December 3, 2008
Posted: December 3rd, 2008 04:06 PM ET

From
Americans are happy with Obama's Cabinet choices so far.
Americans are happy with Obama's Cabinet choices so far.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A new national poll suggests that Americans think President-elect Barack Obama's getting it right when it comes to his Cabinet picks, especially when it comes to Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates.

Seventy-five percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey approve of Obama's Cabinet choices, with 22 percent disapproving. That's 16 points higher than those in favor of then President-elect George W. Bush's Cabinet picks eight years ago.

The poll indicates that 71 percent approve of Obama's nomination of Clinton, the senator from New York, as his secretary of state. Democrats overwhelming approve of the choice, with two-thirds of independents agreeing and Republicans split on the pick.

Clinton and Obama were rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination during the very long and bitter primary season and the two didn't see eye to eye on some major international issues.

But the poll, conducted Monday and Tuesday, suggests that when Clinton and Obama disagree, Clinton won't go rogue.

"Will Hillary Clinton or Bill Clinton try to push their own foreign policy agenda? Americans say no,"states CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

Fifty-seven percent say that Clinton will follow Obama's policies rather than her own when she disagrees with the president and 54 percent think that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, will stay out of U.S. foreign policy.

Holland adds that the "favorable ratings for both Clintons have risen dramatically since the election."

Americans also seem to like Obama's move to keep current Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was appointed two years ago by President Bush, at the Pentagon for at least the next year. Eighty-three percent of those polled approve of the move, with just 15 percent disapproving.

Many of Obama's choices for his Cabinet, his White House staff, and other high level positions in his incoming administration, are people who have ties to Washington and to the Clinton administration. But nearly three quarters of those questioned think that an Obama administration made up of such Washington insiders can bring about change. A similar amount feel that that the Obama Cabinet should be made up mostly of people who have served in the federal government in Washington.

And 88 percent feel that an Obama Cabinet made up of former rivals and opponents of the president-elect will be able to work together.

"Obama is so popular that 52 percent of Republicans approve of his Cabinet choices," Holland adds.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Survey was conducted by telephone with 1,096 adult Americans questioned. The surveys' sampling error is plur or minus 3 percentage points.

Filed under: Barack Obama


Bohica   December 3rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

steve I am a college graduate and I voted for Obama

Bohica   December 3rd, 2008 8:57 pm ET

annie Palin....... Palin is the one with the ego so big I dont know how she fits through a door. Small mind ..... big ego..............Dont you get that Palin cost Mccain the election? I know people who actually were pro Mccain till he picked PALIN

Bohica   December 3rd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

I like his cabinet picks and for the person who said FDR put us in a depression due to his social programs go read a history book. His social programs like the WPA were in RESPONSE to the depression. Wall Street and the banks helped put us in the depression.

Sara from Arizona   December 3rd, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Clinton as SOS, Pathetic.

Mr. Paulien Guillott Jr.   December 3rd, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Why do all media correspondents/reporters refer to the upcoming GOP Senate as "filibuster proof" when it isn't ?.
The GOP Senate could however, be CLOTURE proof.

voter   December 3rd, 2008 8:15 pm ET

I don't approve of Hillary the traveling circus to be nominated as secretary of state. she and bill are full of drama which we don't need at this time. With the exception of Clinton, I am happy with Obama's cabinet picks.

Smart Move   December 3rd, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Well nganeu he`s smarter than you that`s for sure.

Smart Move   December 3rd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

HA HA HA brilliant? Please-all Obama is doing is taking us back to the Cilnton era.Picking Joe Biden as VP and Janet Napolitano as Homeland Security Secretary were probably the most insane choices he`s made so far.

No Hillary = No Obama   December 3rd, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Sooner or later this love affair with Obama will come to an end. Then this nation will be grappling with a bad case of cognitive dissonance – and the media who promoted him, indulged him and did everything but elect him will be eating alot of crow.

no bailouts   December 3rd, 2008 7:51 pm ET

the change is here, brilliant minds, all in agreement.

nganenu   December 3rd, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Dear Obam
You're the smartest man in this country. make swallow their ago and serve the nation. make the know what it means to be elected. let them understand they represent us
nganenu

Rush Lameduck   December 3rd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

People will never learn.They still believe in these polls that are madeup to influence our direction,and like stupid sheep they follow.

annie - Palin 2012   December 3rd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Where is john kerry and his gigantic ego? No room for 2 gigantic egos?

nganenu   December 3rd, 2008 7:39 pm ET

Dear Obam,
god bless you. Please let us know if there is any cost for your inauguaration. it should be the people's like your election. Your White House is the people's White House. god bless America

Nganenu

Mike   December 3rd, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Fourth'd!

