I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis. Are you as impressed as I am with George W. Bush's cabinet selections?
Bush has gone for experience and moderation. He hasn't been afraid to pick people who've worked in previous administrations – Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld – despite snipes that he's just putting together some version of his father's cabinet.
Moreover, he's gone with people with track records who can make a difference. Tommy Thompson rewrote the book on welfare reform as Michigan's governor. Rod Paige made education reform work as head of Houston's schools. At the treasury, Paul O'neill brings real world experience. As a governor, Christine Whitman knows what mischief the EPA can make for state governments.
Compare, too, Bush's selections with the original clinton cabinet, where considerations of experience and talent were secondary to political correctness.
And John Ashcroft for Attorney General? Before Jesse Jackson and his gang have a field day calling him unqualified, check Ashcroft's record of public stances and judicial appointments in Missouri. Then hush up.
This administration is off to a good start.
Those are my ideas, and at the NCPA we know ideas can change the world. I'm Pete du Pont. Next time, the China threat.