Who found it more difficult to get excited about an Obama presidency, the Democratic Leadership Council or the progressive wing of the Democratic party? The DLC folks are riding high, calling themselves “The New Team.” The progressives came away empty-handed.

Progressives assumed change would extend to President-elect Barack Obama’s Cabinet, but we never expected the change to be a reflection of the Clinton administration or, worse yet, the Bush administration. We thought change would mean, well, something different. New people, ideas, economic reforms, energy policies, a withdrawal from Iraq, and a new face to the world.

The political junkies say Obama has loaded his cabinet with centrists. Progressives can only wonder why the world suddenly turned upside down. OK, it’s his cabinet he can pick whom he wishes, but his picks seem a bit out of place. Like Michael Pollan eating a Luther Burger.

 History tells us that unlikely people have sometimes done great things. Lincoln put his major rivals in his cabinet, which worked out well. Still, if Obama wants “a vigorous debate inside the White House” a few progressive voices would help mellow out the DLC chorus.

Full Story: http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2009/1/10/94318/1824