Bush Makes Xmas Eve Appointments

Posted: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 1:55 PM by Chuck Todd

From NBC's John Yang
President Bush and his administration -- well, most of his administration other than Defense Secretary Robert Gates -- will be moving on in a few weeks, but Mr. Bush is still exercising his power of appointment.

On Christmas Eve, he handed out gifts to 24 people -- seats on a variety of government advisory boards, many of them largely ceremonial positions that don't require congressional approval.

A few of the lucky recipients of some last-minute presidential stocking stuffers:

Longtime Republican Party official Maria Cino and Commerce Department official Israel Hernandez both got four-year seats on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.

For Barry Jackson, a top White House political advisor who previously was an aide to Karl Rove and House Republican Leader John Boehner, there's a six year term on the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Anita McBride, Laura Bush's chief of staff, will serve on the National Capital Planning Commission through Sept. 22, 2011.

And Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Amb. Nancy Goodman Brinker, the chief of protocol, will join the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

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Comments

once again, if you like 1,50 a gallon gas, then thank a democrat.
any one that thinks this is a coincidence is blinded by party loyalty. all of this nation's ills right now are due to the past eight years of policies that deliberately set out to destroy the middle class of this nation.every thing bush and co. have done from letting the credit card companies rewrite the bankruptcy laws to allowing huge oil companies to rape the American public to costing the nation over a trillion dollars and over 4500 American deaths in iraq. With the entire world behind him, yes including me, we entered into afghanistan and a trapped bin laden, but bush and co. chose to abandon that endeavor for big oil pipelines and iraq.
easily over a trillion dollars by now. while we have sky rocketing unemployment, house foreclosures, loan defaults, we pay iraqis to not kill each other.

the question remains why doesn't the news media actually place the blame on this administration where it squarely belongs. all the major outlets tiptoe around the issues without exactly saying the final truth. instead we get david gregory dancing with karl rove.
where have all the walter kronkites and edward r. murrows gone??????????????????????

leon houston (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 2:18 PM)

Are any of these people actually qualified to hold any of these positions???? Probably not. I mean hell, they were appointed by Bush the question has to be asked since it looks like there's no way of getting rid of these people!

Chris, Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 2:43 PM)

Nothing against these folks but i think this is one of the reason this country is in trouble...Government is to big, seems to me there are more people in government now, and this does has and effect on vote...If you take the no. of people working for government and add in there realatives for votes its one hell of a voice....Seems like there more people in government than non political positions...Just goes to show you why government isnt going to change...Politics as usual......

Russell Wells, Me (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:02 PM)

Who's this guy Beelzebub that Bush appointed ?

Was that a payoff for past favors ?

How about Lou Cypher ?

How'd HE get appointed ?
One of Cheney's friends?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:09 PM)

Hey, anyone working today at MSNBC? A little coverage of the new Cheney-Libby developments would be good.

R. Wood (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:13 PM)

82% !!
Amazing !!
Not just Democrats and Independents.... Republicans, too !!

'...Eighty-two percent of those questioned in a new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Wednesday morning approve of the way the Obama is handling his presidential transition. That's up 3 points from when we asked this question at the beginning of December. Fifteen percent of those surveyed disapprove of the way Obama's handling his transition, down 3 points from our last poll.

The 82 percent approval is higher than then President-elect George W. Bush 8 years ago, who had a 65 percent transition approval rating, and Bill Clinton, at 67 percent in 1992.

"Barack Obama is having a better honeymoon with the American public than any incoming president in the past three decades. He's putting up better numbers, usually by double digits, than Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, or either George Bush on every item traditionally measured in transition polls," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The poll also suggests that the public approves of the President-elect's cabinet nominees, with 56 percent of those questioned saying Obama's appointments have been outstanding or above average, with 32 percent feeling the picks have been average, and 11 percent saying Obama's choices have been below average or poor....'

How you like THEM APPLES ?

Give the guy a chance

Lets him enact his 'Economic Stimulus Package' intact and we'll probably get this country going again

Let's see what gets through on Health insurance
Strike hard, strike fast, Obama !!

How about funding light rail subways ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:15 PM)

People are forgetting that George Bush is still president. If I were him I'd drop a few political bombs to remind them. I think he should go out in a reign of controversy so no one forgets the man that would be king.

