CNN

[...] “Most significantly, Daschle negotiated that he will also serve as the White House health czar — or point person — so that he will report directly to the incoming president. The significance is this guarantees that by wearing two hats Daschle, and not White House staffers, will be writing the health care plan that Obama submits to Congress next year,” CNN reported. [...]

[...] Word is out that former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle will be serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services and "health czar" with the Obama Administration. This is very big news not because of Daschle's own proposed policies on health-care reform but because he is essentially being brought in as an enforcer. In order for any kind of health-care package to succeed, it has to get votes and make it successfully through the Senate. Daschle is fluent in the intricacies of the Senate (and House) and can help steer it through the shark infested waters that tore the health-care plan of 1994 into bite sized chunks. As Ezra says: "You tap him to get your health plan through Congress".  [...]

[...] Tom Daschle has apparently accepted an offer from president-elect Barack Obama to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. It appears Daschle will have some additional pull in drafting legislation, as well. Here is a link: Daschle Accepts Offer [...]

This is kind of "iffy" to me...not that I question Dashle's credentials, but his choice of words. I'm not too happy about he and his wife's connections to a lobbyist firm, either.

Although I trust Obama to pick good people, is this really the best he can do for such a sensitive job?

I like Tom Daschle! Maybe Dr. Dean for Surgeon General??

All you people griping about Obama picking former Clinton staffers and/or others who have prior service in Washington-- would you rather he picked someone who has NO experience whatsoever??

Think about it, if you were interviewing 5 people for a job (any job), would you hire someone "with experience" or someone who doesn't have a clue what the job is even about???

There HAS to be some continuity in the transition folks.

Oh, and to 'txmeme2many' complaining that "55 million of us are going to have to live with your votes for the next four years"– uh, hello, we had to live with Bush & his con-men buddies for the last 8 years!!!!!!! Paybacks are tough, huh?

bin laden has been dead obviosly these odd vidfeos that suprosingly popp up from nowhere are politically created 4 political purposes..so why is it in every video that bin laden hasnt seemd to aged at all–makes u wonder who the real creator of such movies are

Y'all need to be patient. Just stuffing repubs in is not necessarily going to bring change. To get experienced dems, where can he go but the Clinton years. No one is going to be young enough from the Carter years.

Look for Hagel next (there is your repub).

Personally, people will kvetch no matter who he puts where, so I say he should do what he feels he needs to do to get the change we want (health and energy reforms for sure).

Jeez people, CHILL.

Very disappointed. More of the same. Appoint a maverick physician free of ties to the lobbyist who has a big vision of how we want our health care to be structured in the future and start laying the ground work. Clinics like executive physicals where every thing is done in one morning. Do you think Dascheile has a clue or an original idea?

Shady is as shady does. Nothing but shadiness for the next four shady years.

Good pick!

It does however limit what Hillary can be nominated to.

GOOD pic; this is yet another winner for President Obama. What good guy.

Seriously, you'd recommend Bill Frist? Bill Frist who supported the ban on stem cell research? Bill Frist who supported congressional action against Terri Schiavo's family? Bill Frist who is a staunch pro-lifer, even if the mother's health is in danger? Bill Frist who supports torture? Bill Frist who believes in intelligent design? Bill Frist who lied to adopt and kill shelter cats for his college research.
Yeah, no thanks. I want someone that respects science and ethical medical research.

BTW, Daschle Co-Chaired the ONE Vote campaign for global health care priorities with, guess who..... Bill Frist.

LOSERS .........STOP WHINING. YOU LOST. KEEP IT MOVIN...........

Daschle-bipartisan?? Those who think this have very short memories and don't recall his highly partisan leadership in the Senate. Same old same old. Now I know who will really be running the country – Bill Clinton. Will Obama give him an office in the White House or will Bill just pull the strings from his cell phone?

If the idea of changing Washington was to clean house and also keeping away from lobbyiest I don't see why you would want someone around you with connections to lobbiest.

Change, Ha! Like I said, if you repeat a lie often enough and loud enough people will acually believe you!

Get used to it. Every Politician will run on a platform of change. Thats what gets them elected. It sounds good especially when you have a party where the President is as unpopular as Bush. People tryed to warn you. Change as a platform is no more than a ploy to get votes.
But looking at the faces of blacks and how excited they were that Obama was elected has made his being elected worthwhile. We can only hope that he will make a good President. And "change" aside, that sometimes takes a new vision coupled with experienced hands to make it happen. Hopefully the people he is putting in place understand that they are working to put Obamas ideas forward and not their own agenda. I am sure that Obama has the ability to hold them all in line.

One thing we all have to grasp is that no appointee can satisfy everybody. There is a wise saying that regardless of what you do, some people must have something to say. That;s the way of the world. The irony being that put in that shoe, these people whinning may not do even better. I respect Tom Daschel as well as I respect Joe Biden. Go Obama. I still believe in your vision for change.

To Trevor:

What's really scary is your rambling post and the like minded people you represent. Just throw the word "liberal" randomly around and you seem to think you've made some valid point.

There seem to be two points you're tyring to make here:
1. This is going to be a one-sided liberal administration. Uh, how did the most conservative administration in history work out these last eight years? I'll bet you didn't go around critisizing the one sided "conservative" government.
2. Obama only got 52% of the vote. Bush claimed a mandate in 2000 and didn't even win the popular vote. Why do I think you didn't quarrel about that?

A Clinton rethread is better than a Bush rethread.

Look at today's news where is the USA under Bush rule, credit crisis, housing crisis, war, record deficit, and no accountability.

Under Clinton, scandal, balanced deficit, financial market boom, and prosperity.

Under Obama............ nothing yet. Al least he is sking out the smartest people for the cabinet and advisory panels.

Boy, you just can't please people. If he picked people not in government people would gripe. Now he is picking insiders who know how Washington is run, people are still griping. We are a country of IDIOTS! I trust his judgement!

I'm afraid all you Obama fans, are in for more disappointment, this is only the beginning. The same old crowd will be running washington. They will be telling Obama what to do, because he does't have a clue. It will be interresting to see how you will vote the next 4 years. SUCKERS.

Daschle? I wouldn't appoint him as a dog catcher.

Wow you Obama haters sound like a nursery in a hospital whaaaaaaaaaa! Please shut up! BTW Trevor, Obama won, if even by one vote, he won so quit with all the knit picking. All you whiners, if you don't like it well....oh wait you can't do anything about it until 2012. And you are still going to lose then. I wonder if it's possible for President Obama to win all of the electoral votes in 2012?

Get used to it. Every Politician will run on a platform of change. Thats what gets them elected. It sounds good especially when you have a party where the President is as unpopular as Bush. People tryed to warn you. Change as a platform is no more than a ploy to get votes.

But looking at the faces of blacks and how excited they were that Obama was elected has made his being elected worthwhile. We can only hope that he will make a good President. And "change" aside, that sometimes takes a new vision coupled with experienced hands to make it happen. Hopefully the people he is putting in place understand that they are working to put Obamas ideas forward and not their own agenda. I am sure that Obama has the ability to hold them all in line.

