics never change , it looks like the change that obama promised was a change of the name of the president ,

To Samuel who wrote:
I can't believe the McCain/Palin supporters still active.
Bush brought in half of Texas population to the White House when he got elected.

Yes, Samuel he did and we all remember the whining from all the democrats who deplored his actions then. So does it seems any less repugnant now when a democrat does it or is it okay since Obama is involved and not Bush? Obama supporters must remember exactly what they cried foul for before and not look too hypocritical as they try and excuse Obama for the same actions.

Geez…do all you posters know how to do is tear each other down? Don't you guys have lives??? I could see posting @ work but on a Sunday?!? Chillllllllll out

I feel sure the correct person will be chosen for the job.
I trust Senator Obama's judgement completely.

You keep asking the Republican’s to support Obama and come together for the sake of the Country. And yet, you continue to demean and name call McCain and Palin every chance you get, especially Palin. Sure, we are mad that our team didn't win. But we would also get over it sooner if we didn't have to keep hearing the dribble you hateful Democrat bloggers keep posting every chance you get. It's over, you won, we lost, and that’s the end of it. So stop calling Palin "Bimbo", "Idiot" and all the other names that you have been calling her. She is NOT a Bimbo or an Idiot and she would have never been elected Governor or chosen as a VP if she was. There is NO reason for it now, but to show your true immature intelligence. You are the rotten winners and that makes everything said about the Un-American statements true.

If you truly want Unity across both parties, then stop casting so much hate.

a woman who is a democrat is always the best choice !!!!!!

My friends….it only has begun…you have seen nothing yet…paybacks are very necessary, and there will be many of them…someday we will ALL look back and wonder what we hath wrought….remember what he said in one of his earliest speeches in the primaries, "Our time has come". I do not believe he was referring to the Democrats. The Reid/Pelosi witch-hunt has begun…and there will be more

He is our President, we must stand behind him and support him, until we can elect him out legitimately

bush and cheney maxed out the credit card and now we are all left paying the bill! Just for the record obama didnt run as a black man he ran becouse he thought he was the right man for the job, he made history by winning but dont expect him to pick his cabinet any differently, i think he will put together a team that is best for the country no matter male or female ethnic or white.

Yes, that's good, you Obama haters, just keep it up with your e-mails and hate-filled blogs and racist comments. I guess you forgot about a few things your buddy Bush initiated that are still in effect like warrantless wire-tapping and the Patriot Act. Don't be surprised if you find yourselves on terrorist watch lists since the KKK is also a terrorist organization and a valid threat to national security now that we have a black president.

"as long as he is picking the BEST people for the job who cares what color they are"

I agree. Too bad people voting for Obama didn't believe that though. If Obama were white (or rather ALL white), he would not have even been considered, much less elected. The black voters put him in office and they voted for him strictly because of skin color. Hmmm….judging somebody by skin color – doesn't that make you a RACIST???

Jarrett, known as the other side of Obama's brain, is up to her neck in shady real estate deals that left underpriviledged Chicagoans living in slums. She and Rezko were recipients of government housing subsidies, channeled their way by their friend, Barak Obama. While they got rich, the people in their housing projects got rats and sewage coming up through their kitchen sinks. Despite her history, though, I'm not surprised that he wants her in the senate, This is Chicago machine politics folks, and it's what the electorate said it wanted,.

We already have too many lawyers in washington, 50%+ of the sitting members, that is why the US government has not worked for 50 years! Lawyers are only trained to manipulate the rules, they originate very few new ideas. I just hope Obama is an exception to the rule.

Hi; Lydia November 9th, 2008 3:25 pm ET , one of the better comments among others on this page

Obama was elected – let him do his thing! What kind of President would you have if "we" were doing all the thinking for him…..He has a good head on his shoulders (obviously!)

Only time and the real world will tell us how his Presidency & the decisions he makes turns out.

Anyone with any sense of the political, economic, & social climate at this time – knows without a doubt – this is no easy task.

Its great we can sit on the side lines in the peanut gallery and have our say…….it relieves some of the angst we are going through right now if not for ourselves for our children and this country.

for all of you who say so much for change, these are the people who are going to help obama get the change he wants.The bi-partisen will come from the repubs not trying to block everthing he is trying to get done.You guys have had 8 yrs to get it right how dare you complain when someone else has to fix the mess that was left behind. Get over the politics and help the people!!!!

who cares, she and the whole team will fall, Obama has no experience and now he is picking all Clintons old team, He will solely rely on his team. He know nothing.

Let the govenor be not persuaded.

Let Obama be free to govern!

To God be the glory!

I am so glad that Barack Obama was elected and that people saw what could have been if America had not pushed hard enough to keep Sarah out.

To all the haters just think for awhile .

Sarah Palin would be totally lost, and useless to McCain, she couldn't help McCain select his Cabinet. All she would have been was a yes woman to everything. She proved that when she accepted the prank call, the clothes and her babbling with Katie Couric and Charles Gibson.

Obama is working hard to get his cabinet together and you just have to be patient to see what the outcome is going to be. He can't do anything until 1/20/09. It can't be no worse than the Bush 8 years.

I am hoping that the Bush Administration help the Big Three which is the heart of America. If they don't there will be way more job losses than youcan imagaine. They cannot wait for Obama to get in because it might be too late. .

Duh! who would have thought that one! writing was on the wall! She was actually sickening this morning drooling over Obama. Chicago is taking over!