Peter Percival Patterson (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:21 PM)

When Bush is gone his staff will be spread out all over Washington, in one place or another.

Maybe he'll go out with a 21 gun salute.
Bush's accomplishments are many. Libs would disagree simply because they are what they are .... a force with inherit tunnelvision, now recognizing Barack Obama as superhuman, like Superman, Batman and the rest. I hope he won't let them down, being the "celebrity" that he is.

Mollyanna (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:29 PM)

Merry Christmas to all ... and to all a good night.

Spinout, Flaming Star, Rory Storm, Sexy Sadie and Monkberry Moon Delight (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:38 PM)

It is tiring to consistently read derogatory remarks about Pres. Bush. Anyone ever realized that he has 540+ people that are decision makers - - - this man does not stand alone. However, he gets the bad press.
He inherited a pile of manure, and has taken advice from his appointed advisors as to ways to clean up and remove the stench. I want to hear what the masses voted, I do not want to hear any President accused of standing alone on political decisions that affect the country. Now, personal pervirsion is not one of Pres. Bush's slams.

Gaye Franks Richmond, Va. 23225 (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:53 PM)

I have had several contributions to your newswire, and most are not available to be displayed right away. Exactly who is afraid of an astute American"???????

Gaye Franks Richmond, Va. 23225 (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:55 PM)

Fortunately these aren't really powerful posts. I hope that all those political appointments that were in various departments are no longer in them. That could continue to screw up the country; a lasting legacy of Bush.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 4:11 PM)

I will do all for the transition...And fill boards so your stuck for another 4 years of bush. WHAT oh yes they have been vacent for the past 5 years.

Ranger Phx (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 6:18 PM)

as usual, republicans like to practice revisionist history. actually bush inherited a healthy budget surplus which he turned into the greatest debt our nation has ever seen(new depression). he alone has the power to make or break entire classes of people. this is why the office is called the most powerful position in the world. if you tire of reading conflicting opinions then don't read! bush had the chance to extend s-chip insurance to all children and refused. that's my daughter he injured. bush had the power to reform bankruptcy laws to actually help middle class folks stay in their homes and gave that power over to the credit card industry for contributions. he had the power to block big oil from raping the American public but since he was an oil man that BTW has done business with the bin laden family for years, he allowed it to go on. he proved he cared more for the people of iraq than the middle class of the U.S. over 1 trillion dollars to keep them from killing each other but nothing for the middle class of this nation.
when American families are hurting, I take it personally. Lastly, please do not whine I assure you a lot of posts on both sides are not passed through. This one may not make it. Sometimes they block the most polite,well written and allow the most vulgar garbage through. It's just the luck of the draw.

leon houston (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:15 PM)

Nancy Brinker raised over $1.5 billion for breast cancer and single handly created the global breast cancer movement. She invented the pink ribbon concept. I think she is qualified to help raise money for the Kennedy Center. She will do the most amazing job as always! I can't speak for the other appointments.

Jessica Rich (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:42 PM)

I wish soon to be Ex President Bush would appoint one of his cronies to look into my cheating lawyers in Bethesda, MD. Kathleen Dumais and Bibi Berry, of Paley Rothman Law Firm should be IMPEACHED!!!!
See more at my blog:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Commentarybykth

Paley Rothman Law Firm
What didn’t happen ?

Why would legal policies and procedures inhibit the overall objective? How could individuals be left more abused after litigation than when escaping an abusive marriage?
My case in Kathleen Dumais and Bibi Berry’s hands …
Paley Rothman Law Firm Why? How? Could? Kathleen Dumais and Bibi Berry
See Blog: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Commentarybykth

Katrina Taylor Hankins, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:44 PM)

It is foolish to consider the "power" in every position. Bush could have found someone substantial for Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center. The state of the arts and artists is truly dismal for a country as wealthy as the USA. There are an abundance of highly qualified persons that would completely outshine Condi Rice and the "chief of protocol", whatever the hell that is.

Kurt (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:55 PM)

All you who are complaining about these Bush appointments continue to fail at remembering what has transpired in the past. Do you think Clinton did not make similar appointments? It has been said that those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it. I am sure that you Obamaites have noticed the "CHANGE". Yea, right...many many Clitonites coming back into powerful positions, going to deliver a "NEW" way of doing things. Yea, right.

