I like this choice. I remember in his second debate with Sen. McCain, Pres. Elect Obama said when asked that his priorities outside of fixing the economy will be:
1. Energy
2. Healthcare
3. Education

Three positions yet to be filled. Tom Dashle for Health & Health Services and Dr. Chu for Energy sounds really good to me. As far as Education goes, I would like to see him reach out as well. So far – excellent choices.

hes bringing brains back into the white house, its definitely good morning in america!

Let me guess. This cabinet nomination is – drum roll please – "Historical". Just another mile marker on the road to Rushmore.

wow, I am impressed. Really, it the type of politician like Obama to recognize that some jobs shouldn't be done by politicians. and a "wow" . . . "so surprised" politicians think this wouldn't be a smart move.

no,no we need someone with a great smile and connections to "push things through". . . what does a N. L. Physicist know about bringing our country into unknown future technologies?! No, we need a slick talking politician who cares more about poll numbers that physics.

An inspired choice.

This is Obamas best pick so far.

We need the most qualified people that can help us solve the tough challenges – not just connected politicians. Thank you President-elect for getting this novel concept!

I am sick and tired of career politicians and their comments regarding experience. Experience is what caused this economic disaster. Everyone from Bush (Governor, Oilman, Baseball team owner and failure with all the above), Alaska Senator Stevens( 80 yrs in the senate and all the experienced CEO and Wall Street big shots have proven that experience means NOTHING. Give the fresh faces a shot for crying out loud!

Let's hope if Dr. Chu is named he has the smarts to be able to navigate the political world, as well.

Obama's popularity is rising even among those who didn't vote for him! His choices for his Administration and Cabinet are just one of the reasons for this. I personally love the diversity of ideas that are being represented and of course the intelligence! A tough team for tough times!

"Some Democrats say…"

Way to undercut the choice with anonymous sources that have no accountability for the smear. Why do you always have to push the idea that Democrats fight amongst themselves?

Some CNN.com readers say that CNN has crappy reporting.

It's a great pick. Too bad you can't report it well.

who suggested arnold and where can i sign up to slap them

Im excited for January 20th!

Brilliant! It's very refreshing to see somebody in a job in Washington who actually knows his subject. If he isn't "political" enough, not to worry, because there are plenty of people who can be his political voice if necessary. It's just good to know that an expert is filling the job.

Kudos to Obama for picking bright people to do the job. I hope Chu is good with people because the government is a different animal.

I'm an energy science and have attended several talks by Steve Chu, and while I think there are worse choices out there, I'm not sure Chu is the best.

Chu won a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 for trapping atoms with lasers. I'm not exactly sure how this qualifies him to be the front man on energy research, since some of the ideas he suggests are sort of concerning. For instance, in one talk on alternative forms of energy the nuclear physicist not once mentioned type IV nuclear reactors. He's also been a strong proponent of CORN-based ethanol, which basically every energy scientist agrees is a bad idea (ethanol is a good idea, but CORN is too water and energy intensive to grow).

There's this idea that just because someone is a scientist, they are knowledgeable in all areas of science. However, at the top the knowledge-base is actually remarkably narrow. There are some great energy scientists out there (mostly chemists, biochemists, and materials engineers), but Chu did not make his name in this field. He made his name in nuclear and particle physics, which USES lots of energy, but is not energy science.

I will agree that he is a better choice than, say, the CEO of Exxon or maybe even some of the politicians out there. But I don't think he's the best choice if he was only picked because he was a scientist.

Fantastic choice! Obama is going to have a great team. Lots of diversity, experienced politicians and inexperienced politicians, democrats, Republicans, Independent. Its about qualifications and bringing the right people together not about bringing only his good old boys network.

Hey folks, remember too that the media has one job…just one. Garner interest in their message. It USED to be to report the news, but now it's simply to have people read what is written and listen to what is said. They have to say stuff like this, even when it's just sad that they do so.

We need the smartest, most able people to do these jobs, and we need FEWER Washington insiders on both sides of the aisle. Keep in mind that these insiders will be threatened BIG TIME by the outsiders and will do whatever they can to keep their power. Any guesses as to WHO had the "concern" about Chu? Insiders.

We need Chu and others like him. With few exceptions (mostly party hacks) the vast vast majority of Americans want to do what's right for the country, NOT just what's right for their political party and power. We need many more people like Chu, not less.

this is an excellent pick and totally suprised. Earlier today the media said one of clinton's cronies was going to be energy sec. Chu is unexpected and change I can believe in.

