Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Pat, Boston, MA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:36:37 GMT

Speaking of positions, I hope David Shuster is considered as one of the potential hosts on Meet the Press. He's great.

But I sure miss having Keith around this week. I wonder what his take is on the bail out.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Rick, NC — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:36:44 GMT

LMAO...this is one of the reasons Dems have had trouble connecting with the majority of America...this feeling that every ethnic group deserves a seat at the table

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

just google "MetroFail" — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:38:35 GMT

Have you ever been to Miami? The worst public transportation system in the nation.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

avrds, Montana — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:41:21 GMT

While I personally support Bill Richardson for Secretary of State, given his progressive views about education expressed during the primaries, I think he would make an excellent Secretary of Education.

I hope both the Obama team and Richardson are able to see his potential in that position. The nation needs real leadership in education, and it may require as much finesse as any problem awaiting the new Secretary of State.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Chuck in Seattle — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:42:01 GMT

Where is the gay or lesbian cabinet appointment? (Seriously)

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:43:49 GMT

First the political transition process is going to take time to complete. The most qualified individuals will earn positions. Regardless of who they are, the real judgements are going to be made on, what they know. America has endured 8 years of an imcompetent Bush-Cheney Government. Bush made many of his political position decisions in haste, and whether if unqualified people they were his political friends or not. Now look where the Bush political picking philosophy has put our nation?? Obama will make his selections in a Presidential fashion, and will make sure they are properly qualified. That is fact!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Ross Rocketto, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:47:18 GMT

The statement that "If Diaz is tapped, he'd be the first major Hispanic pol to get a nod for a cabinet post" is not 100% true. Henry Cisneros - former Mayor of San Antonio - was tapped by the Clinton administration the be HUD Secretary.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

LB, Virginia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:51:26 GMT

It's so interesting to me that these self described Obama "supporters" or "life long Democrats" are suddenly on here complaining about Obama's choices, or why Dems are doomed. This is obviously the new tact of the kooked-out repubs who lost their seat at the table, so are going to pretend to be us, as whining, crying liberals. What THEY don't understand is that we TRUST our President Elect, Obama, and though many of us on the far left would prefer some more striking choices, we KNOW that nothing will get done unless we push first from the middle. We will have time for fundamental changes in energy, environment and civil rights, but first we need to get the majority on our side. We will, and we will prevail. But beware of these pretenders --they are trying their darndest to throw us off course!! Hang tough Libs--the best is yet to come!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

MSierra, SF — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:53:45 GMT

It would be nice to have a Latino prescence in the Cabinet
But, getting qualified, effective people is the big thing
Besides, Janet Napolitano is a Latina who may be headed to DHS (where I work)

Much better than Chertoff (to say NOTHEING of Bernie Kerick)

The economic team will be the 'make or break' selections for Obama

Hopefully, he won't select people responsible for the current mess like Larry Summers or Timothy Geither who were BOTH DE-REGULATORS

De-Regulation gave financial institutions enough rope to HANG US (not themselves)

Let's find new leadership for our economy

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Mia in Miami — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:54:06 GMT

And there is a lot of Hispanicsin the Bush Administration? Oh please! I hear a lot of complaining about who Obama's choosing for his Administration/cabinet, WHO CARES about what nationality/color/ethinicity the people are as long as they get the job done.

And, I am quite sure there will not be a lot of blacks in his administration either.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

John Farrell Hamilton, MA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:54:37 GMT

Mello Out folks at MSNBC. Give the prez-elect some breathing room.

Chuck Todd for Host of Meet the Press!

John Farrell

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Oscar, Rio Vista CA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:55:08 GMT

I am a huge Obama supporter and I said weeks ago that Obama needs to give Bill Richardson a high-ranking job. He took a lot of flak for endorsing Obama, plus he campaigned like crazy and helped deliver New Mexico. The hispanics voted overwhemingly for Obama and he has to show his appreciation by rewarding Bill Richardson.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Nashville_fan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:56:16 GMT

I get it - the Hillary Clinton story is getting boring, so the new narrative is "Hispanics are concerned".

