Daschle out. Dean or Kitzhaber in? (Update: or Wyden?)
Kari Chisholm
Well, former Senator Tom Daschle has withdrawn his nomination for Secretary of Health & Human Services. He's also declining an appointment to be the health reform czar for the White House.
It's unfortunate, but having run TV ads like this one, well, a quarter-million dollars or so in limo-and-driver expenses just smells funny.
Anyway, since the political wheel never stops turning, I'd like to suggest that President Obama seriously consider appointing one of the two recent doctors-turned-governors for the post: Howard Dean and John Kitzhaber.
In their own ways, both have clearly shown an ability to generate grassroots support. Dean did it in his presidential campaign and at the DNC; and Kitzhaber is doing it right here in Oregon with the Archimedes Movement.
And that's what health care reform is going to take - a combination of smart policy and serious grassroots pressure on Congress. We've had enough thinking and talking and planning; it's time for some voting and some policy-making.
Update: Ezra Klein, who writes on health care for the American Prospect, has been calling around about names. He says he's hearing chatter about Kitzhaber - as well as Senator Ron Wyden, though he's skeptical:
John Kitzhaber: Articulate voice on health reform. Former doctor. Former governor of Oregon. Great media presence. Cons: Doesn't know Washington. Not necessarily good at working with legislatures. Not necessarily good at staying on message. In a way, he's Dean without the baggage.Senators: I'm grouping them all together here. I've heard Kerry, Harkin, Wyden, Durbin and even former senator Bob Graham. This is, as one think tanker put it to me, "evidence that we all got accustomed to the idea of a senator." Wyden probably wouldn't work: He has his own legislation that he's committed to. Graham would be a very weird choice. Neither Kerry nor Harkin are particularly good on health care. Oddly, I haven't heard Jay Rockefeller's name, even though he'd make the most sense.
I'm with Ezra. Wyden would be great in the role, but I doubt very much that he's interested. He's got a legislative mindset - producing serious plans on a wide diversity of issues.
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Feb 3, '09
Good opening for John Kitzhaber. I hope he's offered the health care czar job.
Feb 3, '09
Given the crap that Obama has stuffed into his Cabinet, Sanjay Gupta has a better chance than Dean or Kitz.
Feb 3, '09
No no no, we need to pick another senator. First of all, it adds to the existing chaos (or at least uncertainty) about passing bills over possible filibusters. Second, we need more appointed/unelected senators to make the point that elections are troublesome affairs that the little people shouldn't have to worry their little heads about.
Feb 3, '09
Wyden??? And lose another vote in the Senate.. forget that!
1:28 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I like Ron and I would hate for him to leave his Senate seat and force us into another election. The Merkeley-Smith race was brutal and I need more time to recover. I think Dean would be great, especially on the health care czar issue.
Feb 3, '09
Bray sez: Given the crap that Obama has stuffed into his Cabinet, Sanjay Gupta has a better chance than Dean or Kitz.
Maybe Bray can take time off from the Fair Play for Chinese Occupation of Tibet Committee to do the job himself.
Feb 3, '09
Regarding Dr. Kitzhaber, I think it's surprising and questionable that not knowing Washington very well be considered a con. Does anyone else remember that this is supposed to be a year for change? Dr. Kitzhaber's opinions, message, and his impressive work with the Archimedes Movement are deeply influenced by the fact that he has not been fraternizing with the old boys in Washington (including the status quo politicians AND the lobbyists).
Dr. Kitzhaber is remembered for his executive leadership as Oregon's governor, but let's not forget he was also one Oregon's most influential state legislators for quite a while. The argument that he is too naive or incapable to work effectively with congress just rings hollow.
I'm excited for our state and country that he might end up as part of the Obama administration.
Feb 3, '09
Dear Obama,
Please get away from the East Coast and take a look out West for some of your cabinet positions.
Kitzhaber for Health Czar.
Okay, now please look East again and make nice with Dean.
Dean for HHS
Sincere Thanks,
WesternDem
Feb 3, '09
Given the crap that Obama has stuffed into his Cabinet, Sanjay Gupta has a better chance than Dean or Kitz.
Governors Dean and Kitzhaber have a couple of strikes against them as potential replacements for the discredited Tom Daschle. Both would work for a health care plan for the people instead of the insurance and other components of the medical complex. They are not insiders in the Democratic oligarchy.
