The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

To the extent I have a problem with the offer it is not on the election side of the equation. Hell, I don't have a problem with it if you can convince someone not to run by writing them a check for $1 million and offering the sexual services of your wife for the weekend.

If there's an issue is on the job side where presumably we'd like there to be some balance between political considerations in awarding it and actual qualifications. That said, in this case, if the job under consideration was Secretary of the Navy, offering it to a retired admiral doesn't seem a horrible lapse in propriety.

But political jobs will be doled for political reasons (Hillary Clinton was not given Secretary of State because she was considered the best person for the job) and if we don't like it then cabinet positions should be put under the civil service umbrella. If what was done is technically illegal then I'd argue it is a flawed law and an example of the criminalization of politics that I often hear Republicans talking about. But still, if a technical violation did occur I'd rather it just be admitted and move on than play the Bush game of "it didn't happen, if it did it wasn't illegal, and if it was illegal well we'll wait until the news cycle moves on before admitting it." Of course, another big issue is that with the hypercynicism of current politics it is impossible to simply say "oops" without the consequences being outsized to the mistake.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Alex

But political jobs will be doled for political reasons (Hillary Clinton was not given Secretary of State because she was considered the best person for the job)

This is a huge problem. We should have the best of the best in positions of power. Not the person on the end of the "if you do [thing that will benefit the party] we'll reward you with [high power position]" offer.