This guy wants to set up a "federal reserve" of health care?? the US GOVT needs to get out of about 75% of what it is in....and I thought Bush made some idiotic choices!! Of course Barack's choices so far plus Bush's just prove to me that BIG $$$ still calls the shots..The El presidente is just a puppet on a string!! We need REAL change,folks who have little to NO fed contacts..You Demos & GOPSers are just "kissing cousins"...with the same agenda..more FED control over all aspects of peoples lives..

Couple things to address. Change isn't necessarilary the people in the positions, it's what they will get done in the Obama administration. So those that are screaming, where's the change, you will just have to wait until after January 20th.......

On the Health and Human Services post, I personally think Hillary would have been better so she could have worked her Health Care initiatives.

Mark C November 19th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

OMG…it's started already. It's shaping up to be another Clinton Administration only with a guy named Obama running it. You think things are bad now…just you wait.

---------------------------------

Phew yeah...all the jobs and economic surplus and no war of the Clinton Administration...those certainly were bad times. I hope we NEVER get back there again. *rolls eyes*

The change that Obama is trying to get is the change that he knows will have a direct possitive effect on the country NOW. He will be different then the Clinton group even though he is having a few of them over on his team. They will have different orders and we are in a different time. So far I think Obama has made good choices. Shows he is doing his homework. I think what we should really be conserned with is this Iraq and afganistand threat to americans. The sooner we as a people get out of the middle east and Israel the better we will be. Because we are viewed as playing favorits and as long as we are, everything we do over their will be for NOT.

CNN, please don't publish info that is not confirmed....
This will cause speculations and undesire outrages of people who does not know what is actually going on.

One thing we all have to grasp is that no aapointee can satisfy everybody. There is a wise saying that regardless of what you do, some people must have something to say. That;s the way of the world. The irony being that put in that shoe, these people whinning may no do even better. I respect Tom Daschel as well as I respect Joe Biden. Go Obama. I still believe in your vision for change.

why not?

REPUBLICANS NEED TO WAKE UP AND LEARN FROM THE LESSON THEY WERE JUST TAUGHT ON THE 4th. THE RANK PARTISANSHIP EVIDENT FROM THEM ON THIS PAGE IS GOING TO EARN THEIR POLITICAL PARTY A DARWIN AWARD.

To the numbskulls who say this isn't change: The change we wanted was to change FROM Rethuglicans to:

NOT Rethugnicans!!!!

Daschle is a change from the past 8 years of corrupt inefficiency to people who actually care to make government work for we the people. Repugs keep proving that they can't govern, just get elected.

Get used to it Jeff and cohorts! Maybe you're part of the problem, not part of the solution. That's not very American or patriotic, now is it?

More change to Washington! Daschle doesn't have any idea how things work there does he? I'm glad this administration is all about change.

"This is a joke I miss GWB already"

"The Clintons in the White House is not a pleasant memory for some of us."

Are you people completely deaf blind and on heroin?

If you compare the 8 years of Clinton and 8 years of Bush, how could you POSSIBLY say that Bush was better for us? Thats just insanity.

Im sure glad these kinds of people are no longer running things.

GO OBAMA YOU CAN DO IT!

In Obama's own words throughout his campaign:

“They [lobbyists] won’t work in my White House!” Obama has said repeatedly.

“They are not going to dominate my White House,” Obama said at a rally in this town northeast of Des Moines.

“They are not going to run my White House,” Obama said in New Hampton. “And they won’t drown out the voices of the American people.”

“You will not be able to go lobby for an industry that you regulated, and I won’t hire somebody into my administration regulating the industry he or she worked for,” Obama said.

Hmmm... Looks like we are seeing the complete opposite of what he promised American people. To appoint Daschle to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services whose wife is a REGISTERED LOBBYIST at the Baker Donelson which serves health clients is beyond my own disbelief.

Folks, this is truly a change we were expecting from Obama and we don't have to believe in it anymore, we see it with our own eyes.

All you complainers. We had to put up with your rotten choice (Bush) for 8 years.

Shut up until our guy is at least in office for 6 months to a year.

Babies. Quit whining.

The "change" is a philosophical change. Regardless of the personnel who fill these positions who are mostly established Washington types; the change that Obama promised and will deliver is change in governing philosphy and the direction of this nation. This change will occur.

The people that Obama is selecting/reviewing for these positions are all competent and intelligent people. This is change that I can believe in. I'm happy. Republican supporters have been completely side-lined to the cheap seats throwing tomatoes. They no longer have the ability to affect policy in this nation, so they're reduced to child-like behavior of criticizing Obama for whatever and anything but that is all that they have left. Enjoy you're exile GOP/Republicans/Conservatives. I'm loving it.

Considering the current state of the country, we do not have time for "on the job training". We need people who have been there and know how to do the work. You hire for experience and not just for capabilities. Obama brings a new perspective but he needs to surround himself with people who know how to get the work done. We are in a very bad place right now in our economy and we need experience. If that means some Clinton people stepping up to take on new roles, I'm okay with that for the first 4 years so that we can get this buget deficit down. Clinton did manage to do that. Did Regan or any other president? I think not.

Cheez what a dumb super liberal pick !!

He wanted to be Sec. of State (as did Kerry and Richardson) but Hillary outshone them all.

She will be magnificent – and because she is Hillary Clinton, nobody really cares about any of these other appointments.

Obama being criticized? Oh the sweet irony.

It is President-elect Obama polices you fools. You don't think these people would accept a job where change will not be made. How quietly have you forget about the crises that we are facing.

"Obama supporters, you are right. The election is over. Now about
55 million of us are going to have to live with your votes for the next four years. The Clintons in the White House is not a pleasant memory for some of us. Are we in for a big "change" or a big
deja vul?"

LOL, I lived with your vote for the last 8 years, look how well that worked out!

Trevor: Daschle wasn't re-elected due to disenfranchisement in his state done by the Republicans. He's a good man. No reason for people to complain about good souls being in Obama's cabinet.

As for the Clintons being the in the White House not being a pleasant memory for some of you...you're the ones who didn't want them there in the first place and voted for the idiot Republicans who ran. You'd be upset no matter what Dem gets appointed, so suck it up.

Some of you bloggers are quite naive. Bringing change to Washington DOES NOT MEAN eliminating the people best suited for the appointments. And if that means getting people with the experience and qualification of the ins and outs of Washington, then I support Pre-Elect Obama 100%. Change does not simply mean getting all fresh faces and new blood. Change is getting the right people in order to accomplish the goals and establish policies as well as working with people who share the vision of where the administration wishes to take the country. You cannot 'throw out the baby with the bathwater'. Be real. I suspect that most of you are Republicans pretending to be 'disgruntled' Democrats. Kindly hold your fire and at least wait until Barack Obama gets into the White House. Yeech!!!