3:02 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
As I posted in a thread over on TPM about Kitzhaber's name being floated...
John (aka "Dr. No") was/is a iconoclastic guy who I respect and admire. That said, he is not a team player and it's always his way or the highway. He did great when he was holding the line against the then troglodyte GOP dominated legislative assembly, but he might not do well at all in a cabinet position carrying out someone else's program and agenda.
While he was/is a medical doctor, he was an ER doctor, and not in general practice or trained in whole care. We was trained in triage, so his medical background, while not a bad thing at all and is a plus to some extent, is not the best type of health-care person to look at long-term health solutions.
While starting and heading The Archimedes Project, he has taken it basically nowhere closer these past two years than where it was then. Giving the same speech with no commitment to even a general outline of a solution to health-care is not where the movement should be.
Don't get me wrong, I respect John for who he his and his accomplishments, and I may not be giving him the benefit of doubt about his ability to go beyond what he has done so far since leaving Salem, but I can see why the would be some reticence in tapping him for the Secretary position.
Of course, I want him to run for the Governorship again since Ted Kulongoski is term limited and he would most likely clear the field for all intents and purposes on both sides of the aisle if he ran again (now that he can).
Feb 3, '09
And the 10 or 12 times that Kitzhaber has said he doesn't want a DC job, for family reasons, continues not to deter speculation about him on Blue Oregon.
3:09 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I'd love to see Dean in that position. Not only does he have the medical background and the input from his wife - who is still a doctor - he also put together a really good start on a universal health care plan back in 2003.
Dean also is quite popular around the country and could use that political capitol towards fixing our health care system in this country.
3:11 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Why Rockefeller?
He might not be bad on healthcare issue votes, but are we doing all we can to weaken the Democratic caucus in the Senate and get nothing passed on healthcare (or other issues)...?
Like we would be able to replace Rockefeller in WV with another D?
Hell we couldn't even get the putz Governor in NH who is alledged to be a Democrat to appoint an independent to replace Gregg.
An appointment which is comedy in and of itself since Gregg voted previously to eliminate the Department Obama tapped him to now head up, and in his presser today Gregg had the chutzpah to say how we need to put partisanship behind us, after he made it clear that appointing anyone but a partisan GOP to his seat was a deal-breaker.
High comedy (or low if you prefer) writ large.
3:13 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
WTF is with comments disappearing?
About half my posts fall into the missing sock drawer after posting.
3:16 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I, personally, would prefer Dr. Dean to Dr. Kitzhaber. But whomever President Obama picks, I'm sure he'll be competent.
3:17 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Why is it "unfortunate" that Daschle has withdrawn?
3:21 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Well, I personally think we dodged a huge bullet on Daschle. He was an incredibly ineffective Majority Leader, and this tax debacle was incredibly embarrassing. Dems have to hold ourselves to a higher standard. And for god's sake, Daschle's tax bill was more than I make in three years--the limosine liberal charge gains traction when you allow guys like that a pass. (Don't get me started on Geithner!)
I think Dean would be great. Coming out of the DNC post, he's used to doing this kind of work. Despite the rap against him as an uber-partisan, he's made a career out of working with broad constituencies. Kitz? It would be cool to see him in a national post, but doesn't it put him right where he's least comfortable? He'd be trying to herd cats and would be forced to deal with ideologues ignorant of policy. Worse, as a cabinet head, he wouldn't be the executive with veto power. Doesn't seem like a great fit.
Wyden--he'd be fantastic, but it's like taking a job with the Portland Sea Dogs when you're batting second for the Red Sox. I can't imagine why he'd be interested.
3:24 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Well, for starters Obama has to go on all the network news show tonight and talk about these withdrawals rather than the economy and selling the stimulus package, his original reason for booking the interviews with the Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charlie Gibson.
I was not a huge fan of the nomination to begin with (given his tenure as majority leader and his health insurance industry connections) but figured his inside knowledge of the Senate would be a big aid in getting Obama's healthcare reform proposals through the capitol hill sausage factory.
Feb 3, '09
Are you ignoring or unaware that Daily Kos had a piece on Dr. Gupta in July of 2007 that wasn't exactly flattering. We're talking about the Sanjay Gupta that was the system's attack dog against Michael Moore when "Sicko" came out, right? The one that was with the "Devil Docs" in the first Gulf War. He performed surgery 5 times during his tour. The one that made People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive"?
