Obama: "I expect them to implement that vision once decisions made."

[ProSense]

Obama: "I'm A Strong Believer In Strong Personalities"

By Greg Sargent - December 1, 2008, 1:53PM

A couple more quick points about today's Obama presser. First, it was striking how comfortable Obama appeared in a take-charge role when on a stage dominated by heavy hitters like Robert Gates and Hillary Clinton -- and how visibly they deferred to him.

Also, it wasn't until Obama himself announced the appointment of Hillary as Secretary of State that it became clear just how well it reflects on him. The sight of him hailing her strength, toughness and suitability to the huge challenges ahead -- even as he brushed off reporter chatter about the acrimonious Dem primary -- made for powerful political theater.

We've heard a lot of analysis about how Obama's "team of rivals" approach shows his mature willingness to extend a forgiving hand to rivals and his confidence that he can control them within his own orbit. But I'd argue this isn't so much about his interpersonal style as it is about the sense he is trying to project that he possesses a gravity and sense of seriousness appropriate to the enormity of the tasks before him.

The message is that only the best will do; previous rivalries or petty subplots generated in the press as a result of his picks be damned. Here's how Obama himself described his approach today:

"I assembled this team because I'm a strong believer in strong personalities and strong opinions. I think that's how the best decisions are made...

"I'm going to be welcoming a vigorous debate inside the White House. But understand: I will be setting policy as president. I will be responsible for the vision that this team carries out, and I expect them to implement that vision once decisions made. So as Harry Truman said, the buck will stop with me."

[DJ13]

1. I hope Obama is a good babysitter

In his rush to have diverse opinions his own ideals may get lost in the noise.

[sharp_stick]

2. Yeah cause he's such a shrinking violet huh? n/t

[DJ13]

3. Not hardly, but he will find that lot of personalities a handful

[Fearless]

4. That's why he can replace them if need be.

People are so melodramatic... :wtf:

[Shakespeare]

7. His campaign staff and advisors had a similar diversity of opinion.

And he handled that just fine.

[gkhouston]

9. Yep, but there seemed to be an overarching attitude there about bringing your

brain to work while leaving your ego at home. "No drama Obama" and all that. He's just added a lot of new players to the mix. Could be a tougher proposition.

[Blaze Diem]

5. A buck is about all we have left after the Bush/Cheney heist.

Obama will do greater things for this broken Nation with our one last buck.
Starts with honesty and accountibility as Commander in Chief.

Remind this country what dignity & pride feels like.

[HereSince1628]

6. All we can hope is that too much energy isn't wasted refereeing the bickering

that leads up to the vision.

We would be silly to think that implementation of decisions is the only issue.

Really, implementation is a strawman.

What will be most interesting is how Obama picks and chooses who to listen to and what nuggets of wisdom provided by his advisors and counselors will be rejected. Sometime in 2020 I hope to read an account of how that all went down.

[joshcryer]

8. Look at that, Obama shows he's not in a box, that he is in control.

Who would've fucking thought! Amazing!

[qwlauren35]

10. If he can command Michelle's respect, I'm not worried...

about him "handling" the strong personalities of his cabinet.

I think she could stare down all of them if the need arose.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

11. Duh. Anyone Who Would Believe Something Otherwise Would Be Pretty Stupid.

He's the president. Of course he makes policy.