MyDD :: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick

Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick

by Jonathan Singer, Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:13:22 PM EST

Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) has been offered the job of Health and Human Services secretary by President-elect Barack Obama and has accepted the job, according to a Democratic source close to Daschle.

Daschle, who served in the Senate until he lost his re-election bid in 2004, also is set to take on the position of "health care czar" in the Obama White House, ensuring that he does not get bigfooted on matters relating to health care policy, according to this source.

Daschle was a close adviser to Obama throughout the Illinois Democrat's presidential campaign, and has been outspoken about his desire to enact a government-funded health care insurance program to help cover the approximately 40 million Americans who do not have coverage.

This news doesn't come as too much of a surprise. It was rather clear that Tom Daschle would be a part of an Obama administration, with the former Senate Majority Leader aiding Barack Obama's presidential efforts and his one time staff making up much of the upper eschelon of Obama's Senate office. If Daschle wasn't going to become White House Chief of Staff, odds were that he would become Secretary of Health and Human Services, which will be a key position in an Obama administration angling to enact universal healthcare legislation.

Tags: Obama Administration, Tom Daschle, HHS (all tags)

Permalink :: 37 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

Lowe's is looking better all the time. Let's see how well Home Depot does with only Republican shoppers.

by jebon on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:18:28 PM EST

Hmmm (none / 0)

I'm not a huge Daschle fan, but I get the pick.

I was actually kinda hoping for Clinton in that role, or Dean.

You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:18:32 PM EST

Re: Hmmm (none / 0)

It also means there will be no Daschle-Thune rematch for senate in 2010. That leaves Herseth-Sandlin as the potential first-tier challenger to Thune. It will be interesting to see if she decides to make the challenge in 2010 (or waits for Sen. Johnson's seat to open up in 2014). It would be a first-tier race if she threw her hat in. The race for her open house seat would also be competitive.

by Mose on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:32:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well its a Good Choice (none / 0)

Daschle actually, for me, defined the campaign when he said "This is an election about two men who've taken chances with their careers"

That said, it bothers me that we've left Dean under the bus. Are they going to run him down , now?

by Trey Rentz on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:20:33 PM EST

We don't know that (none / 0)

Obama's debt to Dean was actually far greater than it was to Daschle. I have a hard time imagining Obama screwing Dean over.

You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:52:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: We don't know that (2.00 / 2)

Maybe Dean doesn't WANT a position. He just ran the DNC for 4 years... maybe he wants to take a break... get a cushy MSNBC analyst job.

Call it (and I say this with good natured intention and a reminder I respect and like Dean very much) "Screamin with Howard Dean" On after Olbermann and Maddow!

by yitbos96bb on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:09:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Make it before Olbermann (none / 0)

Isn't Matthews running for office next cycle?

You can't stop the signal.

President "That One"

by Dracomicron on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:14:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Make it before Olbermann (none / 0)

God, I hope not!

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by Sandwich Repairman on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:20:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Howard Dean TV (none / 0)

Maybe the blogging community can push for Dean to get a show.

Dean having a show would be cool.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:23:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean TV (2.00 / 1)

Air America?

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by Sandwich Repairman on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:26:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well its a Good Choice (none / 0)

I liked the idea of Dean as HHS Secretary initially, but I read an article that made me realize it did not make sense. Thinking back to the Clinton health care debacle in 1993, it seemed that Obama wanted to avoid some of the same mistakes by picking an HHS secretary who had connections and knew how to work The Hill. Daschle is perfect for that. As much as I like Dean he doesn't have a lot of clout and connections on the Hill and there are some factions of the Congressional Democrats who have issues with him. Plus, the drama between him and Rahm could be a problem for "No Drama Obama".

Besides, I don't even know if Dean was interested in a cabinet post. A friend who knows him said he was eager to get back to Vermont, where his wife still lives and practices.

by democrattotheend on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:12:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

Damn. I was hoping for Howard Dean. But, I'm not going to cry over this one, either.

