RIP MIRIAM MAKEBA

It just occurred to me that I never wrote about Miriam Makeba's passing. Below is a performance she did with my favorite, Paul Simon, on his "Graceland" tour. She was a true gift.

HILLARY AND TIMOTHY

I have been quite reluctant to post that Hillary Clinton will be on the Obama team in the role of Secretary of State because there are still rumblings that it could/might not happen. Rumors still abound that Richardson is being vetted, too -- probably as a back-up in case they find some serious dirt on the Clintons (and don't be surprised if they do). Richardson could end up at Commerce if he doesn't get State.

When it comes to all things Clinton, I am a natural skeptic. As a first time voter in 1992, I voted for Bill, went to a rally in Cleveland, enthusiastically shook his and Hillary's hands. And as soon as he took office, I felt like he did everything he could to sell his supporters down the river. I never forgave him. I still haven't. And, as a result, I look at the positives of everything Clinton... then prepare for the worst. I don't trust either of them. So, I won't be surprised if it falls out of her lap in the last minute. In fact, I expect it.

As for this Timothy Geithner, I hear he may be announced on Monday, so I will hold off on adding him to "The Team" for now. This looks like a pick that will make Wall Street happy. But, as with all things Clinton, I am always skeptical of the assholes who work on Wall Street. And as I wrote this post, it has become more and more clear that he is the choice for this position.

THE TEAM

CHIEF OF STAFF -- Rahm Emanuel
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON -- Robert Gibbs
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- David Axelrod
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- Valerie Jarrett
WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL - Gregory Craig
ATTORNEY GENERAL - Eric Holder
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Tom Daschle
HOMELAND SECURITY - Janet Napolitano



Politico and CNN are both reporting Napolitano for Homeland Security.

The names seem to be coming out fast. Since I have little time to blog -- or little to say that untold numbers of bloggers haven't already said -- don't be surprised if most of my posts for the next several weeks are in regards to the incoming Obama team.

CNN is also saying Penny Pritzker will head Commerce, but I'm waiting to hear something a little more definitive before adding her name.

THE TEAM

CHIEF OF STAFF -- Rahm Emanuel
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON -- Robert Gibbs
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- David Axelrod
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- Valerie Jarrett
WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL - Gregory Craig
ATTORNEY GENERAL - Eric Holder
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - Tom Daschle

CNN is reporting that Daschle has been offered and accepted the position at HHS.

It does look as though Obama is trying to assemble a world class, rock star cabinet. Note: I have not put up Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State because at this point, it is still essentially speculation and we don't know what will happen. In the cases of Holder and Daschle, even though the announcements haven't been official, they seem very likely.

THE TEAM

CHIEF OF STAFF -- Rahm Emanuel
WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON -- Robert Gibbs
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- David Axelrod
SENIOR WHITE HOUSE ADVISOR -- Valerie Jarrett
WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL - Gregory Craig
ATTORNEY GENERAL - Eric Holder

NBC is reporting Holder has been offered the position and accepted.

Also, Obama apparently appointed several lower-staff level jobs last week, but this list I'm compiling will only deal with high-level positions.

GUTLESS!

Once again, I am reminded why I don't like to call myself a Democrat. They have let that slimiest of slimeballs, Joe Lieberman, keep his powerful Homeland Security chair.

But, get this. Their version of punishment is stripping him of the chairmanship of some insubstantial subcommittee. What a kick to the balls this is.

Way to go, Democrats. Just remember, when the snake bites you, you knew all along it was a snake.