R.F.S. Downingtown, PA (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 9:16 PM)

who cares who he appoints? as long as it angers all you cry babies !

Free American Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 9:34 PM)

The appointment of Ms. Rice to the board of the Kennedy Center makes sense. She is a trained pianist. What does Nancy Goodman Brinker play? Is she a concert kazooist?

Rick, Blairsville PA (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 9:58 PM)

"Your comment or rating has been received. However, due to caching and moderation, it may not be displayed right away". Maybe some of these appointments will stay in the cache!

Rick, Blairsville PA (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 10:00 PM)

Bush has been vindicated on the Iraq war as he removed 550 metric tons of yellow cake uraimum, 37 plane loads from Iraq. The war that democrats talked him into the war that his dad didn't suit the demo's the way he stopped it. Also the 75 years of democrat money from FDR has destroyed our money system forever. One world government is here, the Chicago gang buster operators are giving the orders very soon. America's breathing stopped November 4, 2008. The so called republicans and the democrat stench had their field day the last 75 years.

Edgar L. Vest (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 7:44 AM)

Over 47 million deaths by abortion and this fall
a pro-choice person was selected to run the country.
What a shame but the Pro-Life people will not stop
the fight to stop the senseless killing of the unborn.
May God speed the work that stops abortio.

Paul J. Morgan, Pittsburgh,Pa. (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 8:18 AM)

Where is America headed with a Pro-Choice man chosen
to lead this country? Pray for U S A! Stop the
senseless killing of the unborn!

Paul J Morgan, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 8:22 AM)

Stop abortion in this country.

Paul J Morgan, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 8:24 AM)

Excuse me. "[Bush] inherited a pile of manure..." He started with a surplus and brought us a deficit that our grandchildren will have to pay off. He took us into an unnecessary war that cost us 4500 lives and billions of dollars and continues to cost us. He gutted our infrastructure, our environment, our justice system. He mishandled Katrina, leaving New Orleans still unrebuilt. The manure you talk about is the crap he piled on us with his cronyism and incompetence. He didn't get his all-time low approval rating by skillful stewardship of this nation! And don't tell me that only Democrats are reflected in his midget rating--the man was a disaster for this nation and you need to pull your head out of the sand (or wherever else it is) and realize you've been backing a dead horse and that's where the stench is coming from.

Ted, Oregon (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

Since so many of Bush's last minute regulations and appointments have been disturbing, and that is an understatement, it is quite nice to celebrate an appointment that is as well deserved as it is well matched, abd that is the appointment of the musically gifted Condolezza Rice to the Board of Directors to the John F. Kennedy Center for the performing Arts.

JTatEHT (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 5:55 PM)

Away with all Bush appointments!!!! I would like to forget the last 8 years.

Cherie KC MO (Sent Thursday, December 25, 2008 6:17 PM)

The folks who voted for Bush and Co twice have themselves to blame...I don't see many "W" stickers sporting around on cars and trucks these days...I guess those of you who voted for that clown are in the process of slinking back into the mud and grass you crawled out of...along with Bush and his friends like Karl Rove and the others who put us in Iraq instead of Afghanistan. Some day he will personally have to stand and be judged for his actions. He couldn't have coordinated this gross stupidity any better with Forrest Gump in command instead of himself...it took a majority of voters (twice!) and Swift Boat Vets and their money to keep him there...along with a little crooked action from Florida and the help of a Republican US Supreme Court....and the occasional terrorist threat taking our terrorist alert conditions to a grave level everytime something began to emerge that would reveal the truth...GW Bush is nothing but a clown...and the whole world knows it......and HE DOES TOO!

Jeff English, San Antonio TX (Sent Friday, December 26, 2008 12:14 AM)

"When Bush is gone his staff will be spread out all over Washington, in one place or another."

Just like an infection. Thinking Bush was good for this country is the epitome of "tunnel vision."

Go ahead and pay off the other war criminals, then issue a blanket pardon for your administration.

Citizen of Rome (Sent Friday, December 26, 2008 12:01 PM)

"He inherited a pile of manure, "

He inherited a booming economy, a surplus, and peace. "Astute"? I think not.