I laugh at all the people out there who thinks that the change that Obama promised, means that he must absolutely exclude all people with links to Washington, the Clintons, etc.

I mean really; who would you rather he put on his staff.....competent people WITH experience.......or untested / inexperienced people of questionable experience.......like what Bush did (his FEMA head was a show horse trainer / judge.....).

I'm just sayin'.........

I remember Daschle's service in Washington. He became so unpopular even in his own state, that he lost the election. Daschle is a "no" man. This is a bad choice for any office in DC.

TO Matt: Wow, what twilight zone are you coming out of. First of all President-Elect Obama hasn't smoke "multiple packs" of cigs in I don't know how long. The individuals on this blog commenting are hilarious. He hasn't even taken office. And, he has only announced may 3-4 major choices and you are all screaming about the change issue. I'm sure all you nay sayers have so much better choices in mind. It is so easy for you to sit on the sidelines and call the shots and then when it doesn't turn out the way you think... you are also the first ones, jumping up .... I told you so, I told you so..... Why don't you all try being part of a solution instead of the problem. Why not show a little respect and respect for his judgement and ACTUALLY give him a chance to take office and start implementing his agenda and policies before you jump all over him. My consensus from listening to you all rant is that you probably sit on your couch on Sundays and scream at the TV and the call the coaches of the football teams idiots BECAUSE if you were coaching they would for sure win the game and make so much better choices than they are doing. GROW UP

I suppose by picking all these insiders Obama feels he can more efficiently bring us the " Change We Can Believe In".

Why is this shaping up to look like all the previous adminstrations we have had? A bunch of good ole boys who have been members of the club for decades.

Brilliant Choice. Change is not in the personnel, it is in the policy. I suppose all you disgruntled folks on both sides would prefer a group of no nothing Washington outsiders to blunder their way around for two years getting their OTJ training at the taxpayers expense. No way. This team will hit the ground running.

I am ok with this. Tom Daschle is not bad, granted he is another Washington Insider, but I respect the man. However, I do find him to be a little TOO liberal, and steering HHS that worries me that he'll be a SPEND SPEND SPEND person, when we need to re-evaulate our healthcare system.

Interesting choice. But I agree, I am waiting for the "change"...hopefully it will be the policies, because thus far, the cabinet is looking pretty SAME.

To those of you who are obviously fans of trolling these comment boards (i.e. matt, jeff, ck), get a life, and an education. With this appointment all lobbyist ties would be legally broken between both him and his wife.

If you were ever to chose to education yourselves before posting incessantly, you could read Sen. Daschle's book on Health Care Reform to see where he stands and his experience with the matter. In addition to that, part of being able to get things done in congress is holding sway, which you receive after years of experience and being held in high regard. Daschle was the majority leader of the senate and across the aisle is held in tremendous esteem. While I think there are a number of people who would work well under this appointment, I simply wanted to point out that this is the problem with America; people refuse to educate themselves to a sixth grade level before commenting on subjects they know nothing about.

All you people complaining that this isn't change need to make a suggestion that is change. Don't have one? Thot so. The reality is, people who have been around DC for a while are going to have the best skill set for the jobs and none of you know a single name that would be better.

FACT: You'd complain if he appointed all republicans, all democrats, or a mixture of republicans, democrats, smurfs, and keebler elves.

Get a life.

Seems like a good choce. But, Is he a lobbiest? or ties to lobbiests?

When the Republicans harken to the good old days, they look back to Reagan.

When the Democrats do it, they look back to Clinton.

Sounds like it makes sense to me.

"No wonder 55+ Million Americans did NOT vote for Obama."

And looking at your Republican Party over the last 8 years, no wonder why 58 Million voted for Obama.. You republicans are only scared because alot of your cozy lobby jobs, and special interest money is going to dry up. Go out and find some real jobs and stop taking my taxes, you leeches...

Good pick in my opinion.

Change will be very clear come January. The change is in the decisions and that they will be made by President Obama. These other folks are mere instruments of change. Important to get good folks and he is doing that.

The difference is who's in charge. Anybody but Bush. We can't possibly do worse. You want to see change we can believe in? Wait until Bush signs off on Libby's pardon, jumps on the helicopter, and leaves.

All you Bush haters need to be more positive!

Yet another case of "Change we can be deceived in". At least it wasn't another in the long line of Clinton-era retreads. Please, Great Obama, spread your pixie dust and save us from ourselves!

HOWARD DEAN SHOULD BE SURGEON GENERAL
BILL RICHARDSON SECRETARY OF ENERGY

Obama supporters, you are right. The election is over. Now about
55 million of us are going to have to live with your votes for the next four years. The Clintons in the White House is not a pleasant memory for some of us. Are we in for a big "change" or a big
deja vul?

This man has shown time and time again a questionable judgment when he chooses those closest to him. There is no change here. The ones who say change is in how you govern don't understand how the Government works. He is not a King, his Secretaries and staff make a lot of the decisions. We have all been hood winked!

The whinning on here is deafining. Oh yea of little faith but a lot of negativity, sarcasim and pessimissm. LOL If you didn't put Bush in office then sit back and wait to see what this mosaic or politicians will bring to the table THIS TIME irregardless of whose administration they worked for previously. If you did vote for Bush then STHU because you are the last ones to point fingers of accusations based on how we are on the brink of becoming a 3rd world nation while still under Bush's watch. Don't forget..PE isn't president YET so the mess you are living through right now is the Bush cesspool and arrogantly ingnorant way of governing. Anything oppsite of THAT is change in my book.

I was never a die-hard Obama fan,but I wasn't for McCain, either. But his hiring Tom Daschle just shows to me that Obama is in all of this for the betterment of the country. Tom Daschle is a great, honest man.

Not only that, but I'm jazzed that this leads a good opportunity for Daschle to perhaps run for pres himself one day.

Carole said, Real "Change" there Obama. Way to go picking the bigest morons of the Democratic establishment. First Biden, now big Daschle. Obama doesn't appear to be about "change" but more about the same old politics of the democratic party.

You think the Dems should try health care reform with a Washington outsider again? Sorry, been there, done that, and Hillary has the scars to prove it.

Personally, I don't care to see another health care reform flop. Obama was wise to pick a powerful and experienced politician to take the lead on this.

Domenic-Please!
Frist was the guy who said he could "see" Terri Schiavo had conscious brain function just by looking at her on a videotape.

Obama does not need partisan wrangling. He needs a team that can hit the ground running. Remember when Clinton brought in a whole bunch of fresh faces and the right wingers foamed that they did not know what they were doing?

Read what the articles say--it's about a change in policy. The way things are done. I would rather have some smart experienced people in there who can run in the right circles and get things DONE!
But I know you right wingers will nitpick at pretty much anything you can come up with.

