There's been a change in weather and a change in the sea. And from now on there'll be a change in me...
President Obama has learned from his dealings with Congressional Republicans (the party of "nigger", spit, threats, attacks, and "faggot") that bipartisanship is impossible. He's getting on with the job. He's letting America know that he's working for the people, not for the approval of selfish malcontents in Washington.
Just two days ago, all 41 Senate Republicans sent Mr. Obama a letter urging him not to appoint the union lawyer, Craig Becker, during the recess. Mr. Obama’s action, in defiance of the Republicans, was hailed by union leaders, but it also seemed certain to intensify the partisan rancor that has enveloped Washington.
“The United States Senate has the responsibility to approve or disprove of my nominees,” Mr. Obama said in a statement. “But if, in the interest of scoring political points, Republicans in the Senate refuse to exercise that responsibility, I must act in the interest of the American people and exercise my authority to fill these positions on an interim basis.” ...NYT
It's not just about Craig Becker. The president has given recess appointments to 14 additional nominees -- mostly to economic and homeland security posts -- whose confirmations had been delayed by Republicans, though Becker was the only controversial nominee.
In making these appointments, Obama is solidifying support among union leaders and in those of us who believe he needs to maintain a stronger position with respect to recalcitrants in the Senate.
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James Fallows has some interesting things to say about how interim appointments help to change the game.
On the merits, this is a welcome move IMHO, both because it is insane (whichever party is in power) to keep major positions in Treasury, Customs-Border Patrol, etc vacant; and because many of these nominees are really excellent choices. It is also significant as a process matter. I mentioned recently the principle of presidential power laid down by the late professor Richard Neustadt: success today greatly increases the chance of success tomorrow. I don't know whether the White House would have issued these appointments if a handful of votes had gone the other way in the health-care showdown last weekend. But it's in stronger position to take this step with a big victory behind it than after what would have been a big defeat.
Mark Ambinder writes:
Obama's decision to use his recess power reflects the White House's confidence that the political environment after passage of health care reform is more congenial -- and a significant amount of frustration that critical homeland security posts were being held up as ransom.Jen Psaki, a White House spokesperson, wrote on the White House website that "this opposition got so out of hand at one point that one senator put a blanket hold on all of the President's nominees in an attempt to win concessions on two projects that would benefit his state. And another nominee's confirmation was delayed by one senator for more than eight months because of a disagreement over a proposed federal building in his home state. When that nominee was finally given the vote she deserved, she was confirmed 96 to 0. When you attempt to prevent the government from working effectively because you didn't get your way, you're failing to live up to your responsibilities as a public servant."
Many are rightly disappointed that Dawn Johnsen wasn't among those on the list of interim appointees. Me, too. But I think it shows Barack Obama's patience and political savvy.