Anita   December 3rd, 2008 7:24 pm ET

When Obama stated change, he meant it. I think people don't understand what "change" means. Change dosen't mean new faces, it means new ideas or a new approach from the old. Choosing your cabinet earlier, having diferent poliical backgrounds in your cabinets, meeting with governors, have an economic package ready before your actually sworn in. These factors alone is very different from any other President-Elect.

DE   December 3rd, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Looks like now that Obama has been elected, he is following Bush's policies on Iraq (Gates) and his economic policies (Geithner). While I agree on his defense secretary, his economic team may send us into a depression, much like FDR'S social programs did did in the 30's.

chris   December 3rd, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Experience and intelligence really do count. Couldn't be happier with Obamas choices. We've been without intelligence for 8 long years and it will take another 8 years to get us back on track. Obama and company are the ones to do it. Bush says he is going out of office with his head held high. He should put on the uniform and carry all the weight our boys and girls do. He should know what it feels like since he is the one who started our first pre-emptive war. Go join up and do what our troops have done. Go back for 4 tours of duty and then maybe Bush can hold his head up high. But then again, the only thing Bush knows how to do is chop wood. Go back to Crawford and try to sleep at night.

Marvin   December 3rd, 2008 7:05 pm ET

I always hear the media saying what horrible things Hillary will do. Yet they can never give anything specific. Her history has so far shown that the she is the opposite of whatever they say. With the people approving of her, it seems that most of us are now looking beyond the bias of some in the media

Milhouse van Houten   December 3rd, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Fifty-two percent of republicans approve of his Cabinet choices,I would
say that the new adminstration is setting up quite well.Mr.Obama is showing a real intelligent and pragmatic approach to his new position,
and that is a welcome"change"to the past eight years.

Steve   December 3rd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Look at the intelligence base of those who voted for the democratic puppet Obama – they have no clue who most of these people are, and they are all Washington trash. Where is the "change" for Washington?

michael   December 3rd, 2008 6:53 pm ET

I agree with the poll.............his choices have been excellent. And Hillary is going to be a stellar Secy. of State. Even many Republicans have said how smart and capable she is. I'm still a little annoyed that she's not President, but this post will highlight her strengths and probably make her more of a logical choice for President down the road.

Lauren   December 3rd, 2008 6:40 pm ET

Barrack " Clinton " Obama is doing a fine job.

His cabinet picks sure have a 1992-2000 flavor to them, dont they?

Georgia is going blue 2!   December 3rd, 2008 6:38 pm ET

I put my complete trust in Obama's decision making. I will once again trust my Government to be for the people. I feel like I left a lover that cheated on me after 8 years and I am learning to trust a new better mate. LOL!

Amber   December 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm ET

I agree so far so good!

George   December 3rd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Just goes to show you how blind Obama's followers are, because he is not appointing the types of people he said he would appoint, yet people are still happy with him. Maybe it's an extreme case of Bush Derangement Syndrome. It's really a shame his followers are the ones who decided the election because in their eyes, he can do no wrong. Much like in the presses eyes. I think we are in for some scary times.

But don't worry Kook-Aid drinkers, I'm sure he'll do something for you sooner or later.

Leo   December 3rd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

I think his choices are fairly good. He is surrounding himself with people that know what they are doing. Unfortunately, everyone said the same thing about Bush....hopefully this wont turn out the same way.

Good Luck!

Steph   December 3rd, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Good job.

CHAD   December 3rd, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I'm very pleased! Go Obama :)

Nija   December 3rd, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Yes we can

SA in OO   December 3rd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

But the really important question here is will Obama be able to stay "true to his values." As we heard in the hard hitting interview with his sister, "W" takes great pride in the fact that he never lost his values. Truth is he had little else to take pride in.

