ABSOLUTELY FOOLPROOF

When trying to assess the qualifications or actions of a Democratic Cabinet nominee, here's an absolutely foolproof vetting criteria for President Obama: "If this person were a Republican, would I be willing to overlook this behavior?" Remarkably clarifying, don't you think?

Tom Daschle has had to withdraw,just as Bill Richardson was forced to withdraw earlier and one other of President Obama's Cabinet choices has removed herself from consideration because of D.C. payroll tax problems. Why some of the President's- nominees were even confirmed is in the realm of deep mystery. But I will say this as clearly as I can: Whether or not we agree with the President's choices, POTUS deserves to have the Cabinet HE wants, people with whom HE is comfortable working, barring people obviously unfit or so tainted by scandal it cannot be overlooked.

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On another subject, did you see Newt on O'Reilly last night? I only tuned in to the pompous gasbag's show because Newt was on. At one point, O'Reilly said something about "Well Mrs. Pelosi is smart enough to know better, isn't she?" He was dead damned serious! Seeing Newt trying to keep a straight face is one of the most entertaining things I've seen in a long time.

Newt is a brilliant person when it comes to grand concepts and strategy; he isn't all that good at the nuts and bolts. Please Newt, don't EVER run for President. You really aren't suited to the job. But you are essential as an eminence grise behind the scenes and I pray that, for our nation's sake, you will answer the call, if and when it is made, to support the candidacy of a day-to-day manager type and return Republicans to the Oval Office and a Republican majority in at least one house of Congress - preferably comprised of Congressmen with actual SPINES.