CNN

This president-elect has not been sworn in yet and you nuts are already criticizing him. You have only yorselves to blame for thinking old white men have all the answers. Obama is smarter than you think.

For those of you that are saying "where's the change with him hiring former Clinton cabinet members?", do you have any ability to think beyond what you see others saying? Did it occur to you that the change comes from Barack himself and not from the members of his cabinet? BARACK is the one that will be making the changes! Duh!!

Good grief. Some people will never be happy. I'm an Independent, leaning Dem, and I think he's picked a very good cabinet so far! I'm not going to keep score of who is an [R] or who is a [D]...they just need to be highly qualified and have the US's best interests at heart. If it works, who cares how they vote or whose cabinet they were in previously!
I think he knows what he is doing.

Obama isn't going to be pressured by any political party in selecting his administration, he's picking the best of the best. Republicans must be worried that he might take their "cream of the crop". But they shouldn't, he doesn't want Palin because his picks are way out of her league. Enough said.

Maybe if we drop the labels & focus on the expertise, we might actually be able to get something done this time...

What about George W. Bush? I hear he will be out of work soon. How about Dick Cheney?

Obama overload again.........of course he is going to be Bi-Partisan. Where is the news story here?

I'd rather you focus more on why is Congress keeping Rangel in charge of Ethics after everything he has done and been accused of?

This is NOT the CHANGE we are looking for and I hope President Elect Obama makes an example of Rangel and the rest of the crooks in Washington.

How does it feel to have a President-elect whose word is his bond?

As for Libertarians and Greens, we have to remember Obama's trying to build a team, not a fight club. Everybody gets to have their own ideas, but they all have to remember who's in charge.

Come back and complain when he starts firing people for speaking the truth to him. If that happens, I'll be right there with you.

Why are people so happy that he is reaching across the aisle, if you read any other message board on here, the republicians should all be in jail, or never to be heard from again

Hypocrites!

Yes. He needs to find the best people in each position to lead us through this crisis. I'm glad to have Obama as our next president. That shows his leadership and characters.

I am sure President Elect Obama is working extremely hard to determine which persons would be beneficial to his administration, and which ones would be a detriment. Bipartisanship has always been a healing factor in elections that were so bitter. However, I am sure that the Obama transition team is vetting the best they can, and the least controversial. They are not going to put any republican right wing christian nutjobs in office as they are way to out of touch with the American mainstream, hence the election results. Their divisiveness will take years to heal the wounds of racism and hatred, and McCain and Palin were their hallowed losers. McCain will always be remembered as the Republican nominee who had a chance to win the office of President, but was lured by the extreme right. I'm sure he'll regret it forever.

Why after 8 years of the most corrupt partisan administration, that has ever been in the white house, are we so concerned with reaching across the aisle?

Regardless of what party (left, right, independent, green, etc.), PE Obama has chosen the best of the best. He has chosen people with integrity and dedication.

This is nothing short of amzaing.

Jan 20th is right around the corner!

~Lawrence in Denver

John in Ohio, You wingnuts on the left are STILL whining about the 2000 election saying Bush stole it. The recount was finished and REALLY DID LOSE. NY Republican, well said. Obama claims to want to bring the country together. You'd never know it from hs supporters on the CNN blog. John, your guy won, stop being such sore winners already. Just remember that 2/3rds of the people who could have voted in this election, either didn't vote or voted for McCain. Obama won with 1/3rd of the vote. He still needs to win over the 100 million voting age Americans who didn't vote for him. Do you think your tired insults help?

Only 1 or 2 more Republicans is enough. Please appoint Chuck Hagel and maybe Arnold Swartnegger in 2 years when he is done as Governor of CA.

He is doing a good job overall with his selections. Give him time to finish before casting judgements.

YES WE CAN!

oh wait, YES WE DID!

Barack, don't forget Oprah.

HIRE ME!

Former Democrat and Silence Dogood are one in the same poster. And you sir, regardless of the name you post under were never a Democrat.

Barack is picking one of the most diverse administrations we have ever seen. Not just a couple of tokens.

It’s about time to see the full breadth of the US population get represented.

Obama is picking the best this country has to offer. So what if they are former Clinton people, so what if they are Republicans, so what if they are independants? Regardless of what their party affiliation is, as long as they are qualified, competent, capable and rational and can do the job successfully, he will choose them. That's the idea, isn't it? He won't choose someone just to be different. Our Country's future is at stake. No time to experiment like Bush did with people like "Brownie" , who didn't have a clue on how to manage FEMA. Obama is so much smarter than that and he is fair, too. He will pick only the best to run this country. Did anyone see him on Meet The Press yesterday morning? He's just awesome. Truly, I know that word is overused, but he just has so much common sense, speaks so logically so anyone can understand him, but gets to the crux of the matter without saying anything superfluous or repetitive. He's excellent. I am so glad to we chose him to be our President.

To Mari

Thank God the DONKEYS arent CRAZY enough to go the EXTREME LEFT, the way W took us to the EXTREME Right. It's called having a good sound leader.

MSM is going to drive themselves into a frenzy trying to dictate Obama's agenda.