What we are seeing here is a transition away from the first American Theocracy, where believing was seen as an substitue for thinking, and intellegence was something you made up. It wasn't considered a particularly high priority in executive branch appointments.

mary   December 3rd, 2008 6:08 pm ET

YOU KNOW, I LOST MY JOB BUT I FILL MUCH BETTER KNOWING WE HAVE SMART PRES IN CHARGE. THANK YOU AMERICA.

bona   December 3rd, 2008 6:06 pm ET

AS FAR AS AM CONCERNED,HE HAS CREDITABLY DONE WELL.AND THATS THE ONLY WAY FORWARD.

Fred the moderate   December 3rd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

Obama is an intellegent man. He has enough good sense to pick highly qualified people who get things done. They won't sit around saying -yes, yes yes, yes yes! They will be from both parties and a tapistry of who we are as a country. We have real problems to solve. Bush has us in a real fix. It comforting to know Obama's on it. He's a doer not a talker.

His calm and steady damenor helps me sleep at night. You see I'm a small business owner with people to pay, mountains and valleys to transverse, a future to chart. I can do it now knowing a real leader is finally in office!

Rachel, MO   December 3rd, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Of course the country is pleased. We're sending the idiots back to Texas, and we're taking the Constitution out and dusting it off. It's been a long 8 years.

Red, White And Blue-tiful   December 3rd, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Barack is wonderful, his team is great, and his family is gorgeous. It's beginning to look a lot like the America I love.

Kim   December 3rd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Is anyone surprised that he is doing exactly what he said he would do? He has always appeared to be an honest, smart and very caring man. I'm not surprised at all! He is unifying people like no president before him and even Republicans like him...WOW!

Red, White And Blue-tiful   December 3rd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I love my new president and I love this country.

Oh yes, oh yes, I do.

LA33ROSS   December 3rd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Good job Obama. We are on our way.

P   December 3rd, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Why would Hillary talk trash about Obama then go to work for him. She is a sell out, because Obama is a sell out. He has no back bone.

Presley, MN   December 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

It's like we've been sick for 8 years and we're feeling hopeful because the medication is about to kick in.

Marva, MI   December 3rd, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Well if McCain and Palin had won, the country would be on meds right now. But all is well, and we're happy as clams.

Barack/Biden 08, 12

Simply The Best .... Better Than All The Rest   December 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Again this man has to outperform his predecessors .... he has to be twice as good .... and he is....

May his best days be ahead of him....

P   December 3rd, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Hey its Bill clinton era all over again. Different President same cabinet.

Janet, Fl   December 3rd, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Hillary and Bill have a chance for a clean slate. They can overcome all of the bad publicity by being team players. So far, so good. We'll see.

Phyllis, MD   December 3rd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Of course we approve. He is the reason people traveled all over the country, working so hard to get him elected.

So far, he is living up to the hype. He's doing a great job and I'll be proud to call him my president. I'll be proud to see that beautiful family in my White House.

It's a new day America and we are moving on up.

Practical Gal   December 3rd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I support Obama and his choices but can't help thinking of the old saying 'keep friends close and enemies closer'.

Noel Teku   December 3rd, 2008 5:50 pm ET

I feel that Obama has done a good job with the cabinet nominations. Also, for all those critics saying that he's not bringing change; jhe said change from Bush(Fine Print: Never said anything about Clinton). He even said that the change comes from him, and that he'll bring new faces with experience. So we just have to wait and see what he'll do next.

Aussie   December 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Will this shut the right wing nuts?

Unfortunately no.....

MsRotten   December 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Why wouldn't we approve?! We hired the man for his intelligence, judgment and vision.

Let the man do his job already!!

PJP   December 3rd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

BBBBBOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ryan - Reality, MI   December 3rd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Brilliant decisions so far. I think prosperity and world peace are days away.

Ia Guy   December 3rd, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Go Hillary!

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   December 3rd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

GREAT IF YOU LIKE ALL CLINTON STAFF!!!!!!!!!!

OH I ALMOST FORGOT THE CLINTONS WILL BE RUNNING THIS COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!

