First thoughts: No drama Washington?

Posted: Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:20 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
*** No drama Washington? It appears that all the preparation we in the media have been doing to cover controversy -- be it Burris, the recount in Minnesota, or Panetta -- is beginning to fizzle somewhat. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who meets with Burris at 10:30 am ET, suggested yesterday that the Illinois secretary of state’s signature is all that’s standing in the way of Burris being seated (“If Mr. Burris takes possession of valid credentials, the Senate will proceed in a manner that is respectful to Mr. Burris”). It looks like Franken will eventually be seated, too, although Minnesota will possibly have to endure weeks of additional legal wrangling. And despite a second day of criticism, it seems that Panetta might be able to survive a confirmation hearing to head the CIA, thanks to liberal support and an Obama apology to Dianne Feinstein. In addition, Jeb Bush yesterday made the “no drama” decision yesterday by announcing that he won’t run for Senate in 2010. Perhaps the best drama left, as the New York Times notes today, is Kennedy vs. Cuomo in New York. (Was Cuomo behind all the upstate criticism Caroline received?) Has “No Drama Obama” become the mantra for all of Washington? Then again, with a struggling economy, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and conflict in the Middle East, that’s probably enough drama to cover...

Video: The Senate rejects Burris as Obama's replacement, while Feinstein questions their reasoning. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.

*** S.P.E.C.T.E.R.: Some drama that we might see soon, however, is Eric Holder’s upcoming confirmation battle to be attorney general. Yesterday, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter, gave a pretty tough speech on the Senate floor regarding Holder. “On the nomination of Mr. Holder, President-elect Obama chose not to seek my advice or even to give me advance notice, in my capacity as ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, which is his prerogative. Had he done so, I could have given him some facts about Mr. Holder’s background that he might not have known.” Ouch. Remember, Specter is up for re-election next year. Is this criticism aimed at dissuading another primary challenge from Pat Toomey, who almost defeated the Pennsylvania senator in 2004? Specter didn't speak on just any day, but opening day. His first order of business was to put Holder on notice. So what was his motivation? Is it about keeping his right flank happy? Or is it because he's upset Obama didn’t consult him?

*** Transition odds and ends: At 10:15 am ET, Obama holds a press conference in DC, where, according to the New York Times, he’ll announce Nancy Killefer as his chief performance officer who’ll be tasked with finding government efficiencies. After the press conference, Obama heads to the White House, where the future president will have lunch with the current president (Bush 43) as well as the living ex-presidents (Clinton, Bush 41, and Carter). Also, we're told the Sanjay-Gupta-for-Surgeon-General news leaked out a tad earlier than the transition wanted. It wasn't quite ready to get rolled out but, well, there ya go. As for why Gupta, remember that the Surgeon General post is very much a P.R. post -- almost more so than a policy job.

Video: Bush, Obama and the three living former presidents will meet for lunch at the White House Wednesday. NBC's John Yang reports.

*** Profiling Schumer: Should Chuck Schumer end up a candidate for the top spot in the Senate some day soon, this Josh Green profile in the Atlantic will become the first place many reporters start when assessing Schumer's chances. "Schumer’s political acuity is increasingly guiding Senate Democrats. The new president—until recently, one of them—seems to be listening, too. This is significant because Schumer is steering toward a slightly different spot from the one Democrats have traditionally aimed for. He attributes his success these past four years to a small but critical insight into the nature of the American middle class: namely, that it is more affluent and doesn’t want the same things from government as does the ‘middle class’ as normally conceived by politicians, policy makers, and academics. Schumer sees this group as the key to the electoral balance of power, and believes he has figured out how to reach it. The composition of the Senate is a strong indicator that he may be on to something.”

*** The Macker makes it official: In Virginia today, Terry McAuliffe officially launches his bid for governor with a three-day tour throughout the state. He starts in Norfolk and then heads to Richmond, Charlottesville, and Alexandria. On Thursday, he hits Harrisonburg, Roanoke, and Bristol. And Friday, he visits the Southside part of the state. To be governor, the Macker has to clear two hurdles: 1) come out on top of a Democratic primary also featuring Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran, and 2) defeat the Republican candidate, state Attorney General Bob McDonnell. Neither will be easy, but we know this for sure: McAuliffe is going to make this gubernatorial race more expensive (with the state’s unlimited campaign contributions) and MUCH MORE entertaining. What’s more, this gubernatorial race will be the first campaign test of Obama's political health and the Democratic Party as a whole, and if McAuliffe wins the primary, there’s the potential for an uncomfortable marriage between Obama and Terry, who has been a leading face for the Clinton political wing. Terry’s trying to prove Virginia is so blue that a native New Yorker (upstate not the city, but...) could somehow be the governor of Thomas Jefferson's homestate.

