Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Jo Jo B., NJ — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:41:18 GMT

More like a team of mis-fits, near-do-wells, do-nothings, and whats-in-it-for-me's.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Ms. Lincoln — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:42:09 GMT

We know this for sure. Obama is no Lincoln.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Christmas Eve — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:46:52 GMT

Looking at Obama's picks, one thing is obvious, it's Party First over Country First. Now, the media is going to try and spin his picks as "centrist" and bi-partisan", but they're anything but that. As soon as these power hungry dimwits get in a room together, it's going to be every man/woman for themselves. Hillary is going to be fighting Obama for cover time on Newsweek and Time, along with the NY Times and Washington Post.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Brinks Newman — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:49:13 GMT

Please, lets stop making these comparisons beween Lincoln and Obama. Lincoln was a great man. Obama is nothing but a liberal symbol, a sign of why Affirmative Action has gone totally out of control.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

bridget — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:49:24 GMT

Chuck you should ask this question when something happens....The man just got elected and nothing has happened and u all are starting drama already.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

HMI-MI — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:51:27 GMT

Lincoln used to take his cabinet members out back and beat them silly if they didn't do what he told them to do.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

pat huntington ny — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:52:21 GMT

Whatever you call them, this cabinet team is by far way more competent, intelligent, and capable than the current cabinet.

Oh, and isn't interesting that it was just announced we're in a recession, and that the worst recessions in recent memory were all under republican administrations? Reagan - one of the worst recessions with double digit interest rates; Bush I - devestating recession in 1991-1992 stemming from Oct. 1987 stock market crash; Clinton - no recession; Bush II - the one we're in right now. Looks to me that people who complain that the current cabinet is filled with former Clinton administration people, heck, what are you complaining about...they knew what they were doing, unlike the Reagan and Bushes cabinets.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Howard D — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:57:37 GMT

Can we wait until the guy actually takes the Oath of Office before we start making comparisons to Lincoln and FDR? We're all hopeful, but let's face it, he hasn't DONE anything yet.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

marty,columbia,s.c. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:57:46 GMT

We shall see, we shall see. I hope everything works out as our PE Obama expects, if Hillary was appointed for other than her "experience" then I suggust she puts everythiong she has into her job, that she is as loyal to PE Obama as she is to her own husband. If she thinks PE Obama will do the drama thing for any length of time she is wrong. Yes, she can be fired, and I think PE Obama is just the guy to do it if she doesnt perform her job as expected. Now I personelly think she will do a great job, I think we will see a
administration devoted to excellance. I believe if you are a member of team Obama and you arnt committed to service to your country, you are out.
marty

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

katiec — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:02:03 GMT

Barack Obama has intelligently picked a team that
is best for our country. He always said he did not
want "yes" people in his cabinet and the diversity
of his staff will be good for decision making and
representing us.
To some, no matter what he does it will be wrong,
but, ANYTHING will be an improvement over the last
eight years.
Give him and them a chance before condemming.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Innocent until proven guilty. — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:04:26 GMT

Truth is no one really knows what is going to happen until PE Obama takes office. I really think people need to chill out and give the man a chance.....

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Nicole New Jersey — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:07:06 GMT

why can't people of this great country be supportive and positive. Let's see what the outcome will be before you criticize his team. Are we all americans or what?

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Beverly in Chicago — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:09:47 GMT

It’s certainly confidence that Commander-in-Chief Obama will be very effective and that gives US one option… there is no utopia on the globe. Ineffectuality would certainly come about if all Republicans were in President Elect Obama’ cabinet; likewise all democrats. This is called bi-partisanship.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:09:52 GMT

I don't think "Team of Rivals" is necessarily what Barack Obama is doing. To me it's more of - we have serious, serious problems in this country - and obviously there is a lot at stake. And he needs help.

He needs an Administration who will work together. If not, goodbye. There was a reason why his campaign was just about flawless. It was all about working together, ego's aside, to help the candidate win.

Now it's about the country. Red & blue.

Let's see what happens as Barack Obama brings all these new people into his tent. Let's hope they all decide to leave their ego's at the door until their work is complete.

After which, they will all move on with writing their "memoirs". In the meantime, there are very important issues facing this Administration. All of which will require competent, capable people.

That's all he wants, regardless of party.

So we watch and we wait. January 20, 2009.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Indie Woman in Denver — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:18:07 GMT

Come on, folks, give the guy a chance. He's not even been sworn in yet, and y'all are acting like... well, like partisans! If this is supposed to be the era of post-partisanship, then y'all need to do your part.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Ron Indiana — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:18:45 GMT

I was surprised to see the first three posts were...to say the least...negative.