Franky   December 3rd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

"Obama is so popular that 52 percent of Republicans approve of his Cabinet choices," Holland adds"

LOL!!! Even MJ doesnt have anything on his dynasty years, LOL!! Let's just sit back, relax and let the money roll...wait a minute, that's what we're trying to figure out, sorry, LOL!!

frankie   December 3rd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Whomever he picks for his cabinet, we still have to respect his choices. So far he is picking the right candidates for his cabinet.

adam   December 3rd, 2008 5:39 pm ET

The only horrible choice i see is Obama himself!! Right now what ever Obama does his supporters are going to say it is great, they are too simple minded to contest it........simple minded people can easily fall under a dictatorship!!! HMMMM – the whole continent of Africa!!!!!!

vb   December 3rd, 2008 5:38 pm ET

I would of of liked to seen John Kerry as the S.O.S. but I am sure Clinton would do a good job as well

Jack in Tampa   December 3rd, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Anyone with half a brain knows how intelligent and thoughtful Barack is. He is surrounding himself with highly intelligent people as well and is not afraid of their egos.

He is going to make us all proud once again to be Americans!

3strikes   December 3rd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

of course lemmings approve of their false prophet

Al   December 3rd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

"Democrats overwhelming approve of the choice, with two-thirds of independents agreeing and Republicans split on the pick."

Most journalists, thinking more like show biz gossip columnists, look at the nominations from the point of view of personal political intrigues (keep your friends close and your enemies closer, neutralize the rivals, etc.). I've always taken the more expansive view that Obama is planning momentous changes in the federal government and policy and he knows the only way to succeed is to get the support of all of the Democrats, most of the independents and some of the Republicans. Based on the quote above, seems like the president-elect is on track.

Dayahka   December 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Well, if Bill or Hillary want to go their own way, they can always be shown the door. I don't think Hillary will make it for longer than a year anyway.

Sue   December 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Napolitano is an awesome choice for Homeland Security Secretary – she is going to have Rendell, and anyone else who wants to play around with her, in a bind answering to her – she will set people straight! This is great! Obama is awesome.

DebM, Allentown, PA   December 3rd, 2008 5:28 pm ET

His choices have been outstanding, for the most part. He has collected a group of people who will test him, who will present him with all possible alternatives, and who will let him know when he's wrong. He will not be surrounded by cronyist yes-men, as Bush had been. I'm encouraged so far by our PE's actions and choices. I shudder to think at what the alternative (McCain/Palin) would have presented to us.

john from sandiego   December 3rd, 2008 5:27 pm ET

54 % of the people are completely fooled by this poll.

Paul   December 3rd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Really? What happened to change we can believe in? What change? Picking insiders and polarizing figures for your cabinet is change? I bought into his slogan during the election. Listened to him rip the Clinton's down as the "old way" blah blah and then he goes and makes her S of S. What the heck man?

Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice sahme on me. I won't be fooled again on 2012.

48% Repug   December 3rd, 2008 5:23 pm ET

It's the other 48% of the backwoods, right-wing bible thumpers that disagree that hold this nation down....

Matt   December 3rd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Im sorry, but i refuse to "approve" of President Obama's cabinet selection before they have done anything in the white house...its almost time for Obama and his team to step up, and i am going to reserve my judgment until I can see how Obama and his staff act in office.

J from New York   December 3rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

OK! I agree with the choices. Where are all the critics against Obama? Hiliary should be this or that...sounds choices are always made on the other side of a fight.

America (FOREVER!!!)

Larry   December 3rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I like the selections, but shouldn't we wait to see how they perform in office before offering our approval/disapproval?

30-m-PA-Democrat-voted McCain   December 3rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Change you can xerox!

Mari   December 3rd, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Gee, he picked Clinton. There's some of that promised change...NOT!

tennyson   December 3rd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

mr president elect is doing right thing at the moment .lets see what next

ck   December 3rd, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I just dont see where the "change" will be.

chris   December 3rd, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Yeah, whatever. Too bad you poll only lefties and code pink voters in your unobjective tallies. Where is the "change" he so staunchly campaigned on? Just more of he same crap in a new wrapper. I wish you luck Mr. Obama, you are not my president but I respect the office not the man. Please prove me wrong, make me believe in "change", but don't make me pay for it.

billy-bayou   December 3rd, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Sure would be nice to know who is pulling the strings of the obama puppet.