Education is a vital part of our democracy...............who better to serve as Secretary of Education that Colen Powell. He is a man of integrity and ethical behavior..............what an opportunity to have a true American Statesman in a position of vital importance to the nation.

Putting moderate Republicans in the mix will give balance to the perception of ultra liberal I am a conservative Democrat and I feel confortable with Obama right now. Sorry I did not vote for him this time out but maybe next time.

Secret democrats, I think?

I think it is great that we are even talking about integrating the two parties in this administration. After the last 8 years of "them against us" ideology, I didn't think I'd ever see the two sides work together. It's kinda.....nice.

Enough with plating with peoples lives. Bring the troops home and end this bogus invasion of another country. Everyone knows that it was a lie to invade Iraq, so why in the hell are we still debuting on when to get out and how to get out, just end the occupation. The Iraqies want us out of their country so why in the hell are we still there, I'll tell you why, GGGGREED AND MONEY. And the U.S. government is nothing but BIG BULLIES, PERIOD!!!!!!!!!

I don't mind that the Prez-elect shows by-partisian. As long as he keeps them in check.

I am VERY impressed with President-elect Barack Obama! His ability to reach across the aisle and to name Republicans, conservatives to his Cabinet is proof of WISDOM...... which is SO refreshing after EIGHT long years of the Bush Disaster!

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

hey im a die hard republican...I voted for McCain although he wasnt my ideal candidate by a country mile. BUT...the way things are shaping up with this Obama cabinet...Im really cool with it. haha. Looks like the liberals cant win for winning.

I think he should be bipartisan and pick republicans–but just how many trustworthy republicans are there left? He should continue to do what he's doing and go with his gut about who is best, not their party affiliation. He is not choosing sides for "recess" like in grade school.

the trouble with adding Republicans is that you have to really search to find intelligent, qualified people willing to work with and for Democrats for the good of the country!

Look at who Bush thought were the best and the brightest: Cheney, Wolfie, Alberto ( who didn't even recall where his office was) Rummy, Ashcroft, dear Harriet and "Heckava Job Brownie." McCain picked Palin and pals around with Phil Gramm –

Good thought but finding capable Republicans may be a real challenge!

He's not selecting "Republicans" or "Democrats", he's selecting people that he feels are best qualified for the positions. Their political affiliation is secondary to their talents, experience and qualifications.

LOL, I have to laugh at the people who say business as usual. Gates was a Bush appointee in case anyone forgets. And why does he owe anything to any republicans the way they tried to paint him as a terrorist. Do you really think he should have appointed a republican to one of the more powerful positions (give me a break). After Bush/Cheney and Bush's appointments like Brown at FEMA, Obama could appoint a kid and they would do a better job.

It's immaterial whether the people he chooses to add to his White House people are Democrats or Republicans so long as they are exceptional at their jobs. I have enough faith in President Obama to accept who he wants in his cabinet, and if they are in sync with his way of thinking.

Only time will tell.

"...Republicans and their loyal wingnuts on the far right will never accept him as president..."
John in Ohio December 8th, 2008 2:58 pm ET
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Just like Democrats and their loyal wingnuts on the left were so accepting of Bush.

John in Ohio – you are so very wrong about Republicans respecting the POTUS, we were taught that even if you can't respect the man (or woman) you MUST respect the office. But as long as we keep being called "wingnuts" or "haters" by the supporters of the man, respecting him or the office people like you put him into becomes exceedingly difficult?

We need people to work together, right or left, in order to rescue America from its state of depression. As long as the people he selects are qualified for the position, then let's just move forward.

PE Obama wants to come together as one and I think it's good that he will hire Republicans, I don't see anything wrong with it at all.
Anyone he chooses will be someone he knows has the interests of the country at heart and that will be the main factor I feel....his is a very smart man and knows exactly what he is doing.
Looking forward to the new administration and I feel one we will all be very proud of in the years to come....whether you voted for him or not you will see what a difference he will make.

Is there such a thing as a conservative Republican? Lately I've observed that that say "conservative" when they campaign, but they don't do "conservative" when they govern. Is there anybody out there willing to call GW Bush any kind of conservative?

Paulson's not a conservative, nor was Greenspan. Snow was essentially a non-entity as Treasury secretary.

All three of the Bush AG's have proven themselves positively eager to compromise the Constitution; what's conservative about that?

Here's a clue about Bush: he hero-worshipped Ronald Reagan, who was all about being a ruler, not a leader. Bush never wanted to be president, he always tried to act like the king; what's conservative about that?

Republican starts to look like code for "Conservative In Name Only."

So far, so good.

Former Democrat: You are so right. To pretend to want diversity but only call on Corporate Repubs and Corporate Dems is apparently fooling a lot of people. Where are the Greens and Libertarians? That would be a – well, a change.

Just keep in mind, what he says he is going to do does not reflect what he will do. He has already broken pledges and promises based on what is most advantageous for him. For instance, the public campaign funds pledge that he broke.

Whether you support him or not this is important to remember when approving of or questioning his judgement so far.

