Packing up Obama’s cabinet: Where they (and we) stand now

John Kerry’s faith in diplomacy led to huge gains for environment and internationalism, but it also led to big failures in Middle East

Despite a good deal of skepticism as incoming Secretary of State, John Kerry threw himself into the job to mixed results. His ambitions for peace in the Middle East weren’t just thwarted; he leaves with the two-state solution looking as endangered as ever, and his appeals for military interventions in Syria went unheeded by a president (and public) wary of foreign entanglements. Things that did go right for the 2004 runner-up:

1. His contributions to the Iran nuclear deal, which he has lauded as proof of the power of diplomacy.
2. When asked for the achievements he took most pride in, he named the Iran deal, the opening of Cuba, the global response to Ebola, and the winding down of military action in Afghanistan.
3. He also vigorously re-established American leadership on oceans issues and proved a reliable leader on climate change.

His successes were often due to tireless networking. “Kerry has approached foreign policy crises with a relentlessness and a personal touch more common in retail politicians than diplomats.” Yet his faith in bringing unsavory characters to the bargaining table was perhaps also his greatest flaw, contributing to “Hail Mary” strategies abroad when the United States might have cut its losses.

↩︎ posted Jan. 17, 2017

Mark Ostow photographs Obama’s closest advisers and Cabinet members for Politico.

↩︎ posted Jan. 17, 2017

Worth a look for the wonks: Policy debriefs from all 27 departing executive Cabinet-level officials

Your Tuesday morning white paper(s): Everyone from Agriculture to the U.N. filed “exit memos” that make for informative reading as we prepare for the shitstorm ahead.

↩︎ posted Jan. 17, 2017

Obama’s labor secretary was feared by conservatives but lost love from liberals

Under his belt as Labor Secretary, Tom Perez can point to landmark regulations on pension management and the classification of contractors versus employees. He also negotiated a settlement that favorably ended the massive Verizon strike last year. During a previous stint at the DOJ, he was a forceful champion for enforcement of disability protections and a prolific prosecutor of hate crimes.

Though Perez was cast by Breitbart as the most radical member of the Cabinet in a half-century, he’s gaining little favor from the Democratic left flank during his current campaign for DNC chair. Their complaints include his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which puts him at odds with organized labor, and machinations against Sanders perceived as underhanded.

↩︎ posted Jan. 17, 2017

We have unfinished business when it comes to ensuring that everybody, no matter their skin color or background, has the same level of opportunity to succeed in America.

Outgoing HUD Secretary Julian Castro’s big achievements came in addressing de facto segregation in housing. He’s not confident those gains won’t be lost.

↩︎ CityLab, posted Jan. 17, 2017

Transportation secretary emphasized access and affordability in short but impactful stint

There are Onion articles about him doubting his legacy, but Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx apparently impressed enough during his three years to garner a spot on Clinton’s VP shortlist. While that clearly didn’t go anywhere, he did get a lot done.

1. Perhaps due to his background as Mayor of Charlotte, he placed an emphasis on involving cities and communities in transportation decisions that were previously made at the state level, even linking mobility with affordable housing development.
2. He oversaw the takeoff of autonomous car policy, setting precedents that could dictate the development of the next big thing in transportation.
3. If any central theme dominated, it was his emphasis on expanding commuters’ options, a “legacy of choice” communicated through lighthearted Reddit AMAs.

His predecessor, Ray LaHood, was a Republican Obama appointed in 2009; his signature achievements included contributions to the discussion on distracted driving and supporting fuel efficiency improvement.

↩︎ posted Jan. 17, 2017