Conservative James, Phoenix, AZ   December 3rd, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Obama-bashers begin your diatribes; ten, nine, eight, seven . . . .

Oh, wait a minute, their god Rush may still be on in some markets, and the hasn't told them how to think today.

AER   December 3rd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Clinton was a great pick and she would have been an outstanding President but he did it to get her out of the country and remove her from her Senate position where she could have continued to disagree with him on policies, programs and funding. Now for the most part, he has rendered her mute, except for opinions behind closed doors,

GOP=Epic Fail   December 3rd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I'm cool with Obama's choices.

I will never forget all of the oil executives and middle east businessmen that bush put into his cabinet.

Latina for Obama   December 3rd, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Yes we do! so far,so good...

Willy Brown   December 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

They, the public, approved of Bush's cabinet pick too.

ran   December 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

I believe Richardson would have been a better pick for SOS and HC should have stayed in the Senate or gone to Health and Human Services.

nclaw441   December 3rd, 2008 5:00 pm ET

My guess is that fully 90% of the public could not name more than one cabinet appointee. As a good friend of mine says, average is pretty stupid, or in this case, pretty ignorant. We need to rethink some of these polls.

Ms Jenny   December 3rd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

As evidenced by his cabinet choices, his campaign, and just about everything he's done in his life, Barack Obama is a brilliant individual. He is going to make an excellent leader for our country!

miguel   December 3rd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

This poll simply indicates that Republican voters are better losers and more willing to give opponents the benefit of the doubt. Democrats would have given an unfavorable rating to Bush's selections eight years ago no matter who they were.

Geeque - Chicago,IL   December 3rd, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Good Job Mr. President Elect, your cabinet selection so far has been superb. Chi-Town Stand Up !!

JD   December 3rd, 2008 4:54 pm ET

So far, so good

Mike   December 3rd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Not sure about Hillary as SoS but other than that pretty darn good.

Beth   December 3rd, 2008 4:51 pm ET

I'm very happy with his Cabinet picks. January 20th can't come soon enough!!

OBAMA GIRL   December 3rd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

<3 my President-Elect!

Debby, NJ   December 3rd, 2008 4:50 pm ET

You Go President elect Obama

Silence Dogood   December 3rd, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Hillary will really turn our international image around. Go Hillary!

Rick   December 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

With the potential exception of Eric Holder, I would agree. Holder may be much deeper into the completely inexcusable pardon of Marc Rich that he's let on to. Not sure we want that as our chief law enforcement officer. This should be an interesting confirmation hearing and he should get grilled on the subject.

Lost in Texas FOREVER   December 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

I have to agree also, BUT you can bet that the anti-Obama folks aren't going to like it. No matter what this man does they are going to find fault in it somehow some way. He could have picked the 12 apostles ( sans Judas of course) and the right wingers would STILL find fault with it. I'm pulling for our new president all they way. I don't want to see him fail, yet there are some that do and to me that's just sad.

Godluvr   December 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

I trust you Mr. President-Elect!

Most of those disapproving are (R) and PUMA (New Green Ticket Members-We've kicked you out of our Democratic Party)!

Keep up the splendid display of intelligence and good will!

Forgiveness is a great and healing thing!

Kathy in NC   December 3rd, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Good Job, Mr. PE Obama. We all appreciate your thoughtfulness and intelligence.

SLB   December 3rd, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Even many of his critics seem to be pleased with Obama's picks. It sure has silenced all of those "Not ready to lead, too inexperienced, he'll have to learn on the job" jabs that came at him during the campaign. In fact a lot of people are ready for him to take over NOW.

Here's hoping all that optimism is warranted!

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   December 3rd, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I approve!

WE NEED THE TRUTH   December 3rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

He's got my approval.

Dwane   December 3rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I just hope the cabinet will do what is in the best interest for us. He seems to have chosen many educated people with incredible resumes. Lets get it done and put this economy and country back on track. I support his decisions and hope he the president elect made the right right choices.