Beloved brethren,
I beseech you to treat this presidential candidacy as one led by the Lord.
Check your Bibles to see the many situations that fit this country and the world around us. We have given him the opportunity to allow God to lead him when we cast our votes.
Now, we must fall in line with godly wisdom and pray for our leaders that they will govern with our best interest at heart. To God be the glory.
It is irrelevant who wants the nod for the seat vacated by president-elect. Our prayers for God's chosen should supersede all of the political jockeying.
I challenge us all to brush the dust off of our King James version and thumb through it to find our beloved President-elect's path towards leading this perverse people towards godliness.
Face it, we have got to allow ourselves the rights to see God in all that's being done.

Hope. Change. Wanting to appoint cronies with no elective experience to your old Senate seat.

My mistake! Palin is not worthy of being in Jarett's company.

Valerie Jarrett is far too talented to become a senator. I'd like to see her run for president after Barack,

NO CRONISM HERE, , , JARRETT IS MORE THAN QUALIFIED TO TAKE OBAMA'S SENATORIAL SEAT.

Read Valerie Jarrett's resume. It is impressive. Got her undergraduate at Stanford and Advance J.D. at Univ. of Michigan. She is a lawyer, business woman, civic leader, and President & CEO of 'The Habitat Company'. A member of several boards to include the 'Chicago Stock Exchange' and President-Elect Obama's Senior Advisor ever since Michelle introduced her fiancé Obama to Ms. Jarrett.

Valerie Jarrett and Barack Obama have identical visions for America and they are both immensely talented.

Valerie Jarett is a very smart woman and I'm sure she will fit into whatever position she is given.
Maybe she can be Palin's tutor.

I notice the article says nothing about actual qualifications (in the sense of "accomplishments") other than that Jarrett knows Obama.

"Dear friend." "Valuable ally." So what?

She seems like a cool lady. Smart, with a good head on her shoulders.

If the Republicans are really the patriots that they profess to be, they will help the President elect in this time. The reason they lost in the first place is because we Democrats joined each other in a well organized campaign toward a common goal, electing the smarter choice.

Boy, there sure are a lot of naive people out there. You must realize, all the "deals" are made in the back room. They are made before we ever hear about it. The gov. will appoint who ever Obama wants. Then its pay back time.

Obama hasn't named his cabinet yet. Obama has to fill it with people who know how gov. works and the players with experience.

Junior Senators don't have much power. They are mostly "yes" men/women.

Gosh! You mean Republicans are questioning a choice "possibly" made by our new President? And everyone is bashing them for it? Well, get a taste of the last eight years, folks. Our current President has been called every name in the book, any achievements were overlooked, and everything wrong in the world blamed on him.
That's the way American politics work nowadays, I guess. It's just your turn. Not much fun, is it?

Personally, I like Tammy Duckworth. She is currently the Director of the Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs.

dumb Reps fall in line or move to Alaska. Obama won a landslide and a broad mandate because he has the right, progressive vision for the country and the world. All you old school thinkers (Fox idiots, Weekly Standard, National Review losers) go crawl back under a hole.

CLEARLY OBAMA WANTS JESSIE JACKSON JR AS PART OF HIS ADMINISTRATION….SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE…THOSE WHO ARE CRYING OUT THAT HE ISN'T CHOOSING ANY BLACKS….LOOK DEEEEEPER!!!

FOR GOD SAKE, LET THESE ANTI-OBAMAS LIVE HIM ALONE. THE PRE-ELECT HAS NOT BEEN SWORN IN BUT THEY'VE STARTED JUDGING HIM ALREADY.
LOOK, YOU CAN TAKE IT OR LIVE IT.THE YOUGMAN HAS BOTH COMMON AND BOOK SENSE TO CHOOSE WHOSEVER THAT CAN MAKE HIS ADMIN EFFECTIVE.
WE LOVE U MR PRESIDENT ELECT.GOD WILL B WITH U ALWAYS

Um…I thought the governor of the Senator's state replaces outgoing Senators. Am I missing something?

There's nothing wrong with getting CONSIDERATION for the job based on a personal relationship. That's probably how half the people commenting here got their jobs. The bottom line is the final selection of a competent and qualified candidate. Jarrett seems like she fits that bill perfectly.

To all of you nay sayers and haters.

Turn yourself around and walk forward or be left behind in your self pity.

Don't you get it, the REPUBLICAN PARTY had their butt kicked all the way to Europe and you still cannot see it.

Wake up, do something positive, you might like it and be happy about it. Try to make a friend of someone you don't agree with.

Hate is like a cancer, it spreads until the host dies.

Get over it, and be reminded that change does not happen without an emotional response.

Don't harbour your anger, it will eat at you………..

Actually, if you know anything at all about this woman, you'd know she would be a great Senator from Illinois. Yes, it is up to the Governor, but if she is chosen it would be a good pick.

Obama said it was the governor's job to pick a replacement for the senate seat. That has not changed. People should stop getting overly excited. He is within his right to suggest a replacement but ultimately the governor chooses.

You mean ruffle some feathers, Hillary is waiting on Falin Palin. She will give her the geography of the senate, yeah she will send her out the back door. Or better yet, send her to a special meeting of all new senators on the capitol mall by the wash monument. She would probably wait all day unless of course Sarkozy shows up. Then gosh darnit, she would be in heaven. I would also prefer Jesse Jackson Jr replace Obama, but that would leave an empty seat in congress. Perhaps Valerie Jarrat would be better suited in congress to get her start

And what should Obama do, pick someone he does not know at all? Then he'd be accused of being a "politician."