*** Muzzling the minority: Yesterday, one of us co-wrote a piece noting the new rules package in the House that basically strips the minority of its ability to employ the main procedural trick that Republicans had used to stymie Pelosi over the last two years. In an age when House Republicans are desperately trying to reassert a message, if not actionable alternatives, the new in-the-weeds regulations mean that they have one less option to effectively protest Democratic bills -- particularly ones that include tax increases.

*** RNC chair update: There's another RNC chair forum today -- this one at the Republican National Committee beginning at 10:00 am ET.

Countdown to Electoral Vote Count In Congress: 1 day
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 13 days
Countdown to RNC winter meeting: 21 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 153 days
Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 146 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 300 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 664 days

Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

"...he’ll announce Nancy Killefer as his chief performance officer who’ll be tasked with finding government efficiencies."

Brilliant. Those government efficiencies are probably well-hidden. Good luck, Nancy!

Joe, DC (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:30 AM)

Putting Panetta as head of the CIA shows just how politically motivated Obama is. "Country First" my backside! Panetta knows nothing about how the agency works. If he's ever called upon to make a split second decision on something (Hey, Leon! I got a major terrorist in my gun sights, should I take the shot?) he won't have any clue what to do and the moment will pass. This is a truely a rank amateur political appointment made by Obama that will cost American lives at some point.

H Bradley, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:31 AM)

I'm glad that the minority repugnant ones will be muzzled so that they don't wreck the progress our wrecked country needs. Way past time to reinstate the top tax brackets that moron Raygunz got rid of 25 years ago so the rich and greedy finally pay their fair share of taxes.

Isn't it funny how "Sinner" Sarah just keeps on showing us her abuses of power and her deadbeat family? So funny that she pals around with drug pushers and that she abused her power again to prevent the drug bust from happening earlier during the campaign season. Now we've got to support her welfare mom daughter and high school dropout unemployed son in law. I guess it's appropriate that the repugnant ones think she is their future, yep just another crooked power-mad dictator waqiting to steal power.

Impeach Palin!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:34 AM)

You know it's not Obama that provides the drama, it's the lame media who hypes up small stuff into big deals. Time for the media to stop making mountains out of molehills.

Go Terry McAuliffe! Another good Democrat to keep Virginia for us Blue Lovers.

Impeach Palin!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:36 AM)

Seeing we're putting tv celebrities into the Obama administration (Gupta as SG) why not but Jack Bauer in as head of the CIA. Every week that man solves some huge international crisis. Yeah, I know it's just tv, but it looks so real.

And maybe NBCs own Jim Cramer can be Sec. of the Treasury? It would be fun seeing him standing on the table throwing stuff when he testified to congress.

The Men For the Job (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:36 AM)

Glad to see First Read recognize that "No Drama Washington" will be returning soon. I have long believed that the Media creates drama; drama that is only in the eyes of the beholder (the media).

It is strange how little things can sometimes make me angry. Everything Bush touched turned sour: the war, the economy, the litany could go on for pages. But what really pisses me off is Bush's lack of character of keeping Blair House off limits to Obama, with one house guest, John Howard, the PM from Australia. You would think with over 130 rooms and over 30 bathrooms the Obama family could have moved in, making their transition easier, reducing tax payer costs. Not only was the "decider" consistently using bad judgement, the Bush family has no "class". And that included Jeb too.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:37 AM)

Josh Bentley, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:40 AM)

"Yesterday, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter, gave a pretty tough speech on the Senate floor regarding Holder. “On the nomination of Mr. Holder, President-elect Obama chose not to seek my advice or even to give me advance notice, in my capacity as ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, which is his prerogative. Had he done so, I could have given him some facts about Mr. Holder’s background that he might not have known.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Y tu Arlen?

