Kathleen Sebelius swearing-in as Secretary of Health and Human Services

May 1, 2009

barry’s little joke harkening back to his own botched swearing in. Biden here was smiling. CNN video

BARRY: Secretary Sebelius and Secretary Locke were actually sworn before today, but around here we want to make sure we get it right.

I had to do it twice…and so now we make everybody do it

Take #1 barry’s Oath of Office
TAKE #2
VP Biden’s joke about Roberts’ memory

Swearing-in Photo op

armyverteran101st

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, former Governor of Kansas

Gov Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services

March 1, 2009

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, 60, accepted the appointment to Secretary of Health and Human Services. She steps into the vacancy left by Tom tax evader Daschle. I still feel bad for that guy sorta. All the appearances he made. All the nasty things he said about Hillary Clinton. All for naught.

Somehow I get the feeling Sebelius was fit in because she was probably already vetted somewhat, he owed her and she is a woman. Evidently her experience as Kansas state insurance commissioner qualified her for the job.

Well the only major woman left to get a payback is Sen Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Maybe she got some plum committee I'm not aware of.

Politico is making a big deal over the fact she didn't get "health care czar". It was a newly invented position anyway.

And what is the deal with Howard Dean? He was out sniffing the other day. He made barry's win possible by moving South Carolina and Nevada primaries up and his brother did a hit job on the McCain campaign. Why isn't he getting anything? He's a medical doctor. How bad is whatever he is hiding?

This is the picture Politico chose to put with their article. A high-ranking female cabinet position appointee gets a side profile.

Gov Kathleen Sebelius (AP)

Source: Politico

Tom Daschle's withdrawal letter

February 3, 2009

Tom Daschle's statement:

I have just informed the President that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

To be chosen by President Obama to run the Department of Health and Human Services and to lead the reform of America’s health care system is one of the signal honors of an improbably career.

But if 30 years of exposure to the challenges inherent in our system has taught me anything, it has taught me that this work will require a leader who can operate with the full faith of Congress and the American people, and without distraction.

Right now, I am not that leader, and will not be a distraction. The focus of Congress should be on the urgent business of moving the President’s economic agenda forward, including affordable health care for every American.

We need the best care in America to be available to all Americans. We need this effort to succeed. Lives and livelihoods are at stake.

I will not be the architect of America’s health system reform, but I remain one of its most fervent supporters. Thank you.

barry statement re: Tom Daschle

February 3, 2009

barry's statement on Tom Daschle:

This morning, Tom Daschle asked me to withdraw his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services. I accept his decision with sadness and regret.

Tom Daschle has devoted his life to public service and health care reform, so that every American has access to health care they can afford. I had hoped that he could bring this passion and expertise to bear to finally achieve that goal, which is so essential to the progress of our economy and the well-being of businesses and families across our nation.

Tom made a mistake, which he has openly acknowledged. He has not excused it, nor do I.

But that mistake, and this decision, cannot diminish the many contributions Tom has made to this country, from his years in the military to his decades of public service.

Now we must move forward, with our plan to lift this economy and put people back to work.