Jack   December 3rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

I support him as a president. I also know that Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, and Ramh Emanual sure sound like change. =( just kidding

boered1   December 3rd, 2008 4:44 pm ET

good job overall,

the support for the liar hillary just proves having a that a majority does not always mean that something is right and that even Obama is going to make mistakes now and then.. but that is alright in 6 months, when she has proven herself incompetant at sos 9if it takes that long) he can always fire her and get someone competant

nevardo hanson   December 3rd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

doing a good job so far i hope he keeps it up

Spencer/NY to VA   December 3rd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Finally, a poll that actually means something. I approve of anyone(besides for GOP idiots) who he puts in his cabinet. President-elect Obama proved to me a long time ago that he has good and sound judgement.

Marian   December 3rd, 2008 4:43 pm ET

I'm surprised the approval rate isn't higher, but I'll settle for that. So far he is producing, keep up the good job President Obama (i love how that sounds).

Karen - Missouri   December 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I totally agree that Obama has made some very smart cabinet picks with some real heavyweights...regardless of political affiliation and/or being an "opponent" in the primaries.

I say...fantastic, well-thought-out choices!! With our economy the way it is and with the terrorism still in existence, we need all these people.

CnoMoPalin n NC   December 3rd, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I like what I see!

Joe Unger, San Francisco   December 3rd, 2008 4:40 pm ET

And yes, the HIllary Clinton supporters are happy. Essentially the same types of individuals who would have been in her cabinet are in Obama's cabinet. As I've heard mentioned a lot now, it's looking more like a Clinton adminstration with Obama the figurehead.
So it's a little silly to say HIllary won't pursue her own foreign policy, that she has to do what Obama wants. Hello?! All along, it's been said there wasn't a lot of difference between the two and there isn't. Obama has always been the party guy. HIllary's position is Obama's position and vice versa. There is no difference.

Wilson, Seattle   December 3rd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Wow, only 54 percent think Bill will stay out of foreign policy? Politically, I think Obama shouldn't have offered Clinton SofS and Clinton shouldn't have accepted. Too much baggage.
But in the bigger picture, the Clintons are enormously popular overseas. So I think she/they will do a good job of restoring the world's confidence in the US.

SG in SD   December 3rd, 2008 4:38 pm ET

What's not to like??? :~)

Shawn   December 3rd, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Barack Obama will be a great, pragmatic President. I bet the fanatics who were screaming about Obama being a far-left radical are feeling pretty stupid about now...at least they should be. And the "PUMA" loons must be DYING! Ha Ha!

tess   December 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

yes and i believe in santa, the tooth-fairy, little green men, martians, big foot, the loch ness monster, and oh yes – no. 1 on my list of truths is that the clinton's will do anything anybody wants or needs to help others – ha ha ha – merry christmas obama, your worst nightmares are about to begin!!!

R Wolf   December 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

I'm thrilled with the decisions Barack Obama is making and he's not even President yet. What an amazing eight years this Country has ahead of it. I can't wait to see him, Joe Biden and the rest of the Obama cabinet make this Country whole, respected, and proporous once again. Thank you President Barack Obama!!!!!!!

Curtis - Marietta, GA   December 3rd, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Agreed. So far, so good!

wanda a.   December 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

WHY DO YOU THINK THE REPUB'S ARE JEALOUS, CAUSE HE IS MORE BRILLIANT & SMARTER THAN BUSH-WACK WILL EVER BE!!!!!!

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   December 3rd, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Obama – one shrewd dude!

Greed is not good   December 3rd, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Brilliant idea to have Clinton as Secretary of State...instead of VP. That really consolidates his power.

Matt   December 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Are you insane CNN? What poll says this? I have heard nothing but complaints about Hillary Clinton from so many people that were hardcore Obama supporters that I really doubt the validity of this poll. I think this poll and article exist only to make people think they support this Clinton 2.0 because we are not getting the "Change" as advertised.

Obama the great!!!   December 3rd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

He is so great!
I wonder if he ever did anything that was ordinary.
Even the minor details he does as if preordained to greatness.
I love this man!!
I am surpirsed 100% of the public doesn't approve.
Every choice he made is perfect.
Every word out of his mouth is perfect.
He is the greatest PE ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Myrna Ulrich   December 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I am Deeply Disapointed with His Selections, Especially Hillary Clinton and Gates.. I will NOT be Spporting them Or thier Agenda.. This is Not Change... This is the same Bush Agenda !!!! 4 years is Not that long for another "Change in this Country '!!