Both Lincoln and Obama were/are students of history. In Obama's comments today he will be encouraging debate among his cabinet. Exceptional leaders know that the collective wisdom is better than one's invidiual wisdom, so Obama will be open to putting ideas on the table, evaluating their worth, and making an informed decision. This is so refreshing when compared with the closed-minded idiot now living in the White House.

50 more days and we will have a real POTUS in office.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Joe Radmacher, KCMO — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:20:16 GMT

I have never seen post as ignorant as the first three. It's a good thing that Jo Jo B., NJ, Ms Lincoln and Chritmmas Eve are not running this country for you all sound pretty mean and ugly.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

kerry, bloomington, indiana — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:22:05 GMT

Vice-President, Secratary of State it does'nt matter I belive Obama and Hilary will be good for this country, its about time we had people in charge that know what it's like to have to work for a living.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Ms Jenny — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:22:32 GMT

Obama has already demonstrated that HE is the one giving orders. This man is no pushover - he knows what he wants and isn't easily dissuaded by others. So it doesn't worry me one bit that he has chosen strong personalities for his cabinet.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

eagle1776 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:34:32 GMT

We shall see. One thing for sure is Obama is selecting the best the country has to offer. He isn't going to select someone outside of his party if he can help it. Tradition and to the victor the spoils etc still plays well in DC.

Someone said we know that Obama is no Lincoln. That may be true but since he hasn't taken office yet we don't know how close he will come to the great Lincoln.

Obama wants a diversity of views in his Administration. Putting rivals in the Administration he will get a variety of viewpoints on every issue. That can be a good thing. So long as they don't snipe at each other and act like children it may go quite well. Only time will tell for sure.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Don Judson, Woodburn,Oregon — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:36:12 GMT

President-elect Obama has assembled such a talented group of individuals they've gone beyond a "Team of Rivals" to a "Team of Unrivaleds!"

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Union Baby, Tennessee — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:39:33 GMT

Everyone is going to work well with President Obama, who in their right mind would want to mess this up? He is going to be a great leader and anyone associated with this administration is going to recieve a lot of respect nationwide and worldwide.
Yes we can, Yes we did!

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:41:40 GMT

Obama's Presidency is going to fail because he's another Jimmy Carter.
That, combined with the all those mean-spirited, nasty comments he made about Mrs Clinton during the campaign, give me cause to think that The Clintons should have told him to go to hell.
Obama will lose the White House for Democrats, in a landslide, in 2012.
Mark my words.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Mark L. Green — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:47:45 GMT

First off I don't know anyone who was with Lincoln when he was in office- if I had to speculate- I would say that Lincoln idea was not to make sure his cabinent remained in office but to allow himself some political elbow room. Secondly- before you allow yourself the pleasure of bashing Obama's cabinent picks (which I'm sure none of you are qualified to do) let them and more importantly him to be sworn into office.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

A.Brocco,Albuquerque,NM — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:48:13 GMT

It amazes me how often the losers get the first say and then,eventually,those people with an over abundance of common sense finally get their say and make the losers look like cry babies. Will the Republicans ever stop crying? Run to Georgia and drool over the loser that caused McCain's defeat.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:48:46 GMT

It all comes down to the President to make it work successfully. Obama will be making all of the decisions, and his teams had better get it done. Obama will make it work because, he has too much on his political plate already. Obama comes across as a very strong willed individual, and he is not going to let petty bickering get in the way of change. He will be moving our nation forward, and those who do not follow along will be gone. That is fact!

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:49:26 GMT

History can be an example, but doesn't always indicate what will happen since people don't always follow the trends.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Dee — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:51:32 GMT

I am deeply saddened that Hillary was chosen over Bill Richardson. The decision NOT to go with Richardson will have a bigger impact over the political future of our country than almost any other thing. Black national candidates have lost the Latino vote for a generation on this decision.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Delmar Fairchild, Barron, WI — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:53:05 GMT

Again, how can Hillary be Sec. of State when Bill is in the pockets of the Arabs? How much money will they garner when she gets in and how much of our freedoms will it cost us?