Farrell:

If you'll reflect back on previous blogs from the past year (and even going forward) I think you'll find plenty of pissiness, bile and venom on both sides of the political aisle. There are just as many juvenile, mean-spirited Dems as there are Repubs. We need to bury the hatchet and start working together.

I didn't vote for Obama, but now that he's President I'm supporting him…we all need to do this, while at the same time of course holding him accountable (just as accountable as you Dems hold/held Bush! ).

So far, I like what he's doing. He should pick a few more Republicans as well, but think about it…he's picking the best people, not just political hacks.

I personally don't like his stance on some issues (e.g., gun control, etc.) but if you think about it, isn't what he's doing what most of us always envisioned a President as doing? Picking the best people for the jobs, governing from the middle, recognizing that we all have to work together, etc.

It's easy to be jaded, but think about this. What would people's reactions be if the "ideal" President came along? Most people are so cynical that we'd never give the person a chance. I think we need to a) work together and stop being so pissy, b) recognize we can't always get our way–that America needs to be about compromise vs. always getting "our way", and c) give Obama a chance.

If you've read Tom Clancy's "Executive Decision" (I think that's the one), you'll note that when Jack Ryan became President, the Washington insiders on both sides couldn't stand it when he was just being a high integrity guy, and they tried to barbeque him for it. Let's not let the same thing happen in real life.

Thus far, I couldn't ask him to be doing anything better than what he is.

Finally someone with knowhow, and not someone's political golf buddy.

what a novel concept: picking someone who is a qualified expert in the field of energy and physics instead of a politician who has become "enitiled" to the post.

I think this would be a great pick, someone with educational expertise in energy. No matter who Obama picks, half the country won't agree anyway so keep up the good work.

The good thing about picking Chu is that he has his own clothes and does not need a $50k makeup artist!

Pardon me while I relish these moments after 8 gruelling years of "Brownies, Gonzos, Darth Vaders, Rummy's, etc.." the Bush Babies of incompetence and arrogance are leaving, we are finally getting a little competence back in our government!!! Now President Obama wants a physicist in the Department of Energy when the last department heads couldn't even spell physicist!!! I simply don't know how to act, what next a financial wizard for treasury??? Oh,pardon me again, Geithner is the head of the New York Fed…. All this competence is making me dizzy!!! Thank God…

Hurray! Good choice! I am so pleased that he's bringing in someone who hasn't been a politician. This is what we need, more intelligent people without a personal agenda to make themselves rich and that don't want a career in politics, but people who are extremely smart and actually want to help our world.

FINALLY, A SCIENTIST WITH BRAINS IN A CABINET POSITION!

Remember how Palin was being touted by the McCain campaign as an expert on energy? I'm laughing so hard my gut hurts!

I don't think Dr. Chu is a good, but instead a brilliant choice. Let Dr. Chu come up with the plan, then let the politicians sell it. Brilliant!

Another brainiac with no political experience to reflect Obama's intelligencia elite.

I'm glad he has no political experience, lol. That's great!!!

Science? We are going to have people educated in science in Cabinet positions? I love Barack Obama! Chu is awesome – and did you see that he has a background in science? As for no political experience – the guy knows his way around the Scientific Establishment – he has political experience.

Yay! Finally some people with (gasp!) actual science backgrounds….

Dr. Chu is a brilliant man, and will serve with honour and distinction.

A Nobel Prize Winner, Wow!

Whoa, an administration appointing a real live scientist, someone with significant education and training? This hasn't happened in at least…8 years. Thank God we won't be just praying for things to get better anymore.

Excellent choice. The less the political experience the better. Good job, Barack.

Yes! This is more of that "change" we all voted for! Finally! Smart people in the white house! Can you imagine that? Intelligent reactions to world events by people who know a thing or two about the subjects rather than more of the "Brownies" doing "a heck of a job!"

Steven Chu championed an unprecedented alternative energy research pact between UC Berkeley, oil industry giant BP, the Lawrence Berkeley Lab, and the University of Illinois.

Perhaps BP understands climate change and peak oil makes it a good idea to diversify into alternatives. Hopefully Exxon/Mobil will get it as well.

Finally we can get some serious brain power in Washington instead of the dumb and corrupted politicians

this is a really well thought out move. we can't let politicians decide what is best for our country in terms of energy, because frankly, they don't know squat about science. bring in the geek squad. about time.

I thought Palin is the energy expert of the USA; LOL!!!!

Its about time we get an expert in such an important position.