Good grief . . . is President Elect Obama really expected to give each and every member of Congress a back rub before they can get over themselves and do their damn jobs?

Newsflash folks: WE THE PEOPLE don't give a RATS ARSE about your precious FEELINGS!The situation this country is in is too serious for all this petty bickering.

It is becoming painfully clear why nothing gets done in the Congress, they are all too busy patting each other on the back and playing high school games while the banks and businesses that they are supposed to be "overseeing" (lol) are robbing us all blind.

It may be time to impeach some obstinate Senators who are really upset because President Elect Obama didn't serve enough time on a useless Senate Committee and "wait his turn" to run for President.

Get over it folks - he's the boss now. Be part of the solution instead of the problem for once. Geesh.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:42 AM)

Looks like the news judgment of the MSM, trying to make stories out of nothing, has gone off the rails again. It's lazy journalism to focus on minor matters just because you can find (or generate) differing positions on otherwise unimportant occurrences. I'm sure you can find someone who's anti-ice cream, but that doesn't justify days of coverage and endless, mindless reiterations of the "competing viewpoints."

Try going deeper into explanations of substantive issues instead. It may take more effort than putting up overused b-roll loops, but it's in… what's that quaint term again?… oh, yeah – The Public Interest.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:44 AM)

Virginia, please take Terry " the mouth that roared" McAuliffe off of our hands for awhile. All during the primary election he was "a piece of work". But, then again, if he wins the governor position, he might then be encouraged to run for president. I shudder at the thought!

margaret, baltimore, md. (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:45 AM)

I guess the thing with Burris is a drama, but other than that, I think the little glitches are to be expected. As for Di Fi and J. rockerfeller, who really cares about democrats who go along with torture and wire taping. Sen. Spector is grand standing for reelection. So all in all, I think the transition is going great, WOW!!! compentant people in important places, so far transparencey, now a little accountabilty and all is well with the world.
Sorry, all is not well with the world, its a mess but I hope better days are coming. BTW, dont start with the messiah, or the chosen one, ( thats bull).
I am seeing a well put togather administration. GO USA

marty,columbia,s.c. (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:50 AM)

PLAYING THE "RACE CARD" FOR ROLAND BURRIS.

OBAMA HAS NOT EVEN BEEN SWORN IN AND ALREADY BLACK POLITICIANS ARE PLAYING THE RACE CARD. BLACK LEADERS ARE CALLING BURRIS' SENATE APPOINTMENT A CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE --- IT IS NOT. INSTEAD IT'S AN ISSUE OF 'HONOR' AND BURRIS IS A DISHONORABLE MAN. BURRIS PARICIPATED IN HATCHING A "SCHEME" WITH BLAGO FOR HIS APPOINTMENT.

IT APPEARS THAT OBAMA'S ELECTION IS NOT GOING TO BETTER RACE RELATIONS IN THIS COUNTRY --- BUT RATHER WORSEN THEM --- BECAUSE BLACK POLITICIANS NOW FEEL FREE TO DRAG OUT THE "RACE CARD" EVERYTIME A BLACK MAN IS INVOLVED. THIS HAS BEEN AN AL SHARPTON & JESSE JACKSON TACTIC --- AND IT HAS NOT WORKED. CERTAINLY OBAMA AND HIS WHITE LIBERAL SUPPORTERS WILL NOT CONDEMN IT ---- BUT THE REST OF NON-BLACK AMERICA WILL SOON REBEL AGAINST. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE BLACK LEADERSHIP HAS NOT LEARNED FROM HISTORY!

BURRIS' SENATE APPOINTMENT IS NOT A CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE --- IT'S AN ISSUE OF 'HONOR' AND BURRIS IS A DISHONORABLE MAN. BURRIS PARICIPATED IN HATCHING A "SCHEME" WITH BLAGO FOR THIS SENATE APPOINTMENT --- THAT IS CLEAR!

BURRIS IS "PLAYING THE RACE CARD" ! (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:51 AM)

"a struggling economy, war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and conflict in the Middle East...."
Isn't that enough drama?
Coleman-Franken....Minnesota issue
The Burris issue is more about Harry Reid's inept leadership than Blago's chutzpah.
Caroline Kennedy? Soap opera.
These are illusory, transitory stories. In themeantime, you avoid the real substantive issues that WILL affect the future of this country-because it is easier to cover gossip and pretend it matters.

