Secretary Bredesen

Is Gov. Phil Bredesen a good choice for HHS? Eh, I’ve never thought of Bredesen as a big change/bold thinking kind of guy. He’s an excellent steward of government, I think, but not much of a visionary. If Obama really wants dramatic reform of the American healthcare system (and hope he does!), Bredesen is not the guy.

I heard Bredesen speak at a medical convention a couple of years ago, and he was fine. Solid but not inspiring. The one speaker at that conference who really impressed me was Colin Powell. I know healthcare isn’t his field, but if Powell is on board with Obama’s healthcare plan, then the President should give the general a good, long look. Just think how much pull Powell has with independents and moderate Republicans. The PR value of putting him in charge of the reform effort would be huge. Plus, the guy is brilliant and capable.

So, Mr. President, if you’re reading this, and you know you are, think about it.

Secretary Daschle (Or Do You Prefer "Adminstrative Assistant"?)

Everybody knew Tom Daschle would be in Secretary of something; it was only a question of which Department. Today we have the answer: Health & Human Services. It’s not usually one of the sexier appointments, but with President-elect Obama’s big plans for healthcare reform, this may turn out to be a hugely important position.

Great pick, Mr. President-elect! The former Senate Majority Leader is the right guy to shepherd major changes through Congress and then carry them out as Secretary of HHS.