Obamaman,

You know what's funny, nitwit? We have a constitution. And until your lying socialist buddy Obama ruins it, it says that the Governor of the state appoints the Senator's replacement.

You know what else is funny, nitwit? The founders apparently never imagined that there could be so many corrupt politicians elected in one place at one time. Otherwise we couldn't have Chicago – where a Senator under investigation by the U.S. Attorney could get elected President, and have the authority to fire the U.S. Attorney, and his buddy the Governor, under investigation by the same U.S. Attorney, gets to name the Senator's replacement in the Senate, and that new Senator and the existing Senator – their buddy – get to torpedo any new U.S. Attorney named by the crook Governor.

lllinois – and you thought Nigeria was corrupt.

Why not consider someone with elected talent from DOWN STATE!
Glen Poshard

To Mark Kaplan,

You better believe there is not Ivy league in the mix. As a matter a fact the way Palin pieced her education together it's just plan scary.

HEAVEN HELP US. NO MORE DUMMIES IN THESE POLITICAL OFFICES.

The position in the Governors to make. However, Jarrett would be an excellent pick. Obama should pick Tammy Duckworth to run the VA.

for the person who brought up obama's picks being all white…. first of all, Jarrett is black and second of all, as long as he is picking the BEST people for the job who cares what color they are.

I tought Jesse jackson Jr is probably the best candidate for this senate seat.
Sincerely

Somebody may want to poll the will of the voters for which this replacement will be representing.

Sarah Palin who? I almost forgot about her the night of Obama's victory over the grumpy old man and the moose killer/

Jesse Jackson should be the pick. He is bright, young, and a fresh face to Washington. He would also be a symbolic pick because Obama is part African American too.

And plus, the United States Senate needs to look more like the country. Only 6% of the current senate make up is of minorities.

This woman helped run one of the most successful campains to date. I think yeah, that qualifies her and do you know the Governor of Illinois? OMG, yes, he needs direction. good grief. She is a major step up. MAJOR!

Most politicians are lawyers. That's probably why ALL of them are so good at lying.

No, thanks. As a Illinoian and Chicagoan I'm against it. This sounds too much like Illinois senate and legislature problems that beset our state. While Ms. Jarrett has been and will continue to be a valuable ally and friend of the Obama's she has not stood election by the people of the good state of Illinois and therefore would be looked as, and considered to be, a cronie for Obama. This is not change. This is more of the same. I urge Pres. Elect Obama to shoot down this trial balloon. Either Cong. Jackson Jr., or Cong. Schakowski both early, able and vocal supporters should fill out his term as Senator. If Ms. Jarrett wishes she may run face the voters and gain this seat on her own merits, not by appointment.

Tammy Duckworth…should be our SENATOR…her and Dick Durbin love all of Illinois not just CHICAGO…….Chicago is in trouble we have only had 1 Senator for the last 2 years….CRIME is up…Taxes are skyhigh and new stores that opened last year are closing up shop…give us Tammy she cares about all of us and has done so much for our country …You could tell she really cares…..Tammy Duckworth is respected by REBULICANS+DEMOCRATS….look at where at state is with our Governor ruining everything he touches…let's put Tammy in the Senate she has earned it!!!!!!!

I think Jarrett would be a grea replacement. Go for it!

Now let me see. Many Democrats would love to see this woman in the Senate so they support her. Many Republicans would not want to see her in the Senate because she is not one of them. It appears that one side will like the replacement while the other side will not and if the replacement was a Republican then Democrats would not like his choice. The way I see it someone is not going to be happy either way you go so do what you got to do Gov and make a choice.

Obama should have zero say as to who the govenor appoints. It has nothing to do with who Bush brought into the White House. That is totally separate. The senator will belong to the people of Illinois and not to Barry.

Go for it BO, she's tight with the Iranians. That should balance his decision to pick Rahm……and she is black. A trifecta for sure.

Valerie Jarrett or Tammy Duckworth will be fine for me. It's okay for Obama to endorse and pick Valerie. He's suggesting it and there's nothing wrong. Now, if he calls up the Governor and DEMANDS it, NOW that's wrong.

and all republicans are buisnessmen, which is why they are good at taking peoples money

I would like to applaude Ladybug for her comment. Great to know that some people know what there talking about.
Keep up the GOOD fight.
Arley

You know what's funny? McCain lost. So get over it. Give Obama some room. Yes, he has promised change, and he will bring it. But don't think he's going to satisfy the needs of Republicans first. YOU DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM, WE DID. WE GOT HIM THERE, SO OUR PRIORITIES COME FIRST. Those who supported him will get FIRST PRIORITY. 53% of the country agrees with his judgment, that's why he is in the white house. So for the ppl who criticize, NOBODY CARES ANYMORE. The election is over, lets sit back and see what he does.

are all democrats also lawyers? maybe that's why they're so good at lying.

She seems like she has the credentials to replace him.

Although President-elect Obama would choose her as his replacement, it is not his decision to make.

He has enough on his plate to worry about. The governor of the state of IL is the one who will make that decision. It should be made on merit on not friendship.

Things aren't changing for the better if you get to put your dear friend who you know will think the way you do in office. That is cronyism!

Since when being a friend is a crime? What would you say if someone decent and fully qualified would NOT be picked specifically because h/h IS also a friend. As long as "friend" is not the only "qualification" for a position, you people should stop being nasty. H et al, it's not Obama's fault that you don't have friends in high places:-).