I don't know, though. I've trolled blogs far and wide and cannot see if he follows cricket. Will get back if I find out anything. BTW, it's stories like these that make it hard to care that print media is going away. I've browsed at least 50 different sources on this story, and there is not one grain of reporting. Everyone is republishing the White House's press releases. Come on, he's CNN staff. What does it say that CNN would regurgitate a White House bio when they could do first hand reporting? It's also hard researching someone who's name is basically Tom Smith.
Personally I think appearing in People magazine should disqualify any pol, if it's not after the fact of electoral success. Sorry, John-John would've lost my vote for that reason. If cricket isn't his religion, I would go with Dr. Kitzhaber. While I think Kitz is better qualified for the position, in terms of what we want done with it, some of that cricket ethic might creep into the cabinet if Gupta is a believer. Of course, if you want to get my attention, put Moore at under-secretary. Now that would be change and hope.
3:45 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Robert Reich on the resignation:
I couldn't agree more.
Feb 3, '09
I'm a hedge fund manager for a small, private capital Hedge Fund. I'm tired of hearing Hedge Funds called evil. The fact of the matter, if you would bother to check it out, is that many of these are run by proselytizing evangelicals. That's about as far from evil as you can get.
Most of what you call "insider" is the Christian network. Please explain to me exactly what is wrong with that? Would you rather have someone with no morals managing your money? Venture capitalists start the ball rolling, but those top positions are largely gimmes. Most venture capitalists are good Christians and if they want to award those lucrative positions to good, moral believers, then all the power in this world and the next to 'em.
If you want to see immoral, look at rents on Nob Hill, SF!
Feb 3, '09
Dr. Dean would be excellent in any health care position. Not that many years ago (when he first became DNC chair) the Capitol Steps had a song about him which is a reminder of what that time was like
"I never drink decaf, And I'm and MD. And yet, for the sake of our party it's said That instead of a doctor we need a mortician instead!".
The small town Vermont MD who turned around an organization--what better combination to have to improve health care?
And too many of us fought for too long to make Ron Wyden the first Democratic US Senator elected from Oregon since Wayne Morse was alive to want to go through that again so soon after Smith/Merkley. And which Democrats would run for that replacement? Would there be a primary challenge in either party?
There are enough new US Senators. We need to keep the experienced ones like Wyden where they are.
4:42 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I had to make sure it wasn't a joke to say, "hedge fund managers aren't evil; they're CHRISTIAN!" I'm reminded of Lenny remarking after The Germans took over the nuclear plant--"I can't remember the Germans doing anything bad!"
Feb 3, '09
Dean also is quite popular around the country and could use that political capitol towards fixing our health care system in this country.
If I recall correctly, when Dean was running for chairmanship of the party the "insiders" were very much opposed to him but there was enough of a popular vote to get him the job. The "insiders" have stacked Obama's cabinet, and it's a good bet they don't want Dean anywhere near that. I hope I'm proved wrong on this.
Feb 3, '09
As much as I would support Kitzhaber in the position, I can't see him doing it.
He decided against running for Senate, twice, because he didn't want to live in DC (or, rather, didn't want to raise his young son there).
And, we Oregonians would be much better off with his as our next Governor (again), which he's been thinking long and hard about.
Feb 3, '09
I'm with verasoie (above)
Couldn't one be the Health Czar and not have to reside in DC full-time?
5:37 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I agree. Is there real talk about him seriously considering another stint in the Governor's office?
BTW, I may have come across as overly critical of Kitz in my initial post in this thread than I intended. He may be less combative and more collaborative in approach with a relatively friendly and aligned legislature that he would hopefully be working with in 2010 than he had when he was last behind the big desk.
5:38 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Dean is not only perfect for the job but he deserves recognition for his 50-state strategy. Problem is that Rham and he don't agree on the strategy. Which is tough stuff for Rham. Kitzhaber's incapable of spelling out exactly what his Archimedes project is all about and doesn't really have a coherent health care plan. Let's leave Oregon senatorial politics alone -- we don't need another several million dollar campaign or the uncertainty.