Predictable, but sad.

Here is a suggestion for tomorrow's narrative:

"Media bored and addicted to drama - Seeks replacement Clinton/Palin stories to avoid withdrawal pains"

P.S. Hispanics know that it is important to get the RIGHT candidate, not just A candidate . . . anybody remember Mr. Forgetful, AKA Alberto Gonzalez? You betcha!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

No Bubba Admirer, Little Rock, AR — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:56:40 GMT

Put Richardson in as SOS! "NY Times" reporting this morning Clinton-Obama staffers may be at each other over leaks. We don't need more of the Clinton drama. Let Hillary do her good work in the Senate, have Reid give her a higher post and stop all the "National Enquirer" like nonsense.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

ace — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:56:52 GMT

president elect obama has plenty of cabinet offices to fill. he will have representation of america and it's diversity within his cabinet as promised.

as for the media retread theory of appointments by mr. obama, i suggest that this is a provocative narrative the media is pushing to maintain interest and ratings at a time that political news is limited.

there have been 5 post filled out of so many yet to be appointed. it is also early in the process. earlier than ever before. let let the president-elect fill out at least half his cabinet before accusing him of change being just a slogan.

this man (president-eect obama)has proven to be a forward thinking politician with a depth of understanding as to where the people and this country are at. he is not going to change his formula to success when it is most needed.

let's be patient, not hasty in our opinions. let's not be manipulsted in our thinking by a negative narrative that is being pushed by a few in the media. we have been positive in our thinking of mr. obama. let's noy give in to cynicism and negativity now. that is what the bush administration used to get us in that mess. it will take positive support for mr. obama to get s out of this historical mess.

remember what happened in president clinton's campaign problems when he had inexperienced people in crucial areas. better yet remember or research what happened to president carter.

breathe deep and let this person we picked to straighten out president bushes mess put his team together. i think we are one the verge of witnessing a great 2 term presidency begin to evolve and take place.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:58:46 GMT

>>>Still, quite a few key Hispanic supporters of Obama have been concerned by the lack of Hispanics being considered for some of the higher-profile posts.
==========
At the risk of potentially agreeing with Rick, NC (since I pretty much know where his bigotry is coming from), I have to ask this of the Hispanic community. Have any of you ever heard of "tokenism"?

Yes, it would be nice to create the most diverse cabinet you can get, but the goal should be to get the BEST PEOPLE regardless of race. Bush gets credit for having a diverse cabinet, but most of those "minority" appointments (with the probable exception of Rice and Powell) were mere token appointments to low-level positions, and were quite ineffectual in influencing policy. Personally, I'd rather have a well qualified White person as, say, Secretary of Defense than an incompent African-American or Hispanic (speaking as an African-American).

When do we get to this magical place where people are "judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character"?

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

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Chris, Dorr MI — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:00:12 GMT

Has anyone thought about the possibility that Biden and Hillary would switch places in 2012? VP Hillary and SOS Biden?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Lucille — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:01:54 GMT

Napolitano for Homeland Security, Pritzker for Commerce Secretary, Diaz for Transportation -- business as usual in Washington. People with no practical background being put into technically challenging positions. Going to law school does not make you an expert in all things. Looks like deja vu all over again with all the Clintonities getting back into the saddle......

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

MSierra, SF — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:04:38 GMT

Al Franken is closing the gap !!
The start of the Minn recount is going well !!

Sorry, Norm !!

'...By day's end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Coleman continued to lead Franken -- but by only 174 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 215 votes at which the recount had begun. Franken's gain owed much to a swing of 23 votes in the Democratic stronghold of St. Louis County -- the result of faintly marked ballots and older optical scanners that failed to read the marks.

The figures represent a Star Tribune compilation of recount data reported to the secretary of state and gathered by the Star Tribune...'

