Secretary of State Pick

[Okeefenokee]

Why? How is he qualified for that job?

He probably knows the rules for classified information are supposed to be followed, and he probably knows wiping a hard drive doesn't involve a cloth.

[Hanarchy Montanarchy]

Aside from my reflexive mistrust of fat cats, I think Tillerson could do well.

As Forbes points out:

Environmentalists would likely complain about an energy company executive taking a top role in government, but Tillerson can point to Exxon’s decade of leading work in alternative energy. In fact, Tillerson’s experience in the energy industry is a distinct advantage. For example, he knows how energy can be used to pressure China to adopt fair trade practices.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenrwald/ ... f642a36b24

If this is Trump to make good on his promise to attempt to stop Chinese currency manipulation this could be a deep move that doesn't rely exclusively on tariffs and the like... but I am speculating on Forbes speculations, so who knows.

Plus, being close with Russia puts more pressure on China... if energy executives are going to be setting global policy, I'd prefer they be American than Chinese.

[Smitty-48]

Why? How is he qualified for that job?

The Edward A. Gullion prize winning doctoral dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, who also served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe?

[StCapps]

So as an outsider, who do you think would be a good Secretary of State pick?

Who, me? Well, If I was President, I probably would have gone with Admiral James Stavridis, but he's not a Trump guy.

He's currently being considered for Secretary of State actually. Trump may go with your choice after all Smitty, he may not be a Trump guy, but Trump might be a him guy, and then the sense of duty kicks in. You never know.

[Smitty-48]

So as an outsider, who do you think would be a good Secretary of State pick?

Who, me? Well, If I was President, I probably would have gone with Admiral James Stavridis, but he's not a Trump guy.

He's currently being considered for Secretary of State actually. Trump may go with your choice after all Smitty, he may not be a Trump guy, but Trump might be a him guy, and then the sense of duty kicks in. You never know.

Oh, well, there you go then, but I gotta believe that Staviridis would take the job if it was offered, I wouldn't forsee an Annapolis man turning down the Commander-in-Chief, no matter who it was. And, quite frankly, it's the job Staviridis has been training for all his life.

[Okeefenokee]

Good lord at the military representation in the possible Trump admin.

[Smitty-48]

Good lord at the military representation in the possible Trump admin.

Who would you pick for SECSTATE, President Okee?

[Martin Hash]

People always have way too high opinion of the specialness of their abilities. It makes no difference who Trump picks for SecS: he just has to respect their opinion. I would have NO problem being SecS myself, and I have no "experience."

[Okeefenokee]

Good lord at the military representation in the possible Trump admin.

Who would you pick for SECSTATE, President Okee?

Maybe someone like Shinseki,



Haven't given it much thought. More ideas on who not to pick.

[KerningChameleon]

US military brass in general seem to have more of a realistic picture of what's going on in the world and how it directly impacts US interests than most in the beltway. They have an obvious bias too of course, but I'd still say they're more grounded and pragmatic than the "flash" politicians being appointed to the Opening Cabinet. Which means they'll probably be the (relative) moderates in Trumps inner circle, at least for a while.

So, if Trump wants to pack his cabinet with former brass, the more the better I say. I mean that sincerely.