Going to an expensive university and being a friend of Obama is not criteria for being a United States Senator. She is nothing more than a yes vote for anything Obama wants. The Senate doesn't need another rubber stamp.

That's nice that Obama wants his friend but it's up to the Governor. I would think that the appointment should go to an elected official who has been supported by the people previously. If Obama overreaches then when his seat is up in 2010 it could go Republican. Partisanship aside i think it's somewhat ironic that the election of our first African-American President will revert the Senate back to, probably, 100 white people.

Come on Barry, you can do better. Same ole politics… So much for change.

All you haters have started Obama bashing and saying he isn't appointing anyone that is African American. Valerie Jarrett is African American. She is the niece of Vernon Jordan. Check your facts before adding misinformed comments. She is very capable and qualified to replace if the Governor of Illionois appoints her.

Let's see, grandfather first black grad from MIT, father a professor at U of Chicago Med School, Ms. Jarrett Stanford B.S. U of Michigan Law, and just for added measure daughter Hardvard Law student

Would someone please remind me of Gov Palin's pedigree, gve me a break!!!

Bush was known for cronyism and it seems Obama is too. Obama should have no say in his replacement, the corrupt governor of Illinois makes the decision. The more things "change" the more they stay the same.

She earned it , with loalty, and hard work. a great choice for the people of Chi.

Ummm who cares what color she is??

Just when I thought we didn't have to see or listen to dumb bimbo ever again, she returns!
Hope she had learn the continents before she considers running for any office!

Get use to it all you haters. It appears that people who have it on the ball hang around with those that are winners.
I don;t recall anyone from this campaign had to be replaced. Water seeks its level. Go figure!

I can't believe the McCain/Palin supporters still active.
Bush brought in half of Texas population to the White House when he got elected.

Coming from the State of Illinois (well, not really….living south of Interstate 80 we tend to get ignored) there are a lot worse choices….for example, our Govenor could appoint himself. Seriously, Blago has a statewide approval rating lower than President Bush's approval rating in Illinois. And of course the appointment will be from Chicago. Again, if you are south of Interstate 80, you might as well live in Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky or Iowa because you are represented just as much there as you are in Ilinois. Hey, our wonderful gov. even leaves the governor's mansion empty because it happens to be located in Springfield and not Chicago.

I think it should be Jesses Jackson Jr, he's a talented and motivated congress man and would be great for the job.

WHAT!!!!! Seriously??? Are we just in for a series of lies now???

Amazing, here we go again…

Whiny rethuglicans go back to the rock you crawled out from under. You need to let it go. You did not want people talking trash about Bush or McCain yet you do not hold to your own ideals. We quite frankly, don't really care what you think. Your party is not in power now, is it?

All you haters who are just plain hateful, Valerie Jarrett is a very smart and educated woman. Those who really just have your bibles on the shelf — God who is the creator of all mankind, have just pulled forward the very best for leadership for this country. White man, you had your turn for many years! Stop putting limitations on folks of color, God is in control because he is no longer going to allow the ugly of this nation to bound his people.

Blagojevich should pick Tammy Duckworth. She has a much better chance getting the downstate votes needed for re-election.

Glad that Obama has some women in his team or successors.

Looks like he has not chosen any black man/woman in his team.
I wonder if he is actually more white than black…..?

PLEASE GIVE THE NEW ADMINISTRATION A CHANCE!!!!!

Yeah Hillary can't wait till Sarah Palin comes to the senate.

That is gonna be too funny and feathers will fly hahaha.

Valerie Jarret would be a great pick and as Obama has said the final decision is up to the Governor of Illinois. But, I would think that the Governor of Illinois would like to have a good relationship with the President of the United States who happens to be from his state. Also, there's been a lot of talk about Obama's election being a positive sign for Chicago's efforts to be chosen as the site of the 2016 Olympics. I wouldn't be too surprised if the Governor finds it in his heart to accommodate Obama if Ms. Jarret really is his choice. We don't even know who said this though and we don't know if Obama has expressed an opinion. I'm quite sure that Valerie Jarret will be helping Obama in some capacity. She's very talented and skillful and she and Obama see things in a compatible way.

She's smart, and she will be good for the position.

I saw Ms. Jarrett interviewed on Meet the Press. Her background is impressive, and she handled the questions very professionally.

It seems appropriate that an appointed Senator should follow the philosophy of the person who had previously been elected to that seat. In any event, the voters will make the final decision in 2010.

PLEASE STOP MAKING OBAMA'S CHOICES INTO YOUR OWN. IF YOU WANTED TO BE PICKED YOU SHOULD HAVE PREPARED YOURSELF IN ORDER TO QUALIFY. SO STOP COMPLAINING AND GET BUSY PREPARING YOURSELF, SCHOOLS ARE STILL OPEN AND THERE WILL BE OTHER ELECTIONS.

The current governor of Illinois is so lame that he doesn't deserve to choose the replacement Senator , he needs to defer to the President of the United States.

Valerie Jarrett is exceptionally well qualified with degrees from Stanford University and University of Chicago (JD). Whether she is selected to replace Senator Obama as Senator from Illinois or serve as a Senior Advisor or in the Obama Cabinet, she is exceptional, has executive experience, legal experience and is politically savvy.

The transition team has to purge out all the Bush stooges and neo-cons that were running the joint. They are the greedy fools that gave us the Iraq war and the economic collapse.