Tom, Rapid City SD (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:51 AM)

Feinstein is a Republican in Everything but Name...

From Washington Monthly.com:

'...hat's a fair point, but what makes Feinstein especially annoying to me isn't her willingness to stand up to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue; it's that she seems more willing to stand up to Obama than Bush.

As John Cole explained very well, "Feinstein ... did, in fact, go along with the rubber-stamping of all the Bush appointees, and she wasn't even in the Republican party. Now, for whatever reason, she appears to be eagerly hamstringing the appointee before a hearing is even scheduled. The result, of course, is to do political damage to the incoming administration and his pick before he has ever had a chance to be questioned.... This DiFi outburst isn't the result of a Senator seeking good governance, but someone lording over their little fiefdom, and I see no reason to cheer that kind of silliness."

As for Feinstein doing all of this to position herself for a gubernatorial campaign, does she really believe balking at Obama cabinet choices and defending Blagojevich's Senate appointment is going to give her a boost?...'

If Feinstein became Governor, she'd continue the California tradition of LOUSY GOVERNORS

Blago !!
When you get out of prison, Please become Governor of California !!

You're BETTER THAN ANYTHING WE'VE GOT !!

Better Blago than Feinstein !!
(or the Governator)

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:53 AM)

'... In a change, the Bush administration now supports an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. The AP added, however, that U.S. officials "quickly stressed they would not budge from their stance that it must be durable, sustainable and indefinite."

* The shift in U.S. position came shortly after an Israeli bombardment hit outside a U.N. school where hundreds of Palestinians had sought refuge. At least 30 people, many of them children, were killed....'

Israeli 'self defense' ?
Let's NOT REPORT THIS !!
So what if a few children get killed ?
They're Arabs !!

MSierra, SF (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:56 AM)

"Putting Panetta as head of the CIA shows just how politically motivated Obama is. "Country First" my backside! Panetta knows nothing about how the agency works. If he's ever called upon to make a split second decision on something (Hey, Leon! I got a major terrorist in my gun sights, should I take the shot?) he won't have any clue what to do and the moment will pass. This is a truely a rank amateur political appointment made by Obama that will cost American lives at some point. " -H Bradley, NY
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
First of all, Country First was John McCain's slogan, so go whine to him about that.

Second of all, surely the Panetta appointment couldn't be any more "amateur" than Brownie over FEMA, Paul Brenner over the Iraq reconstruction, Donald Rumsfeld running the Defense department. And we won't even talk about the Attorney General situation. And these were just the high profile idiots we KNOW about.

How many lives did all these idiots cost us? How many people are STILL living in deadly FEMA trailers? How did that "De-Baathification" work out? Wonder how all those tortured prisoners from Gitmo are gonna feel about us when they are released?

Save your whining - just because the person you wanted wasn't picked doesn't give you the right make a mockery out of the person who was.

Let's all just keep our pants on and give the new adminsitrationa chance to TAKE OFFICE (good grief!) before we start criticizing them.

Who knows, we may be pleasantly surprised. I already am.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:57 AM)

Ron, Indiana - Glad to see First Read recognize that "No Drama Washington" will be returning soon.

Where you've been since, what, yesterday?! No Drama? That's all Obama is about is drama. He hasn't a leg to stand on experience wise, so he just pumps up the drama as way to show that's he's doing something. Obama has already stepped on a bunch of people's toes with his appointments, CIA head is just one of them. People like Feinstein will let Obama off the hook this time, but wait until screws up again, they'll cut Obama off at the knees.

We now will have a Celebrity President. Obama will make the Clinton presidency look like a boring PBS show. Drama will follow Obama around just as much as it did for Princess Di.

Scott Trader, Atlanta GA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)

Schumer has done such a great job with tanking of the market and everyones 401Ks that if a more "affluent" middle class existed a few years ago, today it doesn't. Schumer is nothing more then yet another liberal Democrat trying to hook people into depending on government programs for their livelihood.
Josh Bentley, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:40 AM)

---------
You don't know what you are talking about. All that you just complained of, well, you can thank Bush and the repuke's trickle down spend and borrow economics. Schumer is a great Senator, and has done great things for NY. So, go back to your Mt. Airey Lodge Pocono's fantasy land.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)

>>>It appears that all the preparation we in the media have been doing to cover controversy -- be it Burris, the recount in Minnesota, or Panetta -- is beginning to fizzle somewhat.
==========
OMG! What ever are you guys going to do now? Oh well, I guess it's back to REAL news.