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Elmer, Seattle — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:05:31 GMT

Manny Diaz is probably OK but Hillary is not going to let Bill Richardson do much more than push a mop. I wonder who Hillary will pick for Energy Secretary as her and Bill will be running the show from the back room. I thought I spent the last two years cleaning that mess up in the name of change. I hope Hillary lets Obama get inaguration day under his belt before he has to pay her campaign debts.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Alex Rodriguez, San Mateo, CA — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:05:40 GMT

Wow, Miami is the poster child for Housing gone bad and terrible public transportation. What a disaster. This rumor can't be true.

The guy has been married 4x to boot. I don't think Obama would want to hang around a low life like this guy.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Kevin, Chicago — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:05:47 GMT

I see your point Rick from NC, that is why America overwhelmingly voted for McCain/Palin. Very astute observation on your part.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Mark,Seattle — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:06:56 GMT

LMAO...this is one of the reasons Dems have had trouble connecting with the majority of America...this feeling that every ethnic group deserves a seat at the table
Rick, NC (Sent Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:36 AM)
******************************************************
Actually Rick, this is why you neo-cons failed so miserably. You fail to remember or are too dumb to understand that America is a representative government and we don't really care for the government only representing old, rich white folks from the south. Maybe you were under your rock on November 4th and did not notice that the MAJORITY of this country agrees with me and not you. George Bush agrees with you though!.........what is his latest approval rating?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Dave in Omaha — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Even if he doesn't get appointed Sec. of State, Gov. Richardson would be a great choice for Sec. of Interior. Then, if P-E Obama gets re-elected, Sen. Clinton can step down so she can run for president in 2016, and Gov. Richardson can take over at State.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Dave in Omaha — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:07:01 GMT

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

JoeScarb is a douches bag — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:09:01 GMT

You guys need to ell morning Joke that it's ok to have a bias opinion to the right . But does he have to be so damn Bitter and clinging to Bush's bottom.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Concerned Citizen — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:09:12 GMT

Repubs are not any different. Mel Martinez, Alberto Gonzales as AG for what reason were they chosen?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

stephanie, ft. pierce, fl. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:10:26 GMT

Pat - Boston

I agree, David would be great. I hope they don't choose David Gregory.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

JustThinkin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:14:23 GMT

You know, I don't think there are enough women filling the Cabinet posts since we make up 50% of the American public... and what about Asian? Where are they being considered? And what about American Indians? And... Let's get real here. Do you have to be of the same race to represent your constituency? That's not possible since every part of the country has a mixture of backgrounds and race.

It's time to find the best and brightest and most qualified to fill the positions. Will we ever be able to put race behind us???

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Tibe, Rochester, MN — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:14:32 GMT

I am with Pat on "Where in the world is Keith Olberman", and when does he come back. David is great too!!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Max — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:15:51 GMT

For Rick,
Did you miss the election we just had? Dems WON! A majority of America! Not just one ethnic group, but ALL, including yellow, black, brown and white. And NC as well. Get over it. This is a multi-ethnic country now.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Lori, York, Pa. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:17:15 GMT

Hey Rick from NC..... LMAO! The DEMS have trouble connecting with the majority of America? Where were you on November 4th? It seems that that Republicans were the ones who were having connection problems. Maybe when they pull their heads out of the sand, they can regroup and get with the program. Every ethnic group DOES deserve a seat at the table. At least they do in OUR house!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

pat huntington ny — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:17:21 GMT

LMAO...this is one of the reasons Dems have had trouble connecting with the majority of America...this feeling that every ethnic group deserves a seat at the table
Rick, NC (Sent Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:36 AM)

-----------
Or perhaps its because the Dems can read the Tea Leaves, and they know that within a short time, the so called majority you speak of, will become the minority population wise, while current ethnic minorities will become the majority. Face it, we're a pluralistic society, and Dems see it, and that's why they won big time!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Ron Indiana — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:21:11 GMT

Pat Boston Ma:

I would like to second your recommendation for David Shuster. Along with being a Hoosier, he is one of MSNBC's best contributors. While I'm at it, why isn't his picture along side Andrea Mitchell, or Kelly O'Donnell here on FR. He truly is an anchor without a anchor position. He is far better than David Gregory and should be considered for Meet the Press.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Sharon — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:22:55 GMT

Bill Richardson will be the Secretary of State.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Ellisa Henley, Burns, TN — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:22:56 GMT

Throughout his campaign, Obama has shown great skill and instinct in choosing the right people. He always manages to get the best person for the job. I see no reason to start doubting now.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Grace Solares, Miami, Florida — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:25:34 GMT

I believe Manny Diaz should not any position in the Obama administration. A man who has been fined for being hugely unethical for doing business with his fellow Commissioner and City Manager, for having been part and parcel of a $7 million dollar fire fee scandal, for having provided provided, through one of his law firms, legal services to the tune of $80,000.00 in fees to a Commissioner being investigated for bribery, and then, forgave the fees. I could go on forever in telling the world how unfit is Manny Diaz for any position in the Obama Administration, except of for being sweeping the streets of Washington, D.C., with a broom.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:28:41 GMT

What about Bill Richardson...the MOST FAMOUS Hispanic? There are even a lot of Republicans...ie, a Republican family member down here in Florida, who LOVE Bill Richardson. I just hope Obama gives him something worthwhile.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

confused — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:31:13 GMT

What's HUD?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Michael Furlong, Long Island, NY — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:31:20 GMT

Why don't obama appoint palin in his cabinet? Is he sexist or something?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

mm — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:32:24 GMT

The article stated that if Diaz is selected, he's be the first Hispanic to assume a national cabinet position. Mel Martinez, Carlos Gutteriez and Alberto Gonzales anyone?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Johnatan Hernandez — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:33:25 GMT

Well in response to my "good" friend above: "LMAO...this is one of the reasons Dems have had trouble connecting with the majority of America...this feeling that every ethnic group deserves a seat at the table"

Well, it's hard to imagine anyone out there who hasn't noticed yet, that a growing percentage of America, and OMG... it is a " growing MAJORITY, understands it. America is not changing, but has pretty much CHANGED already. It's not the America of twenty or even tens years ago in most aspects. the New America has grown up.

As you may imagine, in the near future (In your lifetime)America looks less and less like the old 20th century America you might have known at one point. And it will continue to keep changing more and more. It's the natural state of the world. However, that doesn't mean, we can't get along or continue being a great country. It simply has CHANGED my friend! And that's just the way it is.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

James, Coral Gables, FL — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:34:53 GMT

There has been fraud and corruption in Miami for years - particularly in public housing and transportation (MIA overbudget; Metrorail). Although a lot of the problems are attributable to Miami Dade county government, no City of Miami official should not be trusted with taxpayer dollars.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Mike Shaull Sandusky Ohio — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:35:23 GMT

LMAO Just pointing out that maybe you missed the election results. We had no trouble connecting! White House Both houses of congress and quite a few state level wins . Just a friendly reminder to you :-)

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Benita Argos, Miami, FL — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:35:38 GMT

WHAT A JOKE!

What are Diaz' qualifications for either job, OTHER than he's Hispanic??

Miami has one of the WORST public transportation systems I've ever seen. It hasn't improved in the 15 yrs I've lived here, and DEFINITELY not on Diaz' watch.

As far as housing & urban development, the Miami HUD operation was recently placed under direct Federal control, due to rampant CORRUPTION & MISMANAGEMENT.

NO TO DIAZ at the Federal level...

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Jack — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:37:37 GMT

First hispanic? What about Attory General Gonzales?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Jamal Randolph — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:38:08 GMT

As a black conservative and one who supports Obama morally and financially, I need to see more diversity - qualified whites, blacks, hispanics, Indo-Asian Americans, and Native Americans in the new government. If not I will be the first to pull the rug...

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Jack — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:38:35 GMT

Rick - NC -

That's exactly what Bush did - wny is this problem specific to Dems?