I think Howard Dean actually would be a better fit here, but if Tom D. is up for it, I am ready to support him. Howard is an actual MD with experience (plus he did one heck of an operation dissecting the GOP).

okay.. big Obama supporter here. What is going on with the cabinet. All we heard was Bipartisanship. Not yet have we heard one non liberal appointee, He promised he would govern to the center, why not reach out an put a couple of republican names out there for some posts?

Everybody is a critic. I guess he'd have to have a cabinet full of republicans to demonstrate the change critics want to see.

You guys have not been elected president. So stop with your self-righteous judgements as if you could have been elected yourselves.

Appointing a doctor the post is not necessarily a wise move. Especially a conservative doctor like Bill Frist. Change will be that the 47 million people that are uninsured get coverage, and that people who are covered do not have to face bankruptcy or financial ruin when they have a health problem. Who care who he has in there to achieve the goals!!. Daschle has shown he can get thing done in the past. Daschle can hire experts to help him.
Obama is a smart guy, much smarter than the traitor we have had at the helm for the last 8 years when absolutely nothing has been done. I don't think a smart guy would pick someone who couldn't do the job. Let's do all we can personally to help the president and his administration succeed. After all ,both Republicans and Democrats want good affordable healthcare. I don't care who give it to me.

After the disatrous picks of George W. Bush for his cabinet, I don't think Republicans have any right to criticize any picks Obama makes for his cabinet.

Daschle is the perfect choice for Obama's plan to implement socialism through universal healthcare. It makes complete sense. Daschle is a committed leftist when it comes to socialized medicine.

Obama won the Presidency by running his campaign like no other politician has ever done. Explain to me what makes any of you idiots an expert on who he should pick in his cabinet. You have no clue therefore just sit back and shut up and the man do what he is elected to do. Im sure most of you were the ones who said that he couldnt win without Hillary – see how that worked out for you? Obama is putting together a cabinet that is going to work to make his agenda happen. He is he leader of the change movement – therefore he needs people that are gonna be on board with him. Clinton and Bush picked a bunch of people who were wet behind the ears and brought them to Washington – how did that work out for them? Not so well.

This isn't the Surgeon General position. Hospital administrators aren't doctors–this is an administrative position and Daschle is a great choice. If Obama had picked someone we'd never heard of people would be complaining about lack of experience vs. lack of change. The change is in the fact that Daschle will lead the fight for a new healthcare plan that benefits the people, not the big insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants.

What an awful choice. The man is a quasi lobbyist married to a lobbyist who has some health related clients. It's nice to know that Daschle and John Ashcroft have something in common – they were both rejected by the voters of their state, granted Daschle actually lost to a living person.

Political appointments never seem to make any sense. I'm still waiting for "the change we can believe in".

I'm getting tired of these leaks! If Obama can't trust the "talkers" surrounding his transition team, he needs to fire them all and hire some new ones.

Oh Please Dominic in DC
Don't you think that Daschle just might talk to Bill Fisk. Government is not something like the evil emperor in star wars making decisions in a locked room without consultation. Suggest you study how governments work before making your silly pronouncements

More Clinton retreads.

i thought Jocelyn Elders would get the call for this one.

Obama's plan to get rid of the lobbyists in Washington? Put all of them in his cabinet.

I think Daschle can be a good fit. The position needs to be a leader to define policies working for general public.

Looking at all of Obama's choices to date I guess we know who pushed him up the ladder and who he owes......hopefully Howard Dean didn't pitch in and help...what a pathetic cruel joke on all the wishful thinking rubes that voted for Obama.

tom being public advisor get OBAMA to back off on his 500 percent mark up on ammo.... AND HIS STAND ON GUNS IN AMERICA....obama is dangerous if he goes unchecked.

It is an old Washinton's establishment, and there is no real change to the old old way of doing business?? That is what we are getting with an inexperienced and un-tested president, or commander-in-chief in a dangerous world. Remember 9/11, 2001, right after Bill Clinton left office in the year 2000? Will the enemies follow us home, after we withdraw our troops, under Obma's proposals??

WHO IS JOHN GALT?

This is scary, this is going to be the most liberal cabinet ever! Obama already has the most liberal voting record and now he's bringing in Daschle, his own state didn't even re-elect him because he was to liberal and now Obama thinks this is a good fit. Hillary, also has one of the most liberal voting records and she too will be in his cabinet. The only change he's making is wanting to be the most one sided administration ever, how will this be a bi-paritsan group? What I find funny is how all these liberal media outlets are claiming that the entire nation/world are rallying around Obama. What I don't understand about that is, he only receieve 52% of the vote!! That's only 1% more than what Bush got, I didn't see news outlets claiming everyone was rallying around him with 51%. Funny what some people are willing to believe, most of them are on this website right now. Also all these record turnouts, only about 4 million more people voted this year than in 2004.

Being from South Dakota, I am quite familiar with Daschle and am happy to see him in Obama's administration. As for past experience that would best qualify him for a certain position, Veterans Affairs would be the most logical. Daschle possess many of the best traits that I find in Obama, not highly partisian, calm demeanor, etc. Unfortunately he didn't seem to be as tough as Obama as far as his election loss to Thune, still can't believe that one.

As for the people instantly mocking Obama's "change" message, come on. Do you expect people that have never been involved with past national politics to take top cabinet positions? It's not like Obama ran on a platform of being an outsider, he was a member of the most exclusive Washington club, the Senate, after all. The change message that Obama espoused was more subtle than appointing Ted Nugent to be Secretary of Defense.

So tell me again why Hillary's appointment might not happen because of conflicts of interest and is still being Vetted? But it is fine and dandy that
Daschle is billed as a "special public policy advisor" in the Washington office of the lobbying firm Alston Bird, though he is technically not a federally registered lobbyist. But his wife, Linda Daschle, is a registered lobbyist at the powerful firm Baker Donelson, which does have some health clients.

All that vetting being required of the Clintons sounds kind of phony to me.

I think the president-elect is serious about getting things done; picking outsiders appears to be innovative initially, but ends up with nothing accomplished.
Howard Dean I could also go for, but Bill Frist??? Who thunk of THAT?? He's the guy who got the federal gov.'s nose where it did not belong in the Terri Schiavo case? THAT would have been an outstandingly poor pick, even for a republican ... oh, unless you are a sore loser.

Ok everyone crying "THIS ISNT CHANGE!"

the change will be in his policy and decisions, and overall strategy.

But in order to be effective, he has to have people who are knowledgeable, who have been in the game and know what to do.

Did you want him to appoint a bunch of college grads from Berkley?

hell no, he needs experienced people who can solve these problems.

Dont judge his decisions BEFORE HE"S EVEN INAGURATED!!

give him a chance and lets see what he can do while he's in office, then the evaluation can start.

I find it deeply ironic that in an article discussing Obama's new health care plan, people are crying that Daschle's appointment as head of HHS signifies a lack of change. Obama's health care plan has never been implemented before. And Daschle has never headed up HHS.

OMG...it's started already. It's shaping up to be another Clinton Administration only with a guy named Obama running it. You think things are bad now...just you wait.