Oh, and for the record, the choice of a Republican to head a Commerce Dept. riddled with Republicans picked to obstruct spending the money sent to Commerce for disbursment is nutty. Hopefully they'll find some defect to hold his appointment up but if he's confirmed I can guarantee that our own Sandy Baruah, who heads up Commerce's Community Development bureaucracy will continue to obstruct CD payouts to the states.
5:43 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
RE: "hedge fund managers aren't evil; they're CHRISTIAN!"
I'm reminded of a comment by Kodak on an old BBS: "Whenever anyone tells me he's a Christian, I grab hold of my wallet." Really, the chutzpah of a hedge fund person crying on our shoulders while claiming profits from the fund as capital gains rather than what it really is -- ordinary income -- is truly in keeping with Kodak's observation.
5:55 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Folks, ignore the hedge fund guy. Just so much more troll-spam.
Feb 3, '09
a name mentioned by Al Giordano is Dr. Jeanne Lambrew. She has been named deputy health care czar. She helped create CHIP in the Clinton Administration.
Feb 3, '09
If that item posted by "Thomas Edward Kennedy" isn't a brilliant bit of irony, I don't know what else to make of it:
I'm tired of hearing Hedge Funds called evil. The fact of the matter, if you would bother to check it out, is that many of these are run by proselytizing evangelicals. That's about as far from evil as you can get...Would you rather have someone with no morals managing your money?
That's fantastic!!
Feb 3, '09
Did you see the article at TPM where they said Kitz doesn't stand a chance as he's an "odd bird?" That would be DUCK to you, national media. The best man is right here, Kitzhaber.
:)
(Dean or Wyden also great. Send Novick in his place)
Feb 3, '09
We need Wyden in the Senate.
Kitz has said repeatedly HE WON'T DO IT.
Dean would be good at the job---GO DEAN!
Feb 3, '09
This is from the latest issue of Counterpunch:
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the insurance industry contributed $2,185,727 and the drug industry $1,927,159 to the Obama campaign. In other words, the insurance-pharmaceutical complex will decide who will be appointed in place of Daschle - not Obama - as was very likely the case in the nomination of Daschle. And all the wishful thinking above will be nothing more than that - wishful thinking.
Feb 3, '09
Sanjay Gupta for Surgeon-General? That's apparently who the insurance-medical industry has decided Obama should chose.
7:45 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
I'd love to see Kitzhaber offered the position, but it sounds to me like he wouldn't take it. He has another shot to run for governor in 2 years and he may be looking at that. My understanding is that his son is still pretty young and he probably wants to stay close to him (which is understandable).
There is no way Wyden will leave the Senate, his party has power in both houses of Congress and the White House and he has great leadership positions.
Feb 3, '09
They should take Wyden. Then maybe we could really get a Senator from Oregon instead of one who splits time between Wash DC and New York.
Feb 3, '09
We really need to get as far from the idea of a "Healthcare Tsar" as we can as fast as we can. This absolutely must be a team effort.
President Obama's best hope to accomplish what he has said he wants is to create a team. It has to be quarterbacked by somebody who doesn't mind that the wide receivers, the tight ends, and the running backs are headline seeking egomaniacs... somebody whose focus is on the score at the end of the game, not the spectacular plays in between. And he'll need an offensive line of Senators and Congress Members who can protect that quarterback from sacks.
My first choice would be George Mitchell who's a little long in the tooth at 76. A little younger at 70, Dr. Harold Varmus is a Nobel Prize winner who did an excellent administrative job as Director at the complex National Institutes of Health. At 65, Bill Bradley would be my second choice because he not only has Senate experience but he understands the team concept.
Others: Former Red Cross head Bernadette Healy and former FEMA wizard James Lee Witt deserve consideration as does Harvard Med Dean Jeffrey Flier.
I have great respect for both Dean and Kitzhaber but I'd much rather see either of them using the Surgeon General's bully pulpit than see them struggling as the manager of a complex, continuing and vital healthcare game plan.
Feb 3, '09
There is no governor, if that is in fact what the President wants, that would be better qualified to lead dramatic national reform. Not to mention the increased relevance and connections Oregon would obtain. Given the vast functional array: CDC, AHRQ, CMS, FDA, Aging, Children and Families, HRSA, SAMSHA, NIH, Indian Health Services, there are few people who have dedicated the time and energy, and considered thought about the barriers and methods for overcoming them that the Governor has. He'd bring experienced based empathy to address the needs of states, courage to face off to deeply entrenched Rx and Insurer interests, and demonstrated ability to help forge consensus in areas so that actions can be taken. He rose through the Legislature too. Add in credibility with health professionals, the existing DHHS staff, and state leadership- he could move a radical reform agenda unlike many others.
