There are fifteen cabinet positions to fill in the new administration

[ruggerson]

We all agree that the new President should appoint the best person for each position.

We also all know that in finding that person, a Democratic President (and even some Republicans) also actively look for a "Cabinet that looks like America."

To our credit as a country, that process has resulted in many, and increasing numbers, of African Americans, Latinos, women, Jews and varying religious faiths, all serving our country in the United States Cabinet.

Yet, we have never, ever had one (openly) gay man or woman appointed to the President's cabinet.

Never.

Gay Americans represent 5-7% of the American citizenry. That's one of out every fifteen to twenty people.

Gay Americans vote overwhelmingly Democratic.

President-elect Obama should give serious consideration to appointing a gay American to his cabinet, presuming it's a good fit and that person is one of the best candidates for the job.

It is long, long overdue.

[Bicoastal]

1. Barney Frank would be an excellent pick for one of those seats.

Not sure which one, though...

[ruggerson]

3. agreed

but Barney's doing pretty well at the job he's got. There are tons of qualified folks.

[rwheeler31]

2. Tammy Baldwin - civil rites

Barney Frank - finance

[scheming daemons]

4. I would bet $100 that Janet Reno was gay.....

I would also bet another $100 hat Condoleeza Rice is gay.


But you're right about the "openly" part.

[ruggerson]

5. You'd win your bet

but closeted people do not send the powerful message that needs to be sent. Much as I love Janet Reno. They actually reinforce negative ones.

[JaneQPublic]

6. Rachel Maddow for Press Secretary, except I'd rather she keep her current jobs. (nt)

[Alter Ego]

15. Nah, she's already immensely popular on MSNBC

and you really shouldn't hire folks from TV to be spokesmen.

[Barack_America]

7. Any suggestions?

[ruggerson]

9. sure

Tons of good candidates in the business world and law.
here's just a few random up and comers from the political world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beth_Bye

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Roth

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Parks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_M._Maynard

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Ketner

[Barack_America]

10. Thanks! I'll read up on them!

:hi:

[IndianaJones]

8. I'd bet $100 it won't happen. nt.

[MadBadger]

11. Tammy Baldwin

She represents a district that includes the incredibly blue Madison. I think shed be a perfect person.

[stuckinlodi]

12. Don't Forget the Disabled

Max Cleland for Dept. of Veterans' Affairs

[ruggerson]

16. He would be a great pick

[MrScorpio]

13. I feel that the best person shouldn't be rejected because they're gay

As you say, it's about finding the best person.

Being gay, a woman or minority shouldn't be a prerequisite.

The cabinet shouldn't be a demographics game.

Of course, I have not objection to a gay cabinet member, or even ten gay cabinet members, but I feel that playing such a demographics game would limit the number of excellent people considered than expand it.

[ruggerson]

14. I agree

but the reality is that it is partly a "demographics game" to build an inclusive administration. There are many qualified candidates for each position - so that in this day and age it's relatively easy to construct a cabinet that looks like the country and still be choosing the best people available for the job.