Come on Obama you can much better in your pickings....I liked the Clintons but you promised change. We will remember you 4 years from now if you fail us....

What do you consider change. He haven't even began work yet and already you're bashing him. The thing is with alot of you is that you're just right down mean. Even if he hire all new people there would still be a problem. With the condition of the economy who have time to go through months of training. The change is not the people it's the POLICIES!!!!!

You would think that with so many Americans without jobs, we would want people in there who had been there and know what to do to get you guys working again and get the economy stimulated.

Noting will ever please miserable people. Give them the world and they will still find a way to be disgruntled.

You guys need to be more positive!!

Oh Please Dominic in DC Don't you think that Dashel

Not a connection to a lobbiest! Surprise and change you can believe in!

Sounds like we will have a new Senate filled with inexperienced people, appointed by governors by the time Obama picks all of his cabinet.
So much for navigating change in DC. The elder Republicans will walk all over the new guys.

YOU PEOPLE NEED TO JUST CHILL.....OBAMA IS A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN...CHANGE IS THE WAY YOU GOVER...NOT SO MUCH THE PEOPLE YOU SELECT....

JUST HOLD YOU ALL HORSES....AND WAIT & SEE....

I want some change too! I want Obama to go out and pick up any old no name for his cabinet!! Forget actually finding people with trusted experience in politics that actually could move along new policies!! Then we would have some change!!!

Seriously...the "where's the change" people on this website are so clueless.

Hey, crybabies. Let's just wait and see how this plays out. If McCain had won you would all be crowing about it but, he LOST. Now let Obama do his thing. If, and when, he messes up we can all get on him for it. The American public has spoken in all the political races. We won and now it's OUR turn! Whine when you have something to whine about. We have a lot of fixing up to do because of the mess left by the Bush administration!

Excellent Choice!!!!

I think this is really exciting news. Being from South Dakota I have a lot of respect for our former Senator. But, I hate that the word lobbyist has so many negative connotations attached to it, because it doesn't automatically make you a bad leader. Daschle is and always has been concerned about making the best decisions for everyone, Democrat or Republican. He has also recently released a book titled "Critical: What We Can do About the Healthcare Crisis." He evaluates what has gone wrong in the past and brings new ideas to the table.

Why must people be so quick to say this is not change? Change can only happen if new ideas are brought to light, and Daschle has new ideas. Give him a chance, and for gooness sakes, give Obama a chance. Change is not going to happen just like that, nor can he do it alone.

Jeff – there is nothing wrong with Gardasil. That drug, like all others, may not be for everyone but it is science breakthrough and your daughters should be vacinated with it! Most smart people I know in the legal field, are taking advantage of it. Only the left morons don't want to be told anything, regardless whether its good or bad.

Ah yes, the great 'Change' Obama promised everyone.

Oh wait...

I like that CNN is changing the language from "Czar" to point person. The Czar language comes from the monarchist GOP who promote fear as a tool. This is unneccessary and, thanks to Obama, not what is happening.

Don't be afraid.

Obama critics are steady saying that his picks don't show change. It is not about how long somebody has been in office. It is about do they share the same views, issues and policies that Obama and his backers do!! You can bring about change with younger people or older people!!

Oh for heaven's sake people – Obama said he was going to change the way things are done. Never Ever did he say he was going to ditch all the experienced people he knew, in favour of people who have never seen Washington. Do you know nothing of your own government?? A complete unknown would be unable to get anything done for ages – the learning curve would be incredible!!! He is bringing people who will be able to implement the changes – not just come up with new ideas.

I was definitely hoping that Howard Dean would be named Secretary of HHS. He's an MD, knows the health care field inside and out, worked on many health initiatives as Governor of VT, and helped Obama win with his 50-state strategy.

I'm not impressed. Any connection with a lobbying group is a bad connection – especially if that lobbying group represents the health care INDUSTRY. This really is beginning to look like business as usual. I don't think McCain would have done any better, but let's just hope those who know, know far more that the gut reaction of the public so far.

Fantastic appointment !! Former Senator Daschle will make an excellent choice for Health and Human Services. You can't beat experience, especially when you want to re-route a bureaucracy, from the incompetent, which it has been for the last 8 years, to the competent, which it will become, again, under the leadership of a great America.
Another great choice for President-elect Obama. There's some change, a-comin !!! Enjoy it America, it beats, having to save the hides of the Bush-McCain Republicans, at every turn.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.

Does nothing please you folks?
Let's give this a chance and yes we can take time for chance if we are going to obtain change.

Frist? You must be joking. That guy forgot the meaning of "Do No Harm" long ago.

Daschle is perfect .

Good choice. I believe he will look out for our health care interests, especially those of senior citizens.

If you belly achers would stop whining about "where's the change?" long enough, you might realize that the change is to get this country back in order. Like it or not, it was during the Clinton years. If the President – elect is calling upon people from that time frame who fought for we the people, good for him. The house cleaning will be able to begin the day Obama takes office. He's a smart man, surrounding himself with smart people who are willing to work together for our country's best interests. Shut up and give him a chance.

With two wars and bad economy, Obama needs people with experiance to get things done. Once the economy is fixed and he gains some necessary experiance, Obama might bring fresh faces. I am relieved because I know that this country will transition smoothly. Obama is a wise man.

There is nothing to complain or worry about. Change just means doing things differently. You don't always need new faces to change the way things are done. The policies need to change not neccesarily all the people involved. Often when changing anything, the leader will need familiar faces or insiders to to help push the change policies through.

Did you expect for Obama to bring in "folks" that have never set foot in Washington to help bring the CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN?!? New policies bring change and a smart President will put "folks" in the right place who can facilitate the "change" he intends to bring about during his administration. You have to have some of both – those who know how the Washington game is played, and those who don't but are still "players" nonetheless. BTW, the "change" everyone is so anxious to see won't be fully realized until after Obama leaves in 2016 – so find something to do in the meantime.

Obama knows what's best. I have total confidence in his decisions.

Change is about policies and ideas, not people. Duh. You want experienced insiders who know how things work to help get the new ideas enacted. Do you really think that Daschle and Hillary are being hired to make their own agenda? They're going to do what Obama wants in ways that they know will work. If they disagree, Obama will listen, but he's "the decider".

Appointing Former Senator Tom Daschle to this post does not represent change. It represents more of the same old Washington. first of all he is a lobbiest. Secondly, if memory serves me correctly, he was run out of the Senate on corruption charges. So where is the Change?

This is a good pick.

And for those questioning his credentials, I mean the guy has wrote a book on the issue and pushed for many Health and Human Services policies... try doing a little research past Wikipedia.

And I don't get what kind of change you people are looking for? What do you expect Obama to do? Pick a bunch of grad students? And is the fact that his admnistration is similar to Bill Clinton's a BAD thing all of a sudden? Did I wake up in Bizarro world where Clinton's administration was somehow a failure?

