I’ve noticed many internet folks complaining that Obama’s cabinet picks have been too centrist, and they must be on to something because George Will and David Brooks were on the television this morning saying how pleased they were with Obama’s picks. I basically see where the criticism is coming from, but I think people are failing to account for the basic nature of elite opinion and policy making over the last 8 years.
Basically liberals/progressive just didn’t exist as recently as 3 years ago except to criticize the Bush administration. Basically you had Bush crazies running things, and ex-Clinton people tripping over themselves to stay relevant. Liberal/progressive were outside agitators. So when Obama chooses the most qualified people he’s choosing from a pool of people that tilt heavily towards the center. Left, right, and center are all made up concepts and subject to constant revision. The center is an especially nebulous concept, as it’s largely a stand in for politically possible, or at least for ideas that wouldn’t be blocked for ideological reasons. Back in the 30-40s supporting anti-lynching legislation, but opposing school integration would probably have made you a centrist on civil rights.
Further there is a huge dissonance between the idea that Barack Obama is a closet centrist because of his picks for cabinet and the actual policy proposals he’s making. In the segment before George Will and David Brooks were praising Obama’s moderation they were being drilled on whether or not Obama would institute a “New New Deal”. FDR≠Centrist
The whole school of thought that revolves around the idea of politically possible is bankrupt because they fail to realize that politically possible isn’t an especially stable state of affairs. Most particularly if people think something will help the economy, then it’s going to be politically possible no matter how many conservative intellectuals say it’s a radical proposal.
I still don’t understand in the least why Brooksie is the least bit relevant. From his most recent column:
Huh??? This ivy-league educated stereotypical egghead wants to “resent these overeducated Achievatrons”? It makes no logical sense whatsoever, but that general faux-populist viewpoint is such a crucial part of his shtick. It’s just so ridiculous on its face.
Then again, you do have to give Brooksie a little bit of credit for knowing where his bread is buttered. Without the rampant anti-intellectualism that plagues modern America, he would be just another egghead poli sci professor at one of those elitist schools he so often mocks.