Thank you, Pres Elect

Another homerun for BO. The billions of USD that are going to be saved in his administration with capable, smart, and honest people being appointed to key posts will help ease the economic pit that we are in. Congratulations Mr. Presiden (acting).

Or he envisions and Obama talks… it's about TEAMWORK…

Chu can always hire a TALKING MOUTHPIECE to help him out. There's plenty of them out there

fantastic choice

WOW!!! This guy has no ties to the oil industry. I hope he does a good job.

A scientist! Yes! What a refreshing change from eight years
of cronies put in positions that they had no business being in.

As a student of geology, I say Dr. Chu is a great pick for Energy Secretary. For years, I have prayed for someone from the scientific sector to head America's energy department.

Maybe we can go back to having a strong America. You know, one that understands the importance of science.

On the biology side: Folks, evolution is nothing to be afraid of. It has nothing to do with religion or God. Nothing in biology makes sense without evolution as a core concept. No cures for cancer without being guided by the central concepts of evolution. God bless science, God bless evolution.

I think this was a great choice by President- Elect Obama. I’m sure he isn't stressing the negative comments towards his picks for his cabinet after all this is America and everyone feels as if they should voice their opinions just because they can.

This is a wonderful pick! What's wrong with having a qualified someone at the helm other than a career politician?

"He has no political experience."

=

"Waaaah! You're supposed to give it to one of us!!"

Good pick Obama!

Change didnt mean the left, it meant getting things done. The right person for the right job, whether its Chu or Hillary.

No political experience, no biases! It’s an awesome choice. And it’s someone who’s not on the board of directors of an oil or coal company.

Spiffy. Another out-of-touch rich liberal in thrall to the global warming cultists. Watch gas hit $10 a gallon within a year.

nice! I was hoping for schwarzenager, but this is much better! Ruling the country with scientific facts rather than political ideals.

excellent excellent choice

it's so nice to know the next administration will embrace science.

Jina – I'm eye-rolling with you.

First the criticism was that President-Elect Obama's selections was not "change." Now it's the fact he has no political experience. Can't please 'em, no way.

Seriously, a nobel prize winner? Americans are giddy. GW wouldn't be able to talk for 10 minutes with these people.

Only the best and brightest need apply! This will be a great administration. No horse judges and unqualified cronies.

I think that Chu is a great choice.

This is indeed change.

Why does he need political experience? That's the problem, you can have a great idea, and it wont get traction because you're not full of ish

Chu having no political experience, sounds like a blessing to all of us that have lived thru the Bush Administration. He should be welcome with open arms because they are all calling for energy freedom, but those who cry have no idea of how to fix it or wouldn't they have done it by now. Good Luck Chu and congrats for having no political affiliations.

I hope Chu thinks that global warming started 10 million years ago,that is when the ice began melting,and is the end of the last ice age.
Mother Nature Rules,not MAN !!

And the brains just keep on coming…

There ya go, Obama! Keep shoing the old white boy network that there are non-whites qualified for cabinet positions.

we all know Asians are smart and obviously Obama does too so shut up and be glad we finally have a President who isn't a cocaine sniffing frat brat

Wow.

This is REALLY good news for the scientific community. Everyone I know is ecstatic.

Amen Jina! Its going to be impossible for him to please everybody. People will complain no matter what and a good mix is the smartest thing he could do. Running the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab is not a bystander position… it requires a lot of interaction and executive skills, in addition to an obvious expertise. Love this pick.

With so many people with expertise to choose from, how did Bush end up with a bunch of idiots in the past eight years. May be the rest of the world will realise finally that there are smart Americans.

President-Elect-Obama is doing a terriffic job. He has put together
an Excellent, Smart, Experience and a Diverse Team.

It amaze me that there are still people out there that want him to FAIL.
That is sad. What should be important is that he keep our Country safe and properous. May God Help Us All.

God Bless Obama and God Bless Us, and God Bless America.

Obama is picking people who have some very serious credentials to backup their degrees just like he does. Republicans better take heed and look at people who are qualified rather than people who spread hate and division as their only credentials.

@Jina:

I second and third your statement. Obama can't win. It amazes me that some would rather have the country driven all the way into the ground instead of allowing Obama time to concentrate on fixing it. I don't know why he even wants to help the very people trying to bring him down.

He has no political experience. That's perfect! The best ideas always come from outside the circle.

Were they to choose a seasoned politician, I'd be the first to complain, "but he has no scientific knowledge!"

I think Obama made a wise choice. There's plenty of political skill, but not enough science.