Follow the 2010 election cycle in Georgia at the 2010 Georgia Race Tracker.

by TheUnknown285 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:23:36 PM EST

Howard Dean (2.00 / 1)

A bunch of people seemed to see Dean getting HHS because he is a physician and he should get something.

I want Dean to get something that broadens his experience.

Ambassador to Iraq? This would send a strong message about U.S. intent in Iraq. And it's a high visibility ambassadorship.

Dean could be Ambassador to the United Nations, although I like Hagel for this position.

What about Undersecretary of Defense for Policy?

If Dean gets frozen out b/c of his history with Rahm Emanuel this seems sorta petty. Obama should make sure it doesn't happen.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:30:09 PM EST

Re: Howard Dean (none / 0)

I agree. It's not clear to me that Dean is the right fit to oversee a federal agency; that he is a physician does not automatically mean that he's cut out for the job, which would involve not only managing the agency, including the issuance of rules and/or administrative decisions, but also working with congressional leaders on appropriation requests and draft legislation.

by rfahey22 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:35:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (2.00 / 1)

Howard Dean did have a good record on extending healthcare as Governor of Vermont. That was another reason who some, myself included wanted him for the job.

Follow the 2010 election cycle in Georgia at the 2010 Georgia Race Tracker.

by TheUnknown285 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:41:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (2.00 / 1)

Vermont's program of providing nurse visits to all newborns was a cool way to get children off on the right foot. And it prevented a number of problems, like child abuse.

Dean's preventive approach to medicine was great from a public policy point of view.

I've always like Daschle, even if he got played on the whole Iraq War thing.

On close issues the Obama administration will be well served by having Daschle available to work the phones in the Senate and Emanuel able to work the phones in the House.

That's part of why I like Hagel for UN Ambassador. Treaties need 67 votes. Having Hagel available to call Republicans and saying, "Ratifying this treaty is important for U.S. credibility in the int'l community," is a powerful tool for winning the support of Republican Senators.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:41:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (none / 0)

Yet ANOTHER cabinet member who willbe dealing with an important issue with Senate or House ties... Interesting... Sounds like Obama wants to make sure his agenda passes and is making Senate appointments where the people will be able to lobby congress.

Makes me wonder who Some of the others will be and if they too will have congressional ties

by yitbos96bb on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:03:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (none / 0)

Surgeon General?

by yitbos96bb on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:00:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (none / 0)

When I think of Howard Dean I do not think of diplomacy. And I mean that in only the best way.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:39:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean (none / 0)

Do you think of Dean as being persuasive? An effective advocate? Clear thinking? Smart? Visionary?

Dean has lots of good qualities that would make him effective as an ambassador.

I don't think he'll take a bunch of crap from Gen. Petraeus either. Petraeus tries throwing around his, "I'm a bigshot general" shtick and Dean will be able to handle it.

Petraeus will prob try to create conflict with Obama's policy people on Iraq. By having policy people with stature there, fewer problems will be kicked upstairs to SECDEF, SoS and POTUS.

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:46:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

This means that Clinton will be SOS (none / 0)

Frankly, this would have been the only position other than SOS that could have attracted Clinton. If Clinton is not HHS then she would be SOS.

I wonder what happens to Richardson.

by ann0nymous on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:32:06 PM EST

Re: Interior? (none / 0)

No, Dean was good for HHS but even better as Sec. of Education. Take a look at Vermont. Under Dean's watch Vermont vaulted up the charts education-wise.

His Success by Six program was a huge success. Kids six years and under got serious help getting a good start on their education and it affected almost all of Vermont positively. I can seriously see Dean being Sec. of Education if for the fact that he can take a state that was lower in the rankings, and completely underfunded and bring it up to like. what? Sixth in the Nation, from Education Ranking?

Plus, he's a Doctor and quite frankly i think it would be nice if we looked into school lunches every now and then.

by Trey Rentz on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:52:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: This means that Clinton will be SOS (none / 0)

See David Broder's piece on Clinton; she doesn't belong at State. Richardson might.