Obama is well aware of who makes the finally decision on who his replacement will be. He said so several days ago, that it is the governor's call.
So people…

Where does it say that this statement came from Obama himself ? It says " a Democratic Source ". If I have ever learned anything, when it says the info comes from " a source ", it is usually wrong. , Unless the persons name is given, don't take it as the gospel.
Stop all this crap people. Give the man a chance. All you bigots out there, it is starting to show what your problem is.

old white woman in NC November 9th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

And what will you say if Palin appoints herself to Stevens' seat when he gets kicked out the the Senate? Anybody want to rant and rave about the unfairness of that?
————

Well, since you asked so nicely, okay, I'll give it a shot.

Palin's being eaten alive. She should stay as governor and learn at home, and quite frankly, study up on politics. Seriously. It would be unfair for her to come to DC to be mocked at and nibbled on even more as a Senator. She's a political neophyte on the national stage. It would also be unfair to her large family to move them all down to DC, or even worse, leave them up in Alaska. No, she should stay at home. That rant unfair enough for you?

I thought Obama was going to leave that choice to our Governor. I know he said that in one of his speeches, leaving decision to Gov. Blago. Replacing a race with the same race isn't a good idea when you realize that most people in politics are white. So we can replace white with white and black with black? Silly concept. How about the best person for the job?

WH, it does not matter what color the best person for the job is. Obama is not looking at color, he is looking at who supported him and who will work better with him. Remember, many females in the black cacus supported Hillary Clinton even after they knew she had lost. Having said that, Obama will not fill all of his positions with one race. it will be mixed. His administration will represent the United States as it should be. He will have males and females of both races as well as hispanics.

Obama/Biden 08 and beyond.

@Mike..

you need to tak a chill pill….YOU ARE SO NEGATIVE….all of your blogs are so negative against Obama…if you can't say anything nice…keep your mouth shut!!! Don't nobody want to keep reading your negativity…there are other things we need to be focused on!!!

And like McCain wouldn't be vying for his croonies to take positions..(if he a won…LOL) GET OVER YOURSELF….SEEK THERAPHY…

WE ARE ON SOME NEW STUFF…POSITIVITY….CATCH UP PLEASE!!!!

cnn please post…thank you.

Obama is a master of surrounding himself with the best possible, winning people. If she is his choice to succeed him in the senate than im sure she will be more than qualified and do a terrific job. Just like who he selects as his cabinet…… he will make the right decisions for this presidency and more importantly for the country.

Well, there are still dozends if not hundreds of people to be chosen by president-elect Obama or his administration and you folks have nothing better to do than to put each and every choice under your personal microscope. Don`t you remember his victory speech on Tuesday? Just trust this man for another 6 months or even 12 before you start to crucify him. Are you that small minded after all?

all the idiots that say obama should not choose. your right. hes not choosing. infact, he said nothing about choosing his replacement.

The article clearly states that a SOURCE has said this, NOT Obama himself.

Look her up on Wikipedia before you start judging her. She has all the credentials. She was born into an African American family.

Valarie Jarrett would be a wonderful Senator, she is brillant! Women of America Barack is thinking of us! What a great President this man is going to be!

ok, a lot of reaction to what an 'un-named source' said. Of course Obama would be pleased if his friend, who is incidentally very qualified and close to him politically, was chosen by the Governor. That doesn't mean backhanders, payback, or any of the other dark delusions coming from some of these posters.

1. Obama has said it's the Governor's decision
2. She's obviously his friend of many many years, so of course he'd be pleased. It's not exactly news.
3. She'd be a good choice if she got it.
4. She's African-American, if light-skinned, so it's not as though the senate would be whites-only once more.
5. She's not been chosen yet. Lots of other names in there. And Blagojevich can do whatever he wants to.

we voted him because we trusted him! Let give him the time to work for the benefice of our futur! Go Barack until 2016!

Is it a coincidence that every single intelligible, knowledgeable, respectable comment posted on this thread is someone who supports Barack yet all the comments that lack substance, logic and reasoning are all people who are attempting to make irrational and thoughtless arguments against Barack? I'm sure the latter would find it to be a giant coincidence while the former smiles about it.

Fantastic! This woman is brilliant and as co-chair of Obama's transition team and long-time advisor, is definitely well prepared for the Senate.

Sanity check on this story … just how many leaks came out of the Obama campaign during the contest?

Don't be so sure this is what Obama thinks…

This has to be the stupidest system ever.

Why should the appointment be made by the Governor. Seems to me the people should be the ones who decide.

When a vacancy comes about a special election should be called to decide who becomes the next Senator.

Despite your comments. and had you absorbed the subject of the article, Obama could endorse Mickey Mouse if he wanted. The Governor of Illinois makes the final decision as to who will fill the empty senate seat.

A bunch of whining loosers. Chicago-style politics is not different than Texas-style politics or Anchorage style politics. Not one of you had anything to say when Bush selected people he wanted. Obama will rise or fall based on the quality of his judgments and the actual performance of those he brings on board. It's his right to make and suggest appointments. The "country first" crowd who are focused on being critical before anyone has a chance to prove themselves have made their agenda clear: they'd rather see President Elect Obama fail than America succeed. Sad, pathetic, but predictable. These "patriots" are nothing more than bitter partisan hacks.

Bobo November 9th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Funny so far he's picking all white people..
*******************************************************************

Hey Bobo,

Not that it matters one way or the other but Valerie Jarrett is the child of two African-American parents. Her great-uncle is Vernon Jordan.

