December
18, 2000
How To Build A Cabinet
By Tom Bevan
Yesterday on the talk show circuit Democrats offered only lukewarm
praise of Bush's first nominations for his cabinet, insisting
that the "people" of the administration weren't as important
as the "policy." It must be difficult for Democrats
to acknowledge that with his first four appointments George W.
Bush will have more diversity in top cabinet positions on the
first day of his administration than Bill Clinton had in eight
years in office. Perhaps even more frustrating is that Bush's
choices perfectly represent the merit-based, colorblind, genderblind
inclusiveness of his conservative philosophy.
Colin Powell served prominently in the last two Republican administrations
and is by any measure the most qualified man in America to be
Secretary of State. Condi Rice, former political science professor
and provost of Stanford University, has been briefing George W.
Bush on foreign policy matters for more than two years is recognized
as one of the preeminent scholars in the field. Al Gonzalez is
also a universally well respected man that has been one of Bush's
most trusted advisors since 1995.
And for those who still think Bush's nominations are driven primarily
by symbolism or politics, ask yourself whether Bush would have
made different choices had the the election been a landslide in
his favor. It is safe to say he would not. His choices are based
on qualification, experience, and his ability to completely trust
these men and women.
Contrast this with Bill Clinton's cabinet appointments. For example,
in late 1991 Bill Clinton did not ask for a list of the most qualified
applicants for Attorney General, he asked only for a list of women
who were qualified for the post. After two failed attempts, Clinton
was finally able to make history by having the first female Attorney
General in United States.
But after eight years, more than 80 deaths in Waco, ignoring
the trading of military secrets for Chinese campaign cash, and
the forcible return of a six year old boy to communist tyranny
we can now clearly see the danger of mandates that sacrifice competence
on the altar of political correctness.
Much like his selection of Dick Cheney as a running mate, George
W. Bush seems to be unmoved by political correctness or conventional
wisdom. And while his selections may create a pleasant symbolic
byproduct, the more telling point is that these are the people
whom he most respects and whom he most trusts.
Will Bush complete his cabinet with at least one prominent Democrat?
Almost certainly. Will this be a political maneuver? To a degree.
But Bush will find room in his cabinet for a qualified Democrat
because that is how he has always operated, it is part of his
political DNA. Having a member of the opposite party in his cabinet
was always part of his plan for changing the tone in Washington.
From the beginning George W. Bush's strategy has always been
to surround himself with the best and brightest to help him make
accurate, informed decisions. With Powell, Rice, Gonzales and
Hughes, he is off to a very good start.
Tom Bevan writes for RealClearPolitics
