Casualties
By Mitch Berg
Politico counts the Administration’s casualty list.
The latest one grabbed me; it’s the twerp with absolutely zero experience in the auto industry who became Obama’s car czar:
When the Treasury Department announced on July 13 that Steve Rattner, the private equity executive who headed the president’s Auto Task Force, would return to the private sector, Secretary Tim Geithner said Rattner’s work in Washington was essentially done.
“With GM’s restructuring complete, Steven Rattner, whose leadership and vision were invaluable to the Auto Task Force’s efforts, has decided to transition back to private life and his family in New York City,” Geithner said in a statement. “We are extremely grateful to Steve for his efforts in helping to strengthen GM and Chrysler, recapitalize GMAC, and support the American auto industry. I hope that he takes another opportunity to bring his unique skills to government service in the future.”
But that sounds like it’s becoming the Obama Administration equivalent of “Good Job, Brownie”:
But Rattner’s departure wasn’t the end of the Auto Task Force. Indeed, even as Geithner announced Rattner’s job as done, he announced that Ron Bloom, a former banker and union official serving as an adviser to Treasury, would take over Rattner’s responsibilities.
For months, Rattner’s tenure had been plagued by stories of a New York-based investigation into Rattner’s firm, Quadrangle Group, and allegations that it had illegally obtained a management role in New York’s public pension fund.
Blame all the noise at the town hall meetings…
September 8th, 2009 at 9:27 am
The current meme in lefty circles is that wingnuts are targeting all the czars.
But that’s impossible, isn’t it? This is the most transparent of all administrations, run with the best judgment by the best people, with the the highest ethics!
Wait! We’re talking about Democrats here! This likely IS the most transparent administration, run with the best judgment by the best people, with the highest ethics that the Democrats can muster!
/sarcasm off
In a more serious comment, perhaps if this administration didn’t extensively use methods that bypass even the minimal oversight this Democratic Congress would give this Demoncratic administration there might be a less target rich environment.
Can you imagine the outcry if Bush had put 31 czars in power?
September 8th, 2009 at 10:01 am
I’d just like to know how Van Jones ever got a security clearance.
September 8th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
The current meme in lefty circles is that wingnuts are targeting all the czars.
Which is hilarious. Obama’s party controls Congress and he shouldn’t have any trouble getting these people through Congressional hearings. So why is there need to end-run people like Jones and Cass Sunstein into these czar positions?
Can you imagine the outcry if Bush had put 31 czars in power?
Oh noes!!!!!!11ELEVENTY!!