She's a very smart woman and I can only imagine that if it's true that he picked her; it's because she's up to the task.

H, PLEASE TELL ME WHAT LIE HAS OBAMA TOLD. STOP THE HATE THE REP. ARE LOSERS LIVE WITH IT FOR THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS.

OPERATION CHAOS=FAILURE
OBAMA AYERS CONNECTION=FAILURE
PALIN HOCKEY MOM CONNECTION=FAILURE
GEORGE BUSH'S LAST EIGHT YEARS=FAILURE
OBAMA WRIGHT CONNECTION=FAILURE
JOE THE PLUMBER=FAILURE

LADIES AND GENTALMEN I GIVE YOU THE RETHUGLACLAN PARTY.

Obama can make whatever RECOMMENDATIONS he wants. He is fully aware that the final decision is left to the Governor. He is probably also aware that Gov. Blogojevich is more likely to pick some unqualified crony of his own. Therefore, I am glad Obama made a SUGGESTION. There are a lot of people who he is closer to that he could have supported. I guess he could have pulled a McCain and picked someone who is completely incompetent, but might make him look good to some of his supporters. At least she has the credentials. I suppose the anti-Obama people will find something wrong with everything he does, regardless of how ridiculous their claims might be. Get over it.

Before all the sophomoric comments begin about patronage etc … think about two things …

1.) On Friday, Obama clearly stated it was the Governor's decision and offered no endorsement for ANYBODY.

2.) President Obama ran a campaign with ZERO leaks. Do you honestly think that anyone that is truly INFORMED about what he thinks is talking to the press?

Choose all you want the final decision is the Governor's. And for God sake for once please leave race out of this. Give the Governor some breathing space, i have every confidence he will choose the right person for the job irrespectable race,colour, religion or gender. Its here people, the time to work together to achieve one common goal, the rebuilding of America. Can you dig it

ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

Google Her, She has an interesting Bio.

It isn't surprising – nor is it "nepotism" – that Obama is a close friend of Jarrett. They're both intelligent, talented Democratic political figures from Chicago.

Of course they're friends. They work on the same team in the same city.

Who else would Obama favor for the job?
A stupid, incompetent, Republican from out-of-state?

Besides, it's ultimately the GOVERNOR's choice – not Obama's – so stop whining about this, okay?

For those who criticize the Republican Party for being exclusive…

I really want Jarrett to be a head of one of his departments. Valerie was on Meet the Press this morning and I was so impressed with her!

She would also make an incredible Senator.

Based on what I've seen so far, Valerie has a successful future in politics!

NO CHANGE FOR SOME OF THE BLOGS THAT ARE POSTED DARN IT HASN'T BEEN A WEEK AND PEOPLE ARE GRIPING ALREADY. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT EVERYTHING SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. HHMM I WONDER IF MCCAIN WAS ELECTED TO BE PRESIDENT WOULD THE SAME PEOPLE THAT ARE COMPLAINING NOW WILL STILLBE GRIPING. ARROGANT, IMPATIENT JUST FULL OF THEMSELVES WELL YOU KNOW WHAT WHY DON'T YOU MOVE ABROAD THAT WAY YOU WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING HAPPENING HERE IN THE STATES. VERY SELFISH SELF CENTER HUMAN BEINGS. HOW SAD

"Funny so far he's picking all white people.."
-Bobo

Is he suppose to be picking all minorities or something? So funny how people thought a half black/half white president meant a entirely new black or minority government.. wrong.

And what will you say if Palin appoints herself to Stevens' seat when he gets kicked out the the Senate? Anybody want to rant and rave about the unfairness of that?

She's a wonderful choice – I hope and pray that she gets his seat! He'll need people who won't be jockeying to make a name for themselves by opposing him on different bills, etc. God's blessings to her!

keep up the good work mr o president popotus thank you sr !!!!! nice choice on any one yuo want im sure they will be like you in thinking… james

What most of America does not know, at least not for sure, is the depth and breath of Barack Obama's brilliance, strength of character, and integrity. He is not the typical politician.

I realize there will always be those who don't like him which is understandable. Not all the people even loved Jesus Christ despite His life of good works.

To all the naysayers who are still spewing negative diatribes, I'm reminded of the lyrics from a James Brown tune…"just sit back and watch (him) work."

You know, I think I understand why the Republicans are so horrified a President would appoint his friends – a name just occurred to me – Michael Brown. Now there's a Republican who did a good job!

If we trust this man's leadership and decision making ability enough to elect him President, I would think we would trust his choice as replacement for his Senate seat. This is not a man who surrounds himself with advisors or friends who are not competent. That's what the past eight years have been – let's move on.

Here's what we know

She is bright, level-headed, calm-under-fire, saavy, well connected.

Illinois could do a whole lot worse than to have this woman as it's next Senator.

If the Republican's named Sarah Palin for VP, Valeri Jarrett should be a slam dunk for Senator ….

Man, I think some of the posters here are still stinging from the loss and trying to grab at straws. First and foremost, Valerie Jarrett is an intelligent, qualified and strong candidate for this senate seat and would undoubtedly be an excellent senator for the state. Second this isn't partisanship or cronyism, after all the people of the state elected Obama and therefor should get a similarly minded replacement. Finally who exactly should the Governor pick to make you happy, a republican? That would just be betraying the voters.

i think it would be a great chose.

Politic is a game of partisanship, it has been such and it will remain such. I trusted the wisdom of President elected Obama to chose the right person for his successor. No one should question that. I hope the Governor of Illinois follows thru!