John Kitzhaber would be an AWESOME HHS Sec, but I don't think he has any interest in leaving Oregon. Word is he may run for Gov. again in 2010.

Give to Redistricting Project candidates for Democratic maps 2011-2021! http://www.actblue.com/page/redistrictin gproject

by Sandwich Repairman on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:22:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I'm a little surprised. (none / 0)

I thought it would be Dean. As has been said, I'm curious where he'll end up. It's clear he'll never get enough credit for running the DNC. I hope he gets to go someplace he can make a difference.

Your old role is rapidly aging. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand, for the times they are a changing.

by Travis Stark on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:40:26 PM EST

Re: I'm a little surprised. (none / 0)

Education, maybe?

Follow the 2010 election cycle in Georgia at the 2010 Georgia Race Tracker.

by TheUnknown285 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:43:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm a little surprised. (none / 0)

SUCCESS BY SIX!! YES!!

Thats EXACTLY it. I almost forgot about SUCCESS BY SIX. Vermont went way, way up the charts educational rank when he was gov. - Dean had a solid, solid commitment to the kids. Wow. Dean as Sec. of Education. that would be AWESOME!!!

by Trey Rentz on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:49:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I'm a little surprised. (none / 0)

For us that are unaware, what is Success By Six?

by yitbos96bb on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:11:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wonder if Josh Marshall will raise his Daschle's (2.00 / 1)

links with the lobbying community, namely that his wife lobbied
for drug companies in the past. Wonder if that is not a conflict of interest.

by ann0nymous on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:50:56 PM EST

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

Gee, that was easy.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:57:19 PM EST

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

When are we going to hear some women mentioned for high level cabinet posts? I mean, Clinton is one but that's not a done deal. Why is this just a continuation of the good ole boys club?

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 12:58:37 PM EST

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

They've only leaked two Cabinet positions so far. Give them a while.

And Jarrett's already been named as special advisor, I believe.

Follow the 2010 election cycle in Georgia at the 2010 Georgia Race Tracker.

by TheUnknown285 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:04:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

And Mona Sutphen as co-Deputy Chief of Staff.

Follow the 2010 election cycle in Georgia at the 2010 Georgia Race Tracker.

by TheUnknown285 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:09:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (2.00 / 1)

This will be a key role in developing a universal health care program. Daschle is someone who knows Capitol Hill well; Obama seems to be making sure he has good relations with Congress and can move his agenda there--something Bill Clinton got tripped up on.

Give to Redistricting Project candidates for Democratic maps 2011-2021! http://www.actblue.com/page/redistrictin gproject

by Sandwich Repairman on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:18:37 PM EST

underrepresented groups (none / 0)

Is Obama going to appoint Arabs and Muslims to high visibility positions?

What about Native Americans?

Rrrinnggg... Time to change the government.

by Carl Nyberg on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:20:13 PM EST

Re: underrepresented groups (none / 0)

Who do you suggest?

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by Sandwich Repairman on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:25:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (2.00 / 1)

Dean would be an excellent choice for Chairman of the Federal Heath Board which is an idea Daschle has been promoting for some time:

In many ways, the Federal Health Board would resemble our current Federal Reserve Board for the banking industry. Just as the Federal Reserve ensures certain standards, transparency and performance for our banking industry, the Fed Health would ensure harmonization across public programs of health-care protocols, benefits, and transparency. Ultimately, the Fed Health would offer a public framework within which a private health-care system could operate more effectively and efficiently.

Having Daschle push the political aspect of the reform coordinating with Teddy Kennedy and his team, and then have Dr. Dean involved in the more nitty-gritty medical aspects of the reform plan is a great use of everyone's talents.

Here's the link to Daschle's proposal from March 3rd of this year on Huffington Post:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sen-tom-da schle/progressive-solutions-to-_b_89590. html

by Piuma on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 01:22:58 PM EST

Re: Roll Call: Daschle is HHS Secretary Pick (none / 0)

Very disappointing.

by pennquaker08 on Wed Nov 19, 2008 at 07:03:31 PM EST

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