I expect Change in the country, but that doesn't mean I don't want the best people for the job to get the job.

Tom's ethics are above reproach. He'll do a great job.

Obama has to pick a cabinet that knows what its doing. In order for that kind of competence they obviously would need experience in former administrations/senate. I'm happy to see competent picks and not old college buddies.

Where is the executive experience that might enable us to save money to invest in things that enhance American competitiveness? I thought Biden brought the legislative experience. We need a third senator?

All the Clinton era appoinments make Obama look like an insecure kinda guy. He can't find enough friends of his own? The change will come when these people move our country away from anything we will reconize to looking like a European country with tax payers having to foot the bill for all kinds of weird and questionable social policy. 57,000,000 people voted against this type of govening.

Those who are against Obama will not like any choice. He he even thought of appointing someone with no washington experience his naysayers would be up in arms as they were with him because of his lack of experience. We need smart people who know what they are doing. And almost all politicians or those who work in washington at some time lobbied.

No matter who Obama picks for different posts, people will criticize. I think Obama team will be diverse with race, party and issues. And it is very hard to hire somebody with a squeaky clean record, or somebody not tied to a lobbyist. The key thing is implementing good policies, check and balances and keep out corruption!! I believe some people want to see Obama fail. But if he did fail, which I believe he won't, everybody will suffer!! Just like we are suffering now behind Bush failed administration and policies!!

GREAT CHOICE FOR AMERICA.

I can't believe Obama is appointing all these Washington insiders and ex-Clinton people. He should be appointing people with no experience and no knowledge of how Washington works, like Bush did. Surely there is an Arabian Horse trainer out there who could be HHS secretary. And Clinton! Ugh. Yes, he oversaw the greatest post war economic expansion, but still. We should give change a chance. Lets get some inexperienced people in there and hope the economy does swell.

This is Change We Can Believe In?

So far I have been very disappointed in the President-elect's choices. Lots of old hats.

Eric Holder has a lot more issues than just Mark Rich. His role in renewing the Patriot Act and related issues around 911 make me wonder just how hard the new Prez is looking for new people.

Senator Daschle is a good guy, I am sure, but I don't see him carrying the day for health care reform.

Just the fact that we will have a president who can speak in full sentences if a big change in itself!

Why is my man Obama picking an ex senator as the health and human servises guy.......I am sure he could of done better at this pick. Lost 2 bucks in the office pool for high cabniet picks.....dang it Obama!!

Wonderful! A man not even the VOTERS wanted!

Diggin all this, um, Change.

If people want universal health care...should have been Hillary!

I know there must be a logical explanation for all of this, right?

Howard Dean would have been the right person, as only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.

Change is policy not PEOPLE. He has not even been sworn in and you are already on the NEGATIVE.

Although i was hoping obama would stay away from the lobbyists, his selections so far are real change. He is actually picking people capable for the job, instead of doing what Bush did and just pick incapable, yesmen.

Congratulations to Tom Daschle!
This proves to me that Hillary Clinton WILL be the Secretary Of State!

Jeff~

Barack said "lobbyist would NOT RUN his WH"...get your quote right!!!

Change will come with POLICY...Clinton brought inexperienced folks to DC in 92 and in 94 Dems lost House & Senate as his folks had no idea how DC worked....Barack is smart as he is choosing QUALIFIED & EXPEREINCED folks who will help him bring about the change he is looking to bring.

Complainers get over it...McSlime lost!!!!!

Oh please–is that the best he can do? Recycled Democrats from the Clinton era? Where's the change????????????

What Health experience does Tom Dashle have?

I am a dem who is already becoming distressed over some of these choses. This is not the change I was lead to believe would happen under President Obama. I expected new and fresh faces from outside of the Washington scene!!

I am fine with Hillary because she herself received 18 million votes. But Dashle and Eric Holder? Come on!

I am already beginning to have buyer's remorse. From the comments on this blog it seems others are dismayed as well.

Richardson will probably get Energy (another former Clintonite).

OKAY...I'm an Obama supporter but, I'm not seeing a lot of change here in this administration!!!

I wish all you people moaning about change, and writing about change with quoation marks around the word change would give it a rest!

Barack won the presidency because of a well run campaign–a campaign I helped to fund. As such, I trust his judgement. If he can run our country the way he ran the campaign we will succeed.

He hasn't even taken office yet and some of ya'll are already complaining. The real Obama supporters feel the way I do. The rest of ya'll are posers who are just trying to create dissent as usual–probably the stupid puma retards.

Gramm was right. We are a nation of whiners. Sheesh.

I have to laugh at all the posters who say "Where's the change?". They have all their knee jerk talking points lined up. If Obama had chosen a new face they would be saying "Who is this nobody?" or "We need experience not novices." But this is exactly what one expects from people who get their news and information from Rush and Fox news.

Change occurs from "changing policy" by people who have the insight and wisdom to make it. And most of the time these people are experienced and have served in significant other capacities. Daschle is one of these people.

Now Obama is a very far from a fool, but if he picks Daschle–who once was a great leader, but now appears to be just another freaking lobbyist– he will have taken a big step towards successfully redividing the country. I mean the only prominent democrats that are more derided from the right wing of this country are the Clintons themselves.

One of the main problems with our health care is the control that lobbyists have over it (e.g. Big Pharma). Is Obama foolish enough to put a lobbyist in charge of fixing a problem caused in part by lobbyists? Its similar to having a wall street CEO (Hank Paulson) trying to fix a problem that he helped cause.

Advice to Pres. Obama: Send Hank Paulson back to Wall Street immediately and don't appoint Daschle or Hilary.

His cabinet picks are excellent... The Change is still going to happen, regardless of who he has in his cabinet, they will have to coporate with the vision of the leader which is President Barack Obama. I think its great that President Obama and Vice President Biden is picking people with experience in Washington and the world of politics. So TEAM OBAMA is looking good. There still may be a place for Howard Dean, John Kerry, and possible Colin Powell. Keep watching, there are several seats that will need to be filled.

Daschle was one who opposed the medicare Rx bill that the Bush administration wanted - he was very clear on why this bill was flawed - not for the help it gave seniors, but for the gifts it gave to Drug companies and HMOs - -I am very pleased

Can anyone name or idendtiy what Former Senate majority leadaer Daschel has in the way of experience in Health care?? Oh wait, that's right, this is not the year where "experience" matters...SO much for CHANGE...Looks like we have the Clinton Adm back in washington drapped under the name OBAMA.... A better choice, and one that would show "UNITY" would have been Former TN Senator Bill Frist.. He is actually a DOCTOR and is much more qualified then Daschel...

Great choice. Daschle knows how to work in a bipartisan spirit to get bills through Congress.

Real "Change" there Obama. Way to go picking the bigest morons of the Democratic establishment. First Biden, now big Daschle. Obama doesn't appear to be about "change" but more about the same old politics of the democratic party. No wonder 55+ Million Americans did NOT vote for Obama.