Smell the Change ™

It is in the best interest of the voters of IL that the appointement be based on who will act most like Obama in the Senate. After all, that's who we voted in. I would hate to see this be a thank you gift for support, or used as a stepping stone for a poorly quailified canidate.

I'm not suggesting that we look for some sort of clone, or someone one who will not act independently, just someone with similar decison making skills, intellect and demenor.

Lets hope that the orginal intent of the voters of IL are keeped in mind in the selection process.

I believe (to comment back to the commenters saying "didn't Obama say he wants another African-American to replace him in the Senate"?) that Valerie Jarrett is a "mutt like him" as he would say, so she would be considered African-American, she's just very "light skinned".

She actually sounds very qualified for the position, so why not?

Don't hate people! Congratulate! He is your president too! And his cabinet choices will be yours as well, so why continue to fret. Maybe some of you should have run for something instead of whinning!

Very good choice because had he had insist on Jesse Jackson Jr. most of you right wingers would be in an up roar!

So now there's Afirmitive Action in the Senate.
So much for change

COme on, naysayers. Working together is not a bad attribute, especially between qualified people.

Why not have a special election? Sarah Palin took her own power and put into the hands of the people. In Alaska the people vote for their senator in a special election. I guess hopechange is just croneyism. Surprise America you got a typical Chicago THUG politician.

She is the PERFECT choice. I saw her interviewed recently Loved her!

Hope and Change we can believe in: politicas as usual. Hope&Change, Hope&Change, Hope&Change, Hope&Change, Hope&Change.

Bollocks.

I, personally, do not believe anything the media reports anymore. All of the cable networks are in a fierce competition for ratings right now. As for me, please leave the President-Elect Barack Obama alone so he can get the jobs flowing in this economy asap. People, we are in more trouble than you would think. And when the media does go on these "spin for ratings" tantrums, ask them why they let George W. Bush lead us into Iraq and the United States of America was not attacked by them. That is an issue they all CONTINUE TO HIDE. It has been a few days since the election, and already, no one is "happy". Find someone else to blame your miseries on and leave Obama alone. My goodness, can you give him 5 minutes to absorb his historic victory; is that asking to much; a 5 minute "non-bash" Obama segment? Such small minds.

Until we hear those words coming out of President Elect Obama's mouth SOME OF YOU JUST NEED TO RELAX!!!!!!! Always jumping onto something that isn't even actual or factual. JUST RELAX!!! and take a chill pill!!!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08 /12 YES WE DID!!!!!

AN EXTREMELY BETTER CHOICE THAN PALIN .

Give me a break, why don't you people relax and try to consume the real thing.
The replacement of the seat of Obama in the Senate is a task and job of the Governor of the State.
If this Governor beleives she's qualified for the job there isn't a soul who can do a thing against that.

OBAMA FOR EVER!!!!!

Obama has very good judgement.

They should let the voters decide. Have an election. The democratic way.

Have no "fear" people! His cabinbet will be the best! He will run it like his campaign, which was the best in US history. He will once again prove to people who he is! Don't comment, just sit back, be quiet and watch! You guys still haven't learned? Don't overlook, or underestimate this guy! This guy is serious!!!!!!!!!!!

Just check out her wikipedia page.
She will be awesome, if appointed.

If, she is the most qualified, she should have it.

Too bad that under IL law, Obama doesn't get a 'choice', it's up to the governor. Obama gets no more say than anyone else, which is exactly no say under the law. The governor doesn't get the 'final choice', he gets the ONLY choice. Obama may be President-elect, but he's not the Pope appointing cardinals. I wonder how many other FOO's (Friends of Obama) he will try to cram down the voter's throats.

To all of you disgruntled bloggers mad your person or party lost, please go away. You started in the primaries, claiming Obama would lose, and he won. You claimed in the general that he'd lose, that the American people are never going to elect Obama, and he won. You people haven't been right about anything, so clearly your judgement is failing, at best.

Why don't you all (and I mean all of you, angry conservatives, PUMA folks still hanging on) go somewhere else where someone actually gives a sh!+ about your opinion, because clearly no one here does.

Only able to maintain his "President of all the People" image for FIVE DAYS!

Then Chicago-Style politics kicks in. Oh, well, for all we know, five days may be a record.

Well, some of us did not expect to say "I told you so" this quickly.
What did you think would happen by electing a man this ruthless, this
cunning, this ideologically driven?
We have traded one demagogue for another.

To Patrick Era,
You are perfect example of a blogger that "shoots from the hip"– making claims without any factual basis. What makes you so sure that Valerie Jarrett would not hold onto her seat? She is an experienced, intelligent, effect attorney. She would be an amazing representative of IL, and they would be lucky to have her.

Who cares if she's also a friend of Obama's? The fact that she's more than that, i.e. that she's an adviser, is proof she's competent, otherwise Obama wouldn't have hired her. You seem to miss the point that Obama hires competent people, period! His campaign is proof of that.

Go be disgruntled somewhere else! And when you come back to this blog, come back with facts not your opinion.

And this selection surprises people? Its kind of like people thinking he'll govern from the middle? That's laughable! People have to be smoking crack!

Funny so far he's picking all white people..