One thing wrong with this article is that there are two republicans named, so far for the Obama cabinet. That is Jim Jones. I'm show Obama will bring more republicans in the white house, so we shouldn't be discrediting him already. So let's just wait and see. 'Cause that's politics.

What.., has Obama run out of Clintonians unashamed of serving again??

he has more republicans and republican-lite dems than anything. progressives are getting little representation. hopefully barack will carry our torch,too.

I've been pretty impressed with the variety and the expertise he is surrounding himself with.......a real breath of fresh air relative to the right wingnut stupidity of the last eight years. I think the Governator would be a great Sec of Energy.

Last I read on him he is neither registered as democrat or republican, I guess that wouldmake him a independant.

Gates is not a "registared" Republican, just a guy that has almost always voted Republican.

Obama will put a Republican in the open cabinet post if he can find one that is smart enough.

This is a good thing. How can you expect the country to come together and make a change, when the leaders will not?

He doesn't have to put any third party candidate in his administration just to make sure all his "bases are covered"..they BARELY get recognized as it is...he doesn't need to prove anything...as long as the persons in his cabinet are qualified to do the job, who really cares what party they represent?

If people would stop counting how many Dems, Repubs, etc get nominated maybe they could do some REAL work instead of making sure they get enough playing time on the field...

I'm all for bipartisanship but really, do we need a Republican in the cabinet? Havent the republicans doen enough damage?

Isn't Bob Gates a Rep?

I really hope he realizes that, as many GOP people as he puts in his cabinet, the Republicans and their loyal wingnuts on the far right will never accept him as president.

HOW IRONIC, THE SAME PEOPLE WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR HIM, IS TELLING HIM WHO TO HIRE.LOL

For everyone that is in such a hurry.....remember the date , Jan.20th,2009.....................................................................

Apparently Obama has selected appointments across the spectrum – from moderates to centrists.

CHANGE= policy, programs, fresh ideas, intelligence, honest individuals, and doing what is right.... YES WE CAN

I vote Democrat mostly – lesser evil, of course – but I wouldn't be against a Republican presence in the President-elect's staff.

Of course, this would be contingent on whether or not they are typical neo-con fascists or not. I give no support to the Amerofascists in power right now. A government which is lead by those who think that their god is going to swoop down and take them to paradise soon – maybe tomorrow – has no incentive whatsoever to consider the consequences of any actions it takes. Church + State = Taliban.

We've seen what too many right-wingers can do to a democratic government. I'd like my civil liberties back, thanks.

Former :TURN COAT" Democrat go back to your Republican side. That's why we're in the deep doggy poo now because the Republicans were calling the shots. Obama does not need your input.

Haven't we had enough conservatarian policies? Only a few slow-learners want any more of the same. And they won't be satisfied until another disastrous Republican is back in the White House, no matter how often they lie in calling themselves "Former Democrat" or something similar. Sure, sure, a fan of Zell Miller – that kind of Democrat.

Hello? CNN, what gives? Two comments disappear into digital thin air?

How about Colin Powell, and like Daniel said, Wesley Clark? I think P-E Obama is wise not to look at their voter registration card, but whether they are competant and willing to work together on his team.

I love it. Quotas and affirmative action for the downtrodden [R]s.

There are a few, but it would be a chore to feret out the few [R]s that actually have some governmental leadership ability, beyond the ability for inflamatory rhetoric that they seem to think qualifies them.

please don't give our hard earned tax payers money to all these crooks, THAIN wants a 10 million dollar bonus, what nerve!!

Gates was the token Republican, Obama is seeting up his cabinet with Washington cronies and insiders, I'm already losing any illusions he was going to be non-partisan

Keep moving toward the center, your getting closer. He his a lot smarter then I gave him credit for.

Chuck Hagel?

Yes, Barack select Republicans, but not Sarah Failin, and also.

I have an idea, let Obama pick his cabinet. Then the pundits can take swipes at it later. Preemptive punditry should be against the Geneva Convention.

I'm a Democrat and I hope he does hire Republicans, but not the whacko ones that live in Alaska and have run on sentences that never, never stop until someone says enough, enough of the run on sentences, uncle, stop, stop, stop, and also.

LOL! Liberal democrats.....can you say Bush 3 ?

How about Sarah Palin.......just kidding!!

Almost all Dems, a couple of Repubs, but no conservatives. Just business as usual for the liberal left-wingers.

That's the problem.

If Obama really wants diversity, he should look to the Libertarian and Green Parties too. He can find financial conservatives among Libertarians and environmentalists among Greenies.

Come on, Barry, open your mind.

Is there a position for Wesley Clark?

There is no agenda for quotas in P-E Obama's administration. Stop trying to throw shiggidy out there and hope that it sticks. P-EO is his own person. You didn't control his campaign, and you won't control his administration!

Barack will keep his word. There will be Republicans. I get the feeling he created his cabinet list a very long time ago. He is a planner and it's working for him. Be patient Americans, he'll do what he has promised to do.

This is part of the change that people were hoping for. Fill the vacant positions with competent people who know what they are doing not party loyalist.

It works for the rest of the country so why not let it work for Washington.