Wonderful. Another joker heading HSS that is not a doctor, who knows nothing about healthcare, and is a career politician. So much for CHANGE!

Looks like Bill and Hillary won afterall and their Obama puppet is dancing on cue. What a mockery of "change and diversity".

Man...I'm a huge Obama supporter, but I'm becoming more and more disappointed with each position annoucement. There are plenty of experinced and talented people outside of Washington to use and he keeps picking all these Clinton/DNC retreads! What gives President Obama?

GOOD CHOICE!!

The 'change' is going to be over the sorts of policies he implements. One can hardly demand that the POTUS only hire 'wet behind the ears' types to help him govern.

In the end this is only going to be about what policies he pushes forward and what agenda he chooses to implement, not who he choose to push that agenda through.

The Rush /Hannity fans will be critical of Obama's choices no matter who he picks.

I've read so many posts on cnn from people who applaud these choices by Obama. These are the same people who would respond with the word "change" when asked why they were voting for him. These are the same people who probably could not cite his stances on three core issues, but were caught up in his dream of "change". Truly remarkable. Almost as remarkable as Obama being on the cover of Men's Fitness, even though he smokes multiple packs of cigarettes a day. Yup, that's fitness you can believe in!!

More change we need. A leftist DC insider with ties to a lobbyist. I thought Obama was going to bring the change we need?

I agree about HOWARD DEAN!

We are doomed!

WOW! Where is the change? Talk about more of the same good old white boys network, is everyone he picks a lobbyist. Daschle caused almost as many problems as Reid and Pelosi. The change you Obama voters expected is not what you are going to get. Good move!

Oops! This is the job Hillary Clinton should have insisted upon. If her 15 years of experience reforming healthcare doesn't make her the best candidate for this one – her main goal in life is healthcare reform, right? – then how could her I-tagged-along-with-Bill role be considered sufficient for the State job?

Hey stop hating before the new aadministration.

Sit back and see how things go before you comment. Hiring people familar with DC politics and the inner workings reduces their down time.

WELL...I'm afraid that's a big mistake on Obama's part.

All you people upset about "where's the change" need to just chill.

Obama learned a lesson from Clinton. Clinton brought in a whole new set of staff ("change") and they didn't know how to get things done in Washington. It cost him a lot of opportunities.

Obama is picking smart people who know how to work in Washington. They will be able to help him implement change more quickly and with more success than a bunch of newbies. Just wait. He's going to deliver on his promises for change.

Tom Dashcle is an excellent choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services

Dashcle's senate experience will bode well for Obama's healthcare policies.Secondly, Dascle deserves the position. he has been onboard the Obama team before Obama declared his candidacy.

No close ties to lobbyist, huh?

I notice that his title his health care "czar"; how appropriate for our new Socialist society under our new socialist dictator Obama.

Hmmm I don't get this one , but I'll give President -elect Obama the benefit of doubt. His jugdement has been good so far. Hillary or Dean I think would have been a better choice. Bill Richard I feel is perfect for Secertary of State.

I was hoping for Howard Dean as well. Had Dean not re-organized the DNC, Obama may not have won the presidency. Not to mention that he is a physician. I must admit, I'm not seeing the promised change. And I'm disappointed that he has not appointed a SINGLE woman to a cabinet position aside from the Hillary-rumors. I thought Obama would design a diverse and dynamic cabinet–NOT just recycle a bunch of Clinton-era people.

As a practicing health professional, my colleagues and I are well aware of former Senator Daschle's expertise in healthcare. The country will be fortunate to have him as the White House author of true health care reform and universal coverage for *all* Americans, and as the person running the enormous Department of Health and Human Services. He is reputedly honest, hard working and will run an efficient and honest department overseeing health matters for the US.

Hey Randy – let's see how many admit to not voting for Obama in a year or two...

Contrast that with those of the Bush Administration, yeah, what part of "change" don't you understand?

I found out recently that people can actually recycle materials from old houses and use them to build a new different looking house!! I guess it is not the materials that you use that's important, it is how you use them. The question for Obama is this: how is he going to bring about the results that he promised, and how is these appointees going to help him do it? What people want today is a government that actual get things done. If Obama thinks these people can do it, we can wait until he actually becomes president and see if he is right about it.

I think the idea of having Tom Daschle in Obama's administration is an excellent pick. I think he will help do wonderful things.

Jeff- FEDERAL registered lobbyists..not ALL of them
anyways, Daschle AND his wife will be giving up ALL ties to lobbyists once they officially join

Jane- He's a former doctor..I think surgeon.
Howard Dean was good till he angered some with the DNC antics.

He's never managed anything like this. Out of his league. The bureaucrats will eat him alive.

Let's see if you let this by CNN.
I swear, people are never ever happy. Would you prefer that Obama fill his cabinet with people: A. Who have no White House experience?
B. Are from Carter's Administration (are any even alive?) or C. Bring back people from the current Bush (who by the way filled his cabinet with Daddy's people or people who had no experience) administration? Stop the whining, stop the complaining. Change means NOT BUSH. If you don't see that then you are beyond help. I'll take the Clinton years any day over the Bush debacle of the last eight. Take your negative energy and channel it into doing something nice for someone less fortunate than you. That's how change can start with you.

And what healthcare experience does Daschle have exactly??

What year is this? The 90's ? What is this " Back to the Future" reruns!!!
I thought we voted for change I didn't think we were going back in time when the Clintons were in office and all the lobbyist were in the White House. The year was the only thing that changed in this administration.
I must of misunderstood what changed meant. We should have voted for Hillary then this would have made sense.

Change we can believe in!

Yep, things are getting a bit clearer now. Stand by for more of the same.

Nothing but a bunch of re-treads so far. Obama aint gonna need his tire pressure guage to save gas. His tires are almost bald and ready to blow.

CHANGE.........BALONEY........America duped again by a Democrat.

Please – where is this supposed "change"

What does everyone mean that say just because Obama chose these people their asking where is the change? Look Obama is the one calling the shots, it doesn't matter who he picks because he is the boss, he is the one that make the final decisions, not his cabinet members

I know he supported Obama but he is actually qualified for this post?

For the people who keep saying, "how is this change", I say, "for crying out loud, he has to draw on people who are experienced, and the Clinton era is where many of these expereinced people got their experience" because that was the last democratic presidency. "duh"

I think the nation is wise to go with smart this time instead of stupid. Stupid didn't work out that well over the past eight years. Guys like Daschle can hit the ground running at full speed and get things done before bush even gets his pony and cart out of the barn to go around the "ranch" collecting returnable beer bottles.

Where is the new blood as promised? Starting to think maybe I did get suckered here. Not very happy – WE WANT THE CHANGE not just the old democrats out of a job – they were no better than the rupubs in now.

Change comes in the form of policy changes....not the people.
Would you have preferred that Obama pick people off the street? Clinton had some of the best and brightest in his administration. Since he was the first Dem President since Carter...it would be VERY hard for Obama not to pick some of his former staffers. Think about it!!
Give the man a chance...SHEESH!!