Rick   December 3rd, 2008 4:31 pm ET

The article states "That's 16 points higher than those in favor of then President-elect George W. Bush's Cabinet picks eight years ago."
And the reason for that is because conservatives are willing to give Obama a chance, which is a far cry from how democrats react when they lose an election.

T   December 3rd, 2008 4:30 pm ET

I concur.

DebM, Allentown, PA   December 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

His choices have been outstanding, for the most part. He has collected a group of people who will test him, who will present him with all possible alternatives, and who will let him know when he's wrong. He will not be surrounded by cronyist yes-men, as Bush had been. I'm encouraged so far by our PE's actions and choices. I shudder to think at what the alternative (McCain/Palin) would have been presented to us.

H-ROD   December 3rd, 2008 4:29 pm ET

DON'T LIKE THE THE HILLARY CLINTON PICK !!!!! NOW THAT BARACK HAS WON HE BEARS A LITTLE WATCHING HE MAY BE MOVING A LITTLE TO THE RIGHT AND THATS NOT WHY WE PUT HIM IN OFFICE , WE DON'T WANT BUSH LIGHT!!! BUT IT'S A WAIT AND SEE TIME , OBAMA WILL DO THE RIGHT THING WE ALL HOPE !!

Lisa   December 3rd, 2008 4:28 pm ET

LOL.....Like most Americans even have a clue who these people are or what their track records are.

Mari   December 3rd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Of course! Last poll was 70% approve and 20% did not..... well, that 20% are the people who still approve of Bush. They are in total denial.

WOW.........52% of Republicans approve of Obama's Cabinet choices?! Maybe this will silence the hate-lies-and-fear-mongers like Hannity and Limbaugh! And..........Faux News!

Peter (CA)   December 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Headline should add......"except the right wing nut jobs on the blogs who will complain about something new every day until Obama leaves office in 2017."

When even the Republican ideologues approve, why won't the minions of Rush and Hannity accept it?

bernj II   December 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I would have thought, given it was a CNN poll, more like 100%?

FJ from Atlanta   December 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

HE IS MAKING THIS LOOK TOO EASY.

karen raleigh   December 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I'm sure Barack can handle just about anything in a quiet dignified way.

Gene   December 3rd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I personally like all of Obama's picks except for Nopalitano... that glove just doesn't have the proper fit for some reason. But, until she takes the post and starts working.. I can't say anything good or bad about that.

So... I'll be one the 75% that likes his picks... but we need a new poll. What percentage of people are ready to punch the next pollster we see :) I'll bet you that would be around 90% or higher.

Matt   December 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

HAHAHAHAHA...neener neener neener all you GOP rabblerousers. I know it's tough for fishies to understand there's a world outside the fishbowl, but you better start.

Pepou   December 3rd, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Which is exactly why I voted with enthusiasm for Obama. I have high hopes for his presidency but will wait for concrete results.

Lynne   December 3rd, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Exactly. 75% approval, 22% disapproval...the opposite of Bush's current rating.

KG   December 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

So far so good on the picks. Keep them moderate and keep the ultra-liberal, leftists at bay. Next, figure out a way to get rid of Pelosi and Reid!!

Ian   December 3rd, 2008 4:19 pm ET

God help us all.

aynes54   December 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Why shouldn't Obama be popular now...He hasn't done anything but appoint his cabinet which are mostly ex- Clintonites???? Go figure after he ran on change.Let's see where he is a year from now.

Angie   December 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Way to go Mr President elect Obama.

ch   December 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

As the poll results reflect, Hillary Clinton was a great choice. But as good as she will be as Sec. of State, she still should have been elected as President.

Nobody knows more or works harder than Hillary Clinton.

Carlos   December 3rd, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I think we are on the right track...Finally

Fima Traylor   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

That 22 percent who disapprove must be the same ones who still support George W. Bush, the ones who probably wouldn't like Obama's choices no matter what.

paul (staunch Moderate)   December 3rd, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Since the Cabinet members serve at the President's behest, most understand he can also ask for their resignation. Hillary will certainly follow Obama's agenda.

David   December 3rd, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I dislike Hillary. She shouldn't have been given anything because of what she did during the primaries. Sec of State should've gone to someone who has experience in diplomacy, like Richardson. I am not sure why Obama didn't pick him for that position. I was disappointed.

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