Lee in CA (Sent Friday, December 26, 2008 12:03 PM)

there should be a law that freezes Presidential Appointments on November 3 in an election year, the only exceptions being incapacitation or death in super-sensitive positions starting with the President him/herself.The current rule could hamstring the new President for his/her entire Presidency and into the next. Perhaps this is the most egregious earmark of all!!

Derek Peart, Kingston, Jamaica (Sent Friday, December 26, 2008 12:10 PM)

It is tiring to consistently read derogatory remarks about Pres. Bush. Anyone ever realized that he has 540+ people that are decision makers - - - this man does not stand alone. However, he gets the bad press.
------------------------------------------------------
Conservatives are more than happy to blame Jimmy Carter for the Iran hostage crisis but cringe when Bush is blamed for stuff that goes on during his watch. Well, it is lonely at the top. While one who is in charge may not be responisble for events but they must be accountable for what happens during their watch. So it is appropriate to blame Bush for what happened over the last 8 years.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, December 26, 2008 7:52 PM)

I do not think that some of us writing in this column know or have a vast knowledge about international politics and economy. We need to do more research before open our mouth with crest toothpaste.

Dave, Long Beach, California (Sent Saturday, December 27, 2008 5:06 AM)

You dirty leftists disgust me...The gas prices are linked to the depression not a filthy dem being president...Do you see what you write???O and how about that you bleeding heart wastes of oxygen, King Hussein hasnt even been sworn in and theres allready a scandal...You all waste too much oxygen

In law-school (Sent Saturday, December 27, 2008 4:05 PM)

Just remember we haven't been attacked since 9/11, right or wrong Pres. Bush has done a great job of doing his Constituational duty "to protect and defend the United States of America"!! By the way the democrat led congress' approval rating among all citizens is a whopping 9%. Way to go!! These cats could not run a "house of ill repute" and sell liquor without screwing it up. (ALL OF THEM) And now we want them to handle our health care system. I am looking for a new place to live. Costa Rica is looking better everyday. By the way I don't watch the alhpabet news medias anymore, thay are all biased and liars.

j. raby, anniston, al (Sent Saturday, December 27, 2008 4:51 PM)

How many of these people relize that the umbacrates were in control when everything went to hell

ERV HILL WELLINGTON NV (Sent Sunday, December 28, 2008 12:06 PM)

the artical stated that the appointments were advisory so nothing will be mucked up

m Grhm Cadillac MI (Sent Sunday, December 28, 2008 7:33 PM)

Good Lord,,, the OBama team picks all the old Clinton aides and it is wonderful.. Bush appoints a few good people to not paying board seats.. and he is deranged.

It will be good to see someone else take the heat.. once he gets in the kitchen of course.

I only hope he can handle it...

Silly Goose, Northern MN (Sent Sunday, December 28, 2008 10:34 PM)

Oh just wait a year after Obama has been in office and after we really find out what he is all about, everyone will be decrying Obama and co. People, this man is not God or even Superman, he's an attorney first. Remember Democrats are the closest thing to communism on this planet plus they are all trained liars since they are all trained lawyers. Go ahead, find a lawyer who hasn't learned to lie out of necessity. They would go broke if they didn't lie in the courtroom. Republicans are business men who believe in free trade and all of you entrepreneurs in the making had better hope for a Republican in the Whitehouse or you'll have to share your hard earned wealth with every Tom, Dick and lazy man in the good ol USA.

D.S. Mann CDA ID (Sent Monday, December 29, 2008 12:42 AM)

"Fortunately these aren't really powerful posts. I hope that all those political appointments that were in various departments are no longer in them. That could continue to screw up the country; a lasting legacy of Bush." S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Wednesday, December 24, 2008 4:11 PM) I share S.B.'s concern but unfortunately am not as optimistic. There has been a concerted effort over the last 8 years to fill posts that are supposed to be nonpartisan with partisan ideologues, a'la the work of Monica Goodling. Unfortunately we'll be stuck for years with these people who don't believe in the mission of their own employer and are dedicated to destroying the government instead of serving the people.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, December 29, 2008 10:18 AM)

Laura Bush can not see anything wrong with her husband? She needs to wake up but of course she has nothing to worry about money and food and comforts are all around her at our expense. Jan 20 can not come fast enough.

MCJ Colorado (Sent Monday, December 29, 2008 11:25 AM)

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