Let's hope that he has a moment of weakness if the President calls and forgets that he'd rather not be in DC.
Feb 3, '09
Wyden spends more time in Oregon than Hatfield or Packwood ever did. Not sure how I feel about about losing Wyden, though.
9:38 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
lestatdelc:
Yes, you did come off overly critical, as well as uninformed.
I'd recommend that you go read up on WeCanDoBetter.org. John Kitzhaber stays up late at night drafting legislation and writing proposals for long term, sustainable health care initiatives. Seriously, it'll make your head spin.
To claim that he is not the right kind of doctor or hasn't done enough with the Archimedes Movement is just silly.
10:25 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
what Jeff Alworth said.
i am puzzled by so many of Obama's appointments. fortunately, he's the boss, not they, but still. my hope is that he is using their insidery goodness to get recalcitrant the old hacks inside the Beltway to make those first tender, juicy steps towards progressive deliciousness. then, as they get the taste, and the original appointmentees remember the succulence of the big money teat, he'll be able to replace them with more progressive folks who do not have to shove massive change down our throats but help the country learn to enjoy the fresh, flavorific delectitude of single-payer, marriage equality and the full menu of progressive democratic nutrition.
this post is the fault of this weekend's chorizo bacon explosion. i apologize to vegans and those what love bunnies.
10:28 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
and, to add to what Andrew wrote, when you do check out We can do better, note (as i had to have pointed out to me) that health care is not the end goal of the Archimedes Project; it is the means by which new & more progressive/democratic forms of governance may be developed. Kitz may have us looking at health care change right now, but he wants us to see a picture bigger than that.
Feb 3, '09
[Off-topic comment. Please post comments about Sam Adams on one of the many appropriate posts. This is not one of them. -editor.]
Feb 3, '09
Posted by: joel dan walls | Feb 3, 2009 6:12:56 PM
If that item posted by "Thomas Edward Kennedy" isn't a brilliant bit of irony, I don't know what else to make of it:
If it was dreamed up, the inspiration had to be that piece at Preemptive Karma on Sizemore's Redmond connections. Except for the hellfunds, it's verbatim.
Mon dieu, first SteveM and now Ms Mel. Who am I going to find myself agreeing with next?
Feb 3, '09
[Response to off-topic comment above. -editor.]
10:55 p.m.
Feb 3, '09
Yeah right. I certainly haven't talked to numerous people who are down in the trenches with Archimedes, some of which are physicians and policy experts on the subject and have worked with Kitz over the years.
No, that could never be the informed basis for my opinion.
(scroll)
Feb 3, '09
Being a stickler for detail:
It is called The Archimedes "MOVEMENT" not Project. Hence why it is run by grassroots support and not being short-sided in it's goal.
7:03 a.m.
Feb 4, '09
I'm curious. Are any of you guys actually listening to what Kitzhaber is saying about health care?
Feb 4, '09
Is Dean the Best Replacement for Daschle?
With reference to the single-payer system, Ezekiel Emanuel, brother of Rahm, made a reasonable case questioning whether this system could administer care for over 300 million people, a challenge not met my any other administration.
Don't let Rahm's reputation influence your opinion of his brother Zeke without checking on the latter. Google "ezekiel emanuel national health care"
A recent PBS program on national health care systems that are much better than what we have in the United States showed Taiwan and one other country incorporating insurance companies within their system. I have been hostile towards our insurance corporations but am rethinking this issue; though I will remain skeptical of these corporations without strong consumer oversight.
Feb 4, '09
I recommend Dr. Bill Frist, who seems to meet all the requirements of an Obama cabinet member:
(1.) He's right of center.
(2.) He's a rich corporatist.
(3.) He's a hegemonist.
(4.) He's opposed to single payer non-pay-or-die health care.
Feb 4, '09
I recommend Dr. Bill Frist, who seems to meet all the requirements of an Obama cabinet member:
(1.) He's right of center.
(2.) He's a rich corporatist.
(3.) He's a hegemonist.
(4.) He's opposed to single payer non-pay-or-die health care.
Feb 13, '09