>>>...Arlen Specter, gave a pretty tough speech on the Senate floor regarding Holder. “On the nomination of Mr. Holder, President-elect Obama chose not to seek my advice or even to give me advance notice...
==========
WHO'S THE F---ING PRESIDENT-ELECT HERE?! I mean really, what is he supposed to do? Consult everyone on every appointment he makes to ask if it's ok? Are your egos this fragile, especially coming from the most secretive, closed-circle administration ever?

Speaking of PA Senators, what's the word on Chris Matthews? Is he or isn't he running? I haven't heard much more on this, but then again I haven't paid much attention over the holidays.

13 Days Until Inauguration Day!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)

If it where I that was behind I would not waste the tax payers money and request a re-count.Words,just words right Norm.The repubs lost,Norm and the rest of his army of RNC lawyers are now set to disrupt the senate voting ability from the people in Gopherville.They will try bring up old already debunked charges that will only drag this out a few more weeks in the hope that the Dems will have one less vote that puts them in veto proff land.Norm's army of out of towners don't give a rats a$$ about how much this is costing to tax payers as long as there faces are on local TV every night for the next few days.I just think Norm should take his own advice and take a walk back home ,In New Yuuuuuuork.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)

The media pumped Obama up. They made Obama into something that even he doesn't recognize anymore. Obama readily accepted the praise, but that now set expectations extremely high. Obama can never live up to those expectations. He hasn't done anything in his political life, other then give speeches and win the next election. A Paper President will be what he's know for when all is said in done. The meidia made Obama. And because of that, the media can also un-make him.

Newsie Papers (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:05 AM)

Nashville_fan "First of all, Country First was John McCain's slogan, so go whine to him about that.

Second of all, surely the Panetta appointment couldn't be any more "amateur" than Brownie over FEMA,"

So you agree that it's politcs over country in the Obama administration. Also, if I read this right, you're saying that because Bush screwed up appointments, that Obama can also screw up appointments? For all the screaming liberals made over Brown at FEMA, you'd think they'd be a little consistent and whine a little when Obama makes the same mistakes.

H Bradley, NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:15 AM)

Scott Trader: Atlanta Ga:

Thanks for the comment. Guess my comments about the Bush family having no character or class hit a tender spot.
Yes, Obama will have critizism and that's OK. Let's try to separate out what Obama says and does verses what others say and do. The Obama team will make mistakes, they will admit them, and go on. Much of the drama will come from the media.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:19 AM)

You don't know what you are talking about. All that you just complained of, well, you can thank Bush and the repuke's trickle down spend and borrow economics. Schumer is a great Senator, and has done great things for NY. So, go back to your Mt. Airey Lodge Pocono's fantasy land.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know exactly what I'm talking about pal, and Schumer is prime reason #1 why the banks tanked in the last year. Schumer even started the run on the banks when he leaked confidental insider information about IndyMac. So don't go giving speeches about how wonderful Schumer is. Between him, Dodd, and Frank, those three have done more then anyone else to cause the banking mess that has occurred.

Josh Bentley, PA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:21 AM)

"The media pumped Obama up. They made Obama into something that even he doesn't recognize anymore. Obama readily accepted the praise, but that now set expectations extremely high. Obama can never live up to those expectations. He hasn't done anything in his political life, other then give speeches and win the next election. A Paper President will be what he's know for when all is said in done. The meidia made Obama. And because of that, the media can also un-make him. "{ - Newsie Papers
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Correction!

I (and millions of people like me) pumped Barack Obama up. And we are going to KEEP him pumped up so he can give us the government we DESERVE, the government described in the Consitution, the government we VOTED for. And no amount of whining, backstabbing, and phony drama is going to change that.