Wow Obama, do not dissapoint the people who voted for you! We want the most qualified people to run things in Washington, not personal friends.
If we wanted more of the same, we would have voted for Senator McCain!

nobody can confirm that it's the case already peolpe are drawing conclusion that's it's michelle's suggestion.
give people a chance. the governor of illinois will follow the law. so chillllll

I voted for Obama, but even I can see the strategy here. The whole point of leaking this is that Obama DOES NOT want her to be the replacement. Then when it turns out to be someone else, everyone will say – Obama did not get his way. In fact, the replacement has already been selected, it will not be Jarrett.

Wow on the previous post I see people are still going at each other. Still some angry folks out there.

Relax and live your life.

With respect to Jarrett, the Gov of Illinois will choose his person, and it won't be Jarrett.

I hope those right wing-wingnuts, don`t try to hold the fact that she was born in Iran against her oor President-elect, Obama.
We know how they grasp at straws, since thats the only thing they can muster in the form of a platform……. " LOSERS "……

Chicago Machine Politics in play. Give the cronies the jobs, to hell with being post-partisan and for the people.

The Governor should chose who is best for Illinois not someone who is just friends with Obama. But definately a democrat.

Well so much for Jackson Jr.

She brings a lot to the table. A strong minded, intelligent, educated pro who would serve her constitutents to the best of her ability. I'm sure she would be at the top of anyone's list of possible appointees. At this point she is in a position where I'm sure she can cherry pick.

I've got a crazy idea. Let's follow the laws already in place and leave recommendations for personal friends out of it. Change you can't believe is happening….

I will be disappointed should that be the case – that Ms. Jarrett is President-elect Obama's preference for his senate seat. It amounts to BLIND NEPOTISM, and opportunistic on the part of Valerie Jarrett – when does she start to be interested in politics? What makes her Senator Barack Obama's favorite for the job? In the unlikely event that she is picked, it is ALMOST certain that she cannot keep the seat in future elections for for the Democratic party. Above all, President-elect Obama must not be seen to be unduly yielding to his wife's influence on issues such this – the fact that Ms. Valerie Jarrett is a close and trusted friend of the Obama family does not automatically qualify her for the Obama senate seat job – again, it is simply opportunistic, and nepotism of the highest order. SHOCK!!!

President Elect Obama said Friday, that this decision was left up to the Governor. I don't believe by the way Ms.Jarrett talked today that this is true. I think the press should take a vacation for a week or so and seriously stay out of the President Elects business.

Valerie WHO? Good old Chicago politics – down and dirty as they come.

Obama hand picks his successor – no matter what the voters might want, like, say, Jesse Jackson, Jr., who actually has EXPERIENCE.

Oh, but there I go again, making the same old mistake of thinking that experience should trump private paybacks in a political armpit like Chicago, Ill.

Just the beginning, boys and girls. Alternatively, this groupie has been suggested for HUD. WHY?

Great Job Present -Elect! We love you! You are unique and we trust your judgement!

I thought Obama said it was the governors decision not his.

The first choice the Obama made is an excellent one…..

I saw her today on ABC. This woman has what it takes and she is very loyal to our president-elect ( not really the same kind of harmony in the Mccain-Palin camp ) .

She looks like a nice person to replace Obama. I'm from Illinois and i hope our governor dosn't mess this up like he has with everything else.

I watched Meet The Press this morning and I have to say this lady is amazing and would be an excellent replacement for President Elect Obama.

Here come the pay backs! Next it will be Richardson. I think the people of Chicago should decide? Biden is putting in his son for his Senate seat. Change is comming!!!The only change I see is in my pocket.

So I guess we can wait to see whether this dear friend is more important to him than the speculation that Jesse Jackson Jr., his co-chairman of his campaign is going to be promoted to the Senate from the House. But then again, for either one it's payback big time, and we can see who holds the most power in Chicago.

She is family in a philosophical sense.

I think if Obama is endorsing her and he appears to be that she'll get it.

Shouldn't the Governor of Illinois choose that? Should't another African American from Illinois take the post?

President elect Brack Obama knows her better than us so that's a good idea but lets see what the Governor decision .

Obama is handling it well so far. That shows he will do more than pull through.

And the hatemongering starts in:
3…..2….1….

I think that Obama sounded like Bush being loyal to his close friends. He should not matter who the governor chooses to be Obama successor.

Keep the change.

Great choice. She strikes me as a woman of great strength and intellect. She will make a great senator. She is measured in her words as well as in her actions. She will be a great role model for women.

Michale Sneed of the Sun Times reported several weeks ago that Obama was insisting that his Senate replacement be black. She was right. It was in the bag all the way. Is this the unity President? Guess not.

I respect president obama's decision . he has shown us that he has real judgement.

An excellent choice if it is true.

She looks like she has a lot of talent. I hope she does get the Senate seat.

I hope the Governor listens to President Elect Obama. He will need all the support he can get from people he knows are intelligent enough to hold the office, and that he knows he can trust. I trust his jubgement completely! And I believe that he needs all the support he can get from the right people!

POLITICS AS USUAL. WORK HARD FOR A CANDIDATE WHO WINS AND YOU GET A POLITCAL POSITION HANDED TO YOU. GO AGAINST THE CANDIDATE WHO WINS AND YOU ARE DIRT.

NO CHANGE WHAT SO EVER. JUST LIES, LIES, LIES.

POLITICALS AS USUAL. WORK HARD FOR YOUR CANDIDATE TO WIN AND YOU GET A PROMINENT POSITION HANDED TO YOU.

NO CHANGE WHAT SO EVERY.

I was hoping Jarrett would be head of the department of transportation because that was her post in chicago for 10 years. if she replaces Obama in the senate, it will be a good choice. she is talented.