A smart person incharge of a critical position? Is this really the United States?

It would be nice if Pres. Elec. Obama selected someone from Republican side as energy secretary. This would prove we really do have a new government in place.

Even though she has different opinion with Pres. Elec. Obama with respect to climate change (I share Obama's views), I think Gov. Sarah Palin would make a fantasitic energy secretary. She has already negotiated strong deals with the oil companies to benefit her people in Alaska. She can do the same and more for the rest of the country.

Gov. Sarah Palin -> a great pick for energy secretary for the Obama administration.

He's in for a rough first few years but it sounds like he has the intellect, education and scientific stature to throw around a lot of weight with respect to energy issues. Political naivete will make it harder for him but he should have plenty of support and guidance in that arena. As a Ph.D. scientist myself, I'm really tickled to see this kind of respect proferred to science in favor of political insider-ness.

I love this pick, Dr. Chu is a briliant man who's dedicated his life to the betterment of science and the world. It's about time we have some scientists running this country!

Jina – couldn't have said it better…

first, "this is not the change we voted for, too much experience" and now "NOOOOO!!! he has no experience!!"

some people seriously need to get a grip and take a cold shower

I hope this guy can survive. He's pretty nerdy. I say-nice pick. I heard T. Boone Pickens speak the other night on cspan. He was all about getting away from oil as a function of nat'l security. This guy's all about the environment. Maybe people on both sides are coming around to this new energy economy? Great time to be a civil engineer or solar panel maker.

Who do these oil companies think they are that they can dictate to government whether they want to change or not?

A great choice by Obama in choosing a real expert. Chu is a co-recipient of the Nobel prize in physics, 1997. Politics should not be a problem because of his experience as the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Policies and programs will be based on sound science and not partisan politics. This will be a departure from the previous administration.

I don't care who is appointed so long as they stop the bickering and make meaningful progress on making the USA self sufficient.

This would be great. I heard Dr. Chu give a talk at a conference 2 years ago on establishing a Manhattan-Project-esque approach to the energy crisis. I wouldn't say that he has no political experience–he's been director of Berkeley Lab for the past four years, which involves a lot of interaction with government officials and agencies.

His team will be more effective in office than the outgoing president, with all his eight years of experience! Stop creating questions that are only in the minds of your circle! President-Elect Obama will have a great administration. Despite the so-called scandal that he's not even involved in, he will continue to shine. Run and tell that!

"But some Democrats have privately expressed concern that Chu has no political experience"

This just confirms my suspicions that Obama just can't win… if he chooses seasoned politicians, people accuse him of being "more of the same." But if he chooses Washington outsiders, people "express concerns" about the lack of political experience. Can we get an eyeroll here?

Tough choice: Schwarzenegger vs. Chu…

So, no politicians have been able to put the oil companies in their place…so why not try someone who has intelligence on energy to put down the oil execs arguments in a scientific way.

We need people like Chu who know what they're doing and not just a "politician". It's time to change Washington's political atmosphere of just picking "friends in political circles".

I don't think Schwarzenegger is very "informed" when it comes to energy. HE may think so, but I don't see any real credentials from him.

And "energy" is NOT just oil companies. They may WANT to keep the status quo, so we'll just work around them. If the oil companies don't want to sell hydrogen refueling or E85 or liquid LP, then maybe T Boone Pickens can just set up his own chain stations.

I'm glad Obama is picking someone to head up the energy position with someone who KNOWS something about energy!

Now the objection is that Chu is an outsider; before it was everyone is an insider… Can't people make up their minds or shut it?

I'm loving how Obama's administration is looking a lot like America.

I say hallelujah, he has no political experience. Sign him up NOW!

This man's credentials sound good to me! As for the "political experience" that some say is lacking….I say GREAT! Obviously, this man is not a lobbyist and sounds like he will be on the people's side when he comes up against "oil companies and other special interests that do not want to change the status quo." Bring him on!

President-elect Obama is creating one of the most intellectual and diverse cabinets the United States has ever seen. Ideology no longer is king. How about that?! I am a strong believer in the strength of diversity. The breadth of uncommon experience will create a far more sophisticated pool of resources for the cabinet to draw upon.

I'm very proud of our nation…and it has been an eternity, it seems, since I have been able to say that aloud!

Wow, having someone run the dept of energy who actually is an expert in the field. What will Obama think of next? I bet Obama went as so far and to not even discuss his religious ideology either.

Isn't it amazing to have a president who actual nominates competent people for office rather than ole' drinkin' buddies.