P.S. To say that someone who is the President Elect of the United States "hasn't done anything in his political life" isn't just sour grapes, it's moldy raisins. Time to get a grip.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:26 AM)

lmao at FIZZLE...Obama about to be tied to Norman Hsu and a possible ponzi scheme
The "race card" is backfiring on the democrats to seat burris or be known as the George Wallace of the democrat party
Remember Panetta and Obama.. The NEXT ATTACK on american interest belong to you.. We knew about the India attack and they wouldn't listen we have stopped major attacks on the US.. I bet the intelligence will n ot be that good anymore under a Clinton guy..Got the balls to post this MSNBC? Obamas Team mistake after mistake

Concerned (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:38 AM)

Drama will follow Obama around just as much as it did for Princess Di.

Scott Trader, Atlanta GA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:00 AM)
___________

If by drama you mean whining Republicans who will never get over the fact that they have fallen so badly, they weren't even able to steal the white house this year.

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:46 AM)

"So you agree that it's politcs over country in the Obama administration. Also, if I read this right, you're saying that because Bush screwed up appointments, that Obama can also screw up appointments? For all the screaming liberals made over Brown at FEMA, you'd think they'd be a little consistent and whine a little when Obama makes the same mistakes. " - H Bradley, NY
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
No. I'm saying we don't know if it is a mistake yet because Mr. Panetta hasn't even been officially nominated yet and he has not served one day on the job. I'm saying give him a CHANCE to fail.

If he does I will complain right along with you.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:46 AM)

Have to laugh at the republicans indignation on not being consulted. When, over these last eight years, have they considered or even acknowledged that any party except them even existed. Oh, forgot, only when things go wrong.
Far as drama, the news media sensationalizing anything they can get their hands on, is the unwarrented drama. Wouldn't it be great if they would report facts, quit with their negativity, zoom in on what is important and give us true unbiased reporting? Will never happen as they, like alot of politicians, are only interested in getting their names in the headlines. Forget the wants and needs of the American people.

katiec (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:49 AM)

Concerned (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:38 AM) and
BURRIS IS "PLAYING THE RACE CARD" !(Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 9:51 AM)
=========================================
It's more dishonorable for you to race bait, as well as any other people , claiming the same thing. How well do you know your American history? May I suggest the two of start with the era of reconstruction.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:51 AM)

I (and millions of people like me) pumped Barack Obama up.

Nashville fan

============

Somewhere, in a quiet office, George Soros is laughing at this statement.

J Lawton, AL (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:54 AM)

Thanks for the comment. Guess my comments about the Bush family having no character or class hit a tender spot.

------------

When did I say anything about Bush? Only one talking about Bush is you.

Scott Trader, Atlanta GA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:57 AM)

"It appears that all the preparation we in the media have been doing to cover controversy --" unfortunately, and to this country's detriment, this is exactly that the msm has become: entertainment, gop talking points, cross-fire-type punditry filling the air with divisiveness and partisanship; while the major issues like 9/11, iraq, afghanistan, torture, tarp and the economy have become side issues and after-thoughts.

sbv creswell, oregon (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 11:09 AM)

The only drama having been created as of late is by the media and those right wing nuts who can't get over that Oabama won the Presidency. Obama's demeanor and attitude has not changed. He is the only one remaining cool and calm on the playground as he is surrounded by whining and complaining school children (the press and right wingers).

It is clear why Presdients turn white haired during their tenure as Presdient. The media and constant complainers drive them nuts.

C A, Tuscaloosa, Al (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 11:14 AM)

Chuck
I beg you to improve your page in MSNBC site. I am intersted in your new role as chief WH Corresposent.upload your all pressconferece at WH. I wlso want to read your take on issues on white house, or collection of your videos. etc,. need to update like daily beast type. Look forward to it.
Good luck

naomi @miami (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 11:19 AM)

Mark Twain, when he was a newspaper reporter, believed that if there wasn't any news make something up. Today if there isn't much going on in, let us say Washington, than we make something up or at least make something from nothing. I see the list of people reporting for MSNBC and it seems that there are way too many of them. When there was a lot of hot political news a crew of that size may have been necessary to chase down every story ad nauseum but now things are less dramatic and starting to move along so, unless all hell breaks loose, we really don't need all you people to tell us big tales about little stuff. You do this to keep busy so the boss will think you're working and you keep your cushy job and not be unemployed like so many hard working people these days.

eagle1776 (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 11:42 AM)

schumer, the one of the worst senators of ny, i come from upstate ny and let me say hes not well liked maybe in the city but thats it...He a glorified Senator looking for coverage and showmanship...three quaters of the senate are the problems that we have now. More worried about getting on the news than they are with whats happening in America....And if you feel they are great then i think your a minority...Both parties are corrupt and the American people just wont get keep accepting whats going on...Most believe its not there rep. Gee its got to be somebody...Fed up with all the drama and bull in Washington....