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Mike Kehoe, Wall, NJ. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:42:57 GMT

One of the major failures of the Corzine administration was that he tried to satisfy ethnic groups rather than hire the best person for the job. It's one of the reasons he will lose to Chris Christie in November.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Carol, Miami, Florida — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:43:42 GMT

I voted for Obama. I live in Miami and Manny Diaz has sold himself 20 times over to the devil and all the big developers. That's why Miami, after Las Vegas, has one of the wosrt housing markets. Manny Diaz is as corrupt as as they can get. If he is appointed, can't wait to oust Obama in 2012!!!!

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Brian, Covington, Georgia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:44:55 GMT

Rick, the last time I checked Obama didn't have any problem connecting with the majority of American voters. By the way, the last time I checked was November 4.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Lisa, Las Vegas, NV — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:46:00 GMT

Worst than Las Vegas, NV? Transportation that is. Oh well. Maybe the media will stop making stuff up and allow the President-elect to make the statement at the appropriate time. And Joe Scarborough, far as calling him the "Chosen One" it's better than the "Devil in Carnate" your favorite president. Maybe you should embrace instead of disgrace.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Bill, Dallas, Texas — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:48:20 GMT

Rick, NC - typical GOP nonsensical blabber.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Hiram, Rosamond, Ca — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:50:48 GMT

So much for change. He has picked insiders for many top positions. He ran a syaing he would not be accountable to any special interest. All the post so far have gone to Obama insiders. He is being pressured by other groups that support him to provide the same opportunity. What if there is no minority leader in that group qualified or if there is anotehr person not in the group mroe qualified. He made promises he now has to keep to get re-elected. Same old polotice reward those who have hepled and fawned over you. Ignor the possiblity that there is an outsider more qualified and that does not have the Washington inside track.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Paul, Hialeah, Fl — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:52:22 GMT

I'd have to agree "MetroFail". Living in Miami isn't much fun during the summer when you have to rely on public transportation. That goes beyond the standard criminal acts our politicians tend to get themselves involved with on a regular basis. Not to say Manny is to blame but he could be doing a bit more to shore up my respect.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Mike, Coral Gables FL — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:55:53 GMT

This will be a big mistake. Miami is one of the worst cities in the country regarding affordable housing and transportation. His Miami21 initiative is still on hold waiting for the lobbyists and the Latin Builders to pick it apart.
No to Manny Diaz

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Demcor, Pittsburgh — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:00:14 GMT

Well, I want to see some black women in the administration, not just in the WH. LOL

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Lisa, NY — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:04:41 GMT

David Shuster for MTP...are you serious? And keith will be singing whatever song the Dems tell him while he is gulping the Kool-aid.

I wish NBC would get rid of both of them and bring back Tucker and Dan Abrams.

How about Andrea Mitchell or David Gregory for MTP? They are real journalists that could live up to the bar the Tim set.

As for the 1st hispanic...we will never progress as a nation if we contiune to focus race...if he is not qualified he should not be selected and based on what people from Miami are saying here, it sure doesn't sound like he is.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Ed, FW, TX — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:13:34 GMT

James of Coral Gables speaks the truth. I was raised in SoFL and lived there for 40 years until '97. Once the Miami Cubans consolidated political power, the fun began. The wipeout of 14,000 homes in S. Dade from Hurricane Andrew was a direct result of the weakened building code that was foisted on the public by the Cuban Builders Assoc.

Now as for Mayor Diaz, I don't know him. As a number of posters have suggested, Bill Richardson backed Barack early in spite of the Clinton backlash, has good skills and would make a fine Cabinet appointment.

Vetting Miami Mayor Manny Diaz

Harry — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:14:54 GMT

Rick, NC:

Liberals have such a problem connecting with America, they just turned Indiana, Virginia, North Carolina, and Colorado blue 2 weeks ago...with an African American president.

A better statement would be: This is why the lily white Republican party has trouble winning elections: They're a marginalized Deep South party now that likes to drag out its token minority members, without any real eye towards competence (Alberto Gonzalez, I'm looking at you).