Why doesn't Obama pick Howard Dean for Health and Human Services? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ASU2003 · 02-03-2009, 05:27 PM

He is a doctor and knows a thing or two about managing large organizations/governments. He sounds like a better pick than Daschle anyways. That is as long as Dean has paid all of his taxes correctly.

Do you think he will be the choice? Or is there someone else from the Clinton White House staff that needs a job?

guyy · 02-03-2009, 06:10 PM

I don't know what Obama wants from his health care guy. I'm guessing that he wanted an LBJ type who could work Congress. I say that because i didn't see any other rationale for the Daschle pick. Even so, Daschle was a mystery to me because he didn't seem to be an effective leader. I don't think Dean has the experience that Obama wants, but yes, he'd probably be better than Daschle anyway.

dc_dux · 02-03-2009, 07:37 PM

Dr. Dean would be an interesting pick...based on the health reform he implemented in Vermont when governor. He has both a practical and political understanding of the issue.

Its interesting that Obama is supposed to sign the SCHIP bill tomorrow that Congress enacted last week (and that Bush vetoed lat year.) Daschle was supposed to be at his side and it was to be touted as the first step to provding quality, affordable health care to all children.

We will see if he postpones the bill signing to perhaps combine it with announcing a new nominee for HHS in which case, I think he will act quickly on a nominee. Some are pushing Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
-----Added 4/2/2009 at 12 : 25 : 17-----
IMO, this would be a great choice:

Quote:

...the name that seems to make the most sense, at least on the surface, is former Senator Bill Bradley.

The New Jersey Democrat is, as one close friend describes him, "Daschle without the tax issues." A veteran of the Senate, he knows how congressional sausage is made. And he is not too far removed from Washington to have connections to some of the key players. Bradley is an Obama ally, having campaigned hard for the president (and often taking the most personal shots at the Clintons). He is committed to health care reform, has experience in business and government, and is known to be passionate, sometimes preening, about ethics issues.

Daschle Replacement Buzz: Bradley, Dean, Rendell, Sebelius

Locobot · 02-05-2009, 02:08 PM

I think Dean or Bradley could do a great job. Seems like Dean is wanting to take it easy after his massive victories in 2006 & 2008 as DNC.

02-03-2009, 05:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
ASU2003 immoral minority Location: Back in Ohio	Why doesn't Obama pick Howard Dean for Health and Human Services? He is a doctor and knows a thing or two about managing large organizations/governments. He sounds like a better pick than Daschle anyways. That is as long as Dean has paid all of his taxes correctly. Do you think he will be the choice? Or is there someone else from the Clinton White House staff that needs a job?

02-03-2009, 06:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
guyy Addict Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin	I don't know what Obama wants from his health care guy. I'm guessing that he wanted an LBJ type who could work Congress. I say that because i didn't see any other rationale for the Daschle pick. Even so, Daschle was a mystery to me because he didn't seem to be an effective leader. I don't think Dean has the experience that Obama wants, but yes, he'd probably be better than Daschle anyway.

02-05-2009, 02:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Locobot is awesome!	I think Dean or Bradley could do a great job. Seems like Dean is wanting to take it easy after his massive victories in 2006 & 2008 as DNC.