Russell Fox Wells, Me (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 12:08 PM)

"As for why Gupta, remember that the Surgeon General post is very much a P.R. post -- almost more so than a policy job."

Why the lack of respect for Sanjay Gupta?

Here's some background on Sanjay Gupta.
He received his undergraduate and MD from the University of Michigan, and completed his neurological surgery residency there as well. University of Michigan is one of the nations most respected Universities. There's a reason people say, "it isn't brain surgery" (which is the field of neurosurgery), because neurosurgery is considered one of the most complicated/challenging surgical fields. And neurosurgeons are considered the brightest in the medical field.

Gupta served one year as a White House Fellow. This is an academic honor, and an indication of his intellect. Currently in addition to his CNN job he's an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University, and associate chief of the neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital, both in Atlanta.

In 2003 Gupta covered the medical aspects of the Iraq invasion. Can anyone think of another medical correspondent who did the same? During his lengthy time in Iraq he was embedded with a Navy medical unit. On several occasions his help was requested, and he performed emergency surgery on U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians. On more than one occasion Gupta was the only neurosurgeon available, and performed life saving neurosurgery on US soldiers. And yet you mock his appointment!!!!!!!

Sanjay Gupta's academic record, and professional career alone make him more than qualified for the position. Your snide remark that we should remember it’s mostly a PR position, is not only rude, it's uncalled for, and causes me to suspect it's a result of jealousy.

In what manner is Sanjay not qualified, let alone less qualified than any appointment in the last 40+ years? Here's a background on prior Surgeon Generals:

Since 2007 Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, MD has served as Acting Surgeon General, as he hasn't stood for confirmation, his background isn't important.

Here are the previously appointed and confirmed Surgeon Generals since 1969:

Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, M.D served as Surgeon General from 2002-06, his academic record pales in comparison to Gupta. Carmona received an AA from Bronx Community College. Years later he received an undergraduate and then medical degree from UC at San Francisco. The University of California at San Francisco isn't a top tier school. Carmona eventually became a trauma surgeon

David Satcher MD served as Surgeon General from 1998-2002. Satcher graduated from Atlanta's Morehouse College and earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Satcher was a Family Physician.

Joycelyn Elders MD served as Surgeon General from 9/8/93-12/31/94. She earned a B.A. from Philander Smith College (Little Rock) and her MD degree from University of Arkansas. (No Michigan, and not even UC San Francisco) Her post medical training was in pediatrics.

Antonia Novello MD served as Surgeon General from 1990-93 Novello's undergraduate and MD were from University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras and San Juan respectively. After med school she came to Michigan for post medical school training. Following completion of her Pediatrics residency, she was in private practice for 2 years in VA; she then joined NIH in DC. She has no Board certification listed on the HHS website. Novello is the only Surgeon General who did not graduate from a US medical school.

Charles Everett Koop served as Surgeon General from 1982-1989. He earned his B.A. from Dartmouth and his M.D. from Cornell. His postgraduate training was at University of Pennsylvania, and Boston Children’s Hospital. He was professor of pediatric surgery at University of Pennsylvania.

Julius B. Richmond MD served as Surgeon General from 1977-1981 he earned his B.S. M.S.(physiology)and M.D. from University of Illinois (not Michigan, but highly respected University) He was a flight surgeon during WWII. He practiced psychiatry and pediatrics, and had a long academic career.

Jesse Leonard Steinfeld MD served as Surgeon General from 1969-1973. He earned his B.S. from Pitt and M.D. from Western Reserve University. He was a cancer specialist.

Gupta for Surgeon General (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 12:11 PM)

Man does it feel that we are back in high school? Grow up politicians (and I mean all of them) and do your job. It's time Americans take their country back and demand results for America. We have corruption galore on both sides - how did these people retain their office?

SAM, USA (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 12:15 PM)

Specter does not remember that Bush has had nothing but YES MEN! Gonzo, for one! The republicans are morons.

MCJ Colorado (Sent Wednesday, January 07, 2009 12:39 PM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1735735