Obama's New Cabinet

Finally, after eight of arguably the most abysmal years ever in politics, we have a new American President, and the symbolism evoked by Tuesday's appointment cannot be denied. A (comparatively) young, black man whose providence has renewed the world’s faith in America’s peculiar Democratic system has personified the hope and optimism of an expectant electorate.

However, amid the gravitas and exuberant expectation lie the harsh realities of contemporary American life. Indeed in one sense, ‘Brand America’ must feel like it’s been locked away for a long weekend in Boy George’s basement.

The financial crisis has created a fault line that has fractured right to the heart of the Washington Consensus, the driving force of global economic organization for twenty years. Not only that, costly wars still rage across the Middle East, and this year will see the first truly global summit on climate change.

With all this in mind we take a look at the advisors President Obama has assembled to help him navigate through these myriad crises.

Presidential Science Advisor : John Holdren

Who is he?
Arguably, Obama’s most groundbreaking and radical appointments have been made in the scientific and environmental spheres, and John Holdren is a prime example of this. From nuclear fusion and nuclear weapons proliferation to climate change and energy technology, he has a policy pedigree that is second to none, and is more qualified than John Prescott at an ale and pork pie tasting competition sponsored by Jaguar.

What’s he known for?
On appointment, Holdren claimed Bush’s refusal to acknowledge global warming has been "the biggest obstacle to moving forward on the climate issue in the world today". Compared to this monumental record of denial, the UK's haphazard bidding for the Olympics seem like the most well thought through endeavour ever conceived.

Prospects for Obama
The only criticism regarding Holdren's appointment has come from the oil companies and the energy lobby. His advice may lead them to lose market share to renewable and green technology start-ups. I feel as sympathetic towards them as I do towards Bruce Willis’ barber .

Chief of Staff : Emanuel Rahm

Who is he?
A political maverick with a reputation for the profane, Rahm is widely respected as the fourth most powerful Democrat in the House. His no nonsense approach to politics has earned him the nickname ‘Rahmbo’. The fact that his brother, Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel, is the basis for the abrasive Ari Gold character in the hit American drama Entourage should give you the idea.

What’s he known for?
Before turning to politics, Rahm made it big on Wall Street, some say purely on the basis of his personal connections. He created many enemies whilst amassing a personal fortune of $14M in finance mergers, an image many Democrats need like Lewis Hamilton needs piles.

He is born to Israeli parents, and served with their military in the first Gulf War. Rahm overtly distances himself from his politically extreme father, a former member of the Irgun, an Israeli terrorist group in the forties with a very dark past.

Prospects for Obama
Despite the ridiculousness of his gaffe-prone dad who caused a storm by stating that: "Obviously, he will influence the President to be pro-Israel. Why shouldn't he do it? What is he, an Arab? He's not going to clean the floor of the White House." Many have reservations concerning his Hawkish stance on Middle Eastern diplomacy.


Treasury Secretary : Timothy Geithner

Who is he?
Geithner has been a key player in all the major recent deals to bail out huge Wall Street banks with government money, from Bear Sterns to AIG. However, unlike in Britain where the banks have been brought into public ownership, making them more accountable, Geithners deals played purely into private hands. He has come under some criticism for allowing greedy corporations to dump the burden of their ill-gotten debt on the public even when it was their fault in the first place.

What’s he known for?
A former member of the Clinton administration, this fly fishing father of two from Brooklyn is not about to break the mould. In the midst of the financial melee, many were quick to blame the legacy of Thatcher and Reagen, who had such faith in the free market and the ability for financiers to regulate themselves - but many forget the role played by middleman Bill Clinton, who stood custodian of the same economic system. His economic plans were as far removed from the Republican’s ideas as Katie Price’s perennially hiked up left and right bosoms.

Prospects for Obama
These decisions could come back to haunt the President, as if an economic recovery is delayed, the middle-class tax cut he promised is about as likely as getting another decent album out of U2.


Director of the National Economic Council in the White House: Lawrence Summers

Who is he?
Summers has a reputation as a cantankerous genius who knows the ins and outs of global economic issues better than Vanessa Feltz knows the ins and outs of a bag of Krispy Kremes.

What’s he known for?
He is another Clintonite (former Treasury Secretary) who now shares responsibility with Geithner in sorting out the bailout. Has been hit by allegations of cronyism after his decision to bailout financial firm Citicorp - his former mentor and Clinton economics guru Rick Rubin is an Executive at the firm and stood to lose a fortune.

Prospects for Obama
Has potential to inflame women’s groups over his controversial resignation from his Harvard presidency; he was forced from the post after remarking that women might lack an intrinsic aptitude for math and science.

Like any new President, Barack may find that the realities of power lie some distance away from his idealistic aspirations. Though many of his economic team are mired by their previous actions at the helm of the world’s financial institutions, it will be up to the Commander in Chief to make the final call. We can only hope he lives up to the euphoric expectation surrounding himself, and delivers on his promises through hard action as well as words.

Watch some political commenters, including Naomi Klein, discuss the new cabinet in this video.