I am a conservative who voted for Obama for change and all I see is a bunch of recycled Democrats being picked. What's it pay back time. You dissappoint me Mr. Obama.

I'm from SD. I know Tom Daschle. He has worked tirelessly for veterans healthcare and knows the problems that are inherent in the industry. This job is a perfect fit.

What's most concerning about this is Tom Daschle doesn't even have a background in Health or Human Services. His degree was in Political Science. His history rarely touches the fringes of anything that he's been appointed to. The lobbying ties doesn't surprise me. Pres. Elect Obama is a wonderful speaker, no substance or action, though. Wonder if people will start getting out of the nostalgic demeanor they are in soon and realize how things are starting to unfold.

Oh my gosh, enough with the campaign's over, you lost, Frank. Like no one can say anything contrary. We have that freedom afforded by the Constitution.

Well, who should he have picked for the position?

Good grief, all these people who say that Obama is not about change if he appoints anyone with a semblance of experience are just sore sports. It's not as if by change he meant, "let's get people in here who know nothing of how government should or could work or has worked. Face it, folks, after the Bush years, a change of staff is the first order of business and I for one, am happy to see Obama appointing individuals who have operated with integrity in former posts or positions. Change does not have to mean "all those with no experience please apply", I think DIFFERENT experience is what it's about now.

Daschle is from my hometown in SD. I'm disappointed in this selection as he has NO qualifications. I think I can speak more to this than anyone on here. I however did vote for Obama.

Are you people going to scream "where's the change?" at each appointment? Do you just have the words cut ready to paste each time?

The change will come with his policies, his leadership skills and when he actually becomes President. But of course some of you don't want to wait around to see what change he actually brings, you want to jump on every tid-bit of information that comes out so you can act all superior and smug.

Great choice.
His wife will have to get out of the lobbying firm. But as some have said here before, if you want the most qualified people, you are going to have some, or most, that will have been involved in lobbying.
At least I'm confident that Daschle is one who has the good of the nation in mind, not the enrichment of himself or the pharmaceutical or insurance companies.

"Still not seeing change"???????
You are seeing a non-white male president choosing his cabinet. That's a big change right there. Not that the white male president were not doing a good job. But nevertheless, it's a change.

Carl, no chance- BHO is no different from the rest of the idiots in Wahington- absolute power corrupts absolutely (for Biden fans, I confess that is a direct quote from someone).

Wow – flashback to the 90's – minus the internet boom to pay for all this junk – But it is funny how 50+ million got tricked into voting for this guy.... suckers.. ..LOL

Hum I thought Hillary would be best for this position but I trust my President Elect.... great job keeping this out of the media.

Everyone pay attention, this is the "change" you voted for – more of the same old Washington. The same people controlling government, getting rich while the rest of us suffer. Obama you are not the change we need, you are more of the same. So to all you Obamaites – hope you are paying attention, you deserve what you got.

Good choice. I was betting Hillary for this one.

Okay Obama- I'm seeing lots and lots of MEN in the top cabinet positions. You had better pick Hillary for SoS- no excuses! Show us that diversity.

What a pitifful, pitiful choice. Just when OBAMA shows he may be on the right track to make a halway President he does a flip-flop and lands on his belly with a choice such as Dashle.

It is time to sweep the whole Clinton drama away. We have had enough. ENOUGH! ENOUGH! IS ENOUGF!

Wonder how long before the media actually (and accurately) covers Daschle's history of lobbying? My guess is never.

Change??? What Change??? It's Clinton all over again people. We Chicagoans tried to warn you about Obama....now we have to deal with the voters' mistake for 4 years. THANKS.

That means Hillary got the job of sec of State!

They missed a great opportunity in former governor (of Oregon) John Kitzhaber. A physician, a key architect of the Oregon Health Plan, a tireless advocate for health care reform, and he has executive experience. Don't want to second guess the 'bamster, but Kitzhaber could have brought real change to the health care landscape.

Mr. Daschle is an Obama mentor who brings plenty of heft to the healthcare debate. This is a great choice that bodes well for the progress we need to make progress on the healthcare front.

Wow, Daschle is a horrible choice.

Not a conflict of interest. All ties with Lobbyist will have to be cut off now that he will be part of the cabinet. Because of his experience in the field, this would be a smart choice.

Howard Dean would have been a much better choice for this position. Plus, he's actually credentialled as a healthcare professional, not a typical lobbyist pol. This is disappointing, again.

I know he is the former Senater Majority Leader and I was disappointed when he lost his seat. But what are his HHS credentials? You kind of left that out.

Having people who know Washington in the Obama administration is a good thing. I just hope Obama doesn't ever send Daschle to negotiate anything important.

Hey Jeff. Campaign's over. You guys lost. You can stop making up crap now!

So much for change. Guess how many lobbist Obama has hired on his staff? If your answer was, "more than any other presidenr elect to-date" you are correct. Let see how many still admit to voting for Obama in a year or two.

more "change"..............???

expected more from The Messiah

this is starting to get VERY SCARY now, and barry obama is still not in office...

As a Democrat who voted for Obama I am a bit confused. Where is the change? So far evey appointment is either a former Clinton administrator or a Washington insider.
Predident-elect Obama please don't lose the vision thing, people wanted change, that is why they voted for you.

Dashle??

Yeah, this is the change the American people wanted...

Obama is a phoney!

Now that's CHANGE WE CAN BELEIVE IN........

Whewww! How much change can we stand!

This indicates to me that Obama is serious about the health insurance reform agenda. He will need a heavy hitter at HHS if that is going to get done.

Still am not seeing change....

This is the first pick that I have misgivings over.

Daschle has enemies, and he's not specifically qualified in any special way... so why deal with the political baggage of the ultra-partisan '90s without any special qualifications?

He's just a politician.

I'm not trying to fuel any of the anti-Obama gas-baggery that goes on in these forums, but I do disagree with this pick.

*shrug*

Conflict of interest if he is working for a lobbiest group and his wife is a lobbiest.

Again (change he is not liviing up to)
He said lobbiests would not have any part of his white house
LIAR

An excellent choice... looks like his wife just lost her job and is going to have to find something else to do besides lobbying.

She would have been able to keep her job in the Bush Administration, but Obama's going to do things a little bit different with his administration. You think???

Tread carefully...while this is much better than appointing a pharmeceutical or health insurance industry executive to the position, we must, at all costs, avoid conflicets of interest in this area (really, in all areas).

The inappropriate cabinet appointments of the Bush administration have brought terrible consequences in many areas. The FDA, for example, should not be in place to ensure food corporations can ignore safety issues, leading to higher profits and food poisoning outbreaks, nor should they be encouraging unsafe, forced immunization programs, such as Gardasil.

WOW!!

With everything Hillary lately, this gets completely swept under everyones nose. Got to hand it to the Obama camp for keeping a lid on this.