Obama should offer Mike Castle a gig

[zulchzulu]

Now that the Far White Wing Teatards have defeated Mike Castle (a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin), it would be an excellent political move to have Obama offer Republican moderate Mike Castle a position within the White House.

Why?



Mike Castle is an extremely rare combination as a moderate Republican who worked with Obama on economic issues as well as is progressive-leaning on social issues like gay rights, environmental issues like climate change and advances in stem cell research as well as is pro-choice on abortion rights.

Having Castle seen as being a moderate who can fit in the Obama administration would help in 2012. Appealing to moderates at this juncture who are Republicans ready to switch over is a solution for victory.

A gig for Mike Castle could be one of his passions... campaign finance reform. He's also very much for stem cell research and has co-sponsored legislation for both issues. And you can guess what the Republican leadership has been against...

[babylonsister]

1. OMG, THE HORROR, A REPUBLICAN??? I agree. That would be

delicious. And throw the whole political community off!

[Cha]

4. It's not a bad

idea..at all!

[Capn Sunshine]

2. Interesting balloon

I've heard worse ideas floated up there.
Let's see if we can spread this across the internets. :hi:

[jillan]

3. What was Biden's relationship with Castle? That could have some impact on a decision like that.

I mean, if Biden recommended him, Obama might listen.

[zulchzulu]

5. Biden and Castle are buddies... so maybe Joe can make it happen n/t

[jberryhill]

10. Delaware politics is quite civilized, normally

[LynneSin]

13. They are very close friends. You would never ever see Biden campaign against him.

Honestly, in the 10 years I've been in Delaware this is the most political excitement we've had EVER.

[MadHound]

6. What, there aren't enough "moderate Republicans" in the administration now?

Geez, and people around here wonder why the left is upset:eyes:

[zulchzulu]

9. You need moderates like Castle in positions like making sure stem cell research continues

I'm about as far left as one can get on many issues, but understand how politics works and how you need to embrace moderates politically to actually WIN elections.

Leave your political purity at the door. Or look at how supposed "progressives" win elections... which is rare at best.

That said, look beyond party descriptions and labels and look at the issues and what is important to keep or defend. Mike Castle is a proven person on supporting progressive issues like abortion rights, environmental issues and stem cell research. That's what I look at.

[MadHound]

14. Oh please, stop with the wise old political operative schtick,

Odds are high that I'm older than you are, and much higher that I have more real world political experience. I'm fully cognizant of how realpolitik works, OK. Let's get that clear.

That said, you are obviously not getting my point, namely that the Obama administration has more than enough forces of moderation in the cabinet. I am certain that if Obama and the Democrats move to do anything concerning stem cell research, they already have enough Republicans on tap already.

You look at three issues, I like to look at the bigger picture. I'm not looking for political purity, but damn, it sure would be nice if Obama and the Democrats started addressing some more traditional progressive, and Democratic, issues.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

17. I haven't seen one iota of "real world political experience" reflected anywhere in any of your posts

So I highly, highly question that.

[MadHound]

18. Well that's not surprising,

Considering how tight you keep your eyes, ears and mind shut.

Tell me, when was the last time you went to the Democratic National Convention, not as a spectator or reporter, but as a delegate or alternate.

[angee_is_mad]

7. the perfect gig

would be GOTV and have linda join him and show people the danger the teabaggers present.

[Cha]

8. Mike Castle sounds like a decent man.."progressive leaning on social issues"

"Mike Castle is an extremely rare combination as a moderate Republican who worked with Obama on economic issues as well as is progressive-leaning on social issues like gay rights, environmental issues like climate change and advances in stem cell research as well as is pro-choice on abortion rights."

[woodsprite]

11. He is a good guy. I like the idea of Obama offering him a spot. n/t

[LynneSin]

12. I could see Biden doing it - he's very good friends with Castle.

All of our DC folks take the train to work everyday so Castle/Carper/Biden all rode down together each day.

Personally I think it's the right thing to do!

[CBR]

15. I agree 100%. nt

[monmouth]

16. Beau didn't want to run against him, that says it all for me. I like your idea...n/t

[Phx_Dem]

19. Not a bad idea.

[gkhouston]

20. K&R for a good idea. Why not be bipartisan with someone who actually wants

to accomplish something?