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Greta — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:53:19 GMT

President-elect Obama managed his campaign team well and you can bet there was dissent from time to time. He will manage his cabinet well. He has extraodinary management skills, and he has chosen a group of highly qualified folks for the cabinet. Smart, experienced people who when all is said and done, DO want what is best for our Country in crisis. Give them a chance before you dismiss them out of hand.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Hanover Fiste — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:55:11 GMT

I think most of the above posters accidentally thought they were at fox.com. Brilliant, all three of them. One can hyphenate like a pro, one knows the future "for sure," and one thinks Gates (chosen by Bush) is a liberal "dimwit." Indeed.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Phoebe — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:58:06 GMT

I see no "brillance" or great leadership in the Obamanation's cabinet. I see chaos, hubris and self-dealing. It is a Clinton re-run, gone wrong. We are in serious trouble, people. And there is NO HELP NOR CHANGE from the fraud and empty suit that will soon occupy the Oval office. Wall Street is shouting loud and clear.....this idiot has no answers.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Ms G — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:01:33 GMT

This team is all about country first, when all is said and done. I believe that we have again people of intelligence in key position to help us out of this mess that the Bush era has brought. And I also believe that President-elect Obama is going to push for Education something that was lacking in the Bush presidency.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Greta — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:02:32 GMT

Barack Obama is a superb leader. One look at his seamless campaign demonstrates that. He is gathering a highly qualified cabinet. With this crisis we need experience, intelligence and wisdom; his picks have lots of all three. Politicians have big egos, but our Country is in a crisis and they will all be eager to fix the economy and repair our place in the world. They will work together to accomplish these goals.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Ripster — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:31:40 GMT

A "team of rivals" with all its potential weaknesses still beats the hell out of a "team of sycophants" like those chosen by W.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Jordan, Toronto, Ontario — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:49:54 GMT

"Lincoln was the only president dealing with war (including planning for one) from the time he took office to the time he left"

---- WHAT ABOUT L.B.J.? --------

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

greg remington — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:53:27 GMT

you know for some of you actually thinking that obama will lose in a landslide in 2012, for goodness sakes he isnt even in office yet, he will be a great president with smart people around like clinton, richardson, and biden, so is for the republican tearing someone down before they havnt even gotten to the starting gate yet, but guess what republicans like it or not he will do a awesome job as president and you can eventually clear your mind of the loss of john mcsame and sarah plain!!!!!

go obama for the next 4 years and four more years after that. i am so glad i voted for you and every decision you have made so far has proven to me that you will do an awesome job in the white house for the next eight years!!!!

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Patricia, Laurens, South Carolina — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:07:02 GMT

Can we please let the man get in office first? What is all this talk about rivals and the hate speech about the man. Anyone is better than what we have and what does his selection have to do with Affirmative Action? Does all this whining about rivals mean that if you are a DA pounding the defending attorney, you can't smile, shake hands when the trial is over and have a drink. Come on everybody, these people are not rivals. They are part of a winning team and everyone wants in the game. He coulda gone for a real rival, that loon parading around down there in Georgia today.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:10:40 GMT

A couple things seem clear from recent posts.

Some people will criticize Obama for anything, and will read into Obama's actions whatever they want to see.

Additionally, some people seem to be rooting for his failure, which is about as un-American (if not downright treasonous) as it gets.

The guy doesn't even take office for another month and a half.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Garin, Seattle — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:26:30 GMT

wow - I almost can't believe that so many of you are so ignorant and bigotted. Then again, you probably voted for the current batch of idiots

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

brian, dallas, tx — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:52:27 GMT

obama's first major screw up... putting HRC in his cabinet. nothing stirs the republican base more than a clinton. there's just too much baggage there leftover from slick willy's administration. i voted for obama... but i'm incredibly disappointed that, to him, "clinton" represents "change"... please. of course, this could all just be a ploy on obama's part... to end the "clinton regime" once and for all... remember, she (with all of her husband's slimy dealings) has to be confirmed! think about it... what if she doesn't pass the confirmation hearings because bill is such a scumbucket? her political career would be over once and for all! :-D

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Randall K, St. Loius MO — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:02:27 GMT

Read the book... Chase may have been a back-stabbing jerk, but he was a very good Secretary of the Treasury. The book is about getting past personal feelings and putting the right man (or woman) in the right job.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

Jim, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:04:23 GMT

Just look at Obama's past experience -- it PROVES he's a great leader!

Oh, wait, he has no experience of any significance....I forgot....

Seriously, people on both sides of this debate need to examine their positions. Those who are bashing him mercilessly don't have much to go on, but those who are worshipping him as a "great leader" have even less. Nobody knows what we've got, we'll have to wait and see.

Does a 'Team of Rivals' really work?

frank, nc — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:12:02 GMT

i dont know about the team of rivals, but what we know is that this is a marked improvement in terms of intelligence and integrity over the previous cabinet.