Breaking Down Obama's Cabinet Contenders

As Obama Prepares To Fill Key Cabinet Roles, CBSNews.com Looks At The Names Generating The Most Buzz In Washington

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political reporter Brian Montopoli.

---

Rumsfeld. Condi. Alberto. Colin. Ashcroft.

They're some of the best-known cabinet members of the Bush administration, officials who became household names while leading departments such as State, Defense, and Justice. Now President-elect Barack Obama is building his own cabinet, and speculation over who will get the top positions has risen to a fever pitch in Washington. Below, a look at the contenders, compiled from CBS News reporting and other sources:

Secretary Of State:

The 2004 Democratic nominee for president, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, is reportedly interested in the job, though his spokeswoman has cast claims that he is pushing for it "ridiculous." Kerry scored major points with Obama when he endorsed the Illinois senator just one day after Obama's surprise loss to Hillary Clinton in the New Hampshire Democratic primary. And as The New Republic's Michael Crowley pointed out on The Early Show Thursday, Kerry gave Obama the speaking slot at the 2004 Democratic convention that propelled him to national attention, without which Obama likely could not have made his White House run.

Another name thought to be under serious consideration is New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who stressed his negotiating skills with hostile foreign leaders during his failed run for president last year. Richardson also endorsed Obama relatively early, and took some heat from his former boss, Bill Clinton, for doing so. The choice of Richardson would, as Newsweek points out, bring a Hispanic face to the Obama cabinet, a move sure to be celebrated by the Latino voters who helped push Obama to victories in Colorado and New Mexico.

And then there are the Republican options: Obama has vowed to reach across the aisle in governing the country, and both Indiana Sen. Richard G. Lugar and Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel are considered strong candidates who would signal that he is doing so.

Secretary Of The Treasury:

As Jim Axelrod pointed out on the Evening News Wednesday, the sorry state of the economy puts Obama's selection to head the Treasury department under perhaps the most scrutiny of any of his picks. At the top of the list? Two former Clinton treasury secretaries: Larry Summers and Robert Rubin. Summers became embroiled in controversy for comments he made about women while Harvard University president, a factor that could complicate confirmation hearings. But he is a widely respected economist, and many see him as the steadiest hand available to guide the economy through troubled times.

Other candidates include Tim Geithner, who runs the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and played a key role in addressing Wall Street's recent collapse, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, one of Obama's principle economic advisors. Also said to be under consideration, though they're thought to be longshots, are Warren Buffett, the celebrated investor whom Obama repeatedly invoked on the campaign trail, New Jersey governor and former Goldman Sachs co-chair Jon Corzine, and Laura D'Andrea Tyson, who chaired the Council of Economic Advisers for Clinton.

Secretary Of Defense:

Could Robert Gates stick around? Obama has stressed a desire to break with President Bush in almost every way, but Donald Rumsfeld's successor is respected by both parties and offers much-needed experience and stability for a new administration reckoning with two wars. Even if Obama wants Gates, however, he might not get his wish: On Oct. 24th, the Defense secretary suggested he planned to return to Washington State when Mr. Bush's time in office expires.

Richard Danzig, the Obama supporter who was the Secretary Of The Navy under Clinton, is believed to be under consideration, as is Hagel, a Republican who broke with his party over the war. Also thought to be possibilities are former senator and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee Sam Nunn, who has said he is "not interested" in an Obama cabinet position, John Hamre, the deputy secretary of Defense under Clinton who has worked closely with Gates, and Sen. Jack Reed.

Attorney General:

Obama needs to find someone who can "restore professionalism and nonpartisanship within the Department" following "Alberto Gonzales’ disastrous reign," argues CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen. Among the contenders for the job are Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, a former U.S. attorney who endorsed Obama early on. Napolitano would bring a female presence to a cabinet that is likely to be male-dominated, at least at the upper levels, and has also been mentioned as a potential Homeland Security chief.

The favorite, however, is probably Eric Holder, an African-American former Clinton deputy attorney general who serves as Obama's senior legal advisor. "Holder is a Democrat, but it will be hard for Republicans to tag him as a crony of the Left," writes Cohen. "He knows the ropes at Justice, has some experience in dealing with terror law and domestic crime (which is up), and has the intelligence and demeanor to generate confidence in the halls of Congress."

Other possible candidates who would also bring a high-profile African-American presence to the cabinet include Charles Ogletree, the Harvard law school professor who taught both Michelle and Barack Obama, and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Republican candidates include James B. Comey, who, while sitting in for an ailing John Ashcroft, refused to sign off on the White House's domestic surveillance program, and Patrick J. Fitzgerald, who prosecuted I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby.

Key Staff:

Though Obama has vowed to take his time filling cabinet positions - expect announcements after Thanksgiving - he has already indicated that hard-charging Rep. Rahm Emanuel will be his chief of staff, a cabinet-rank position that comes with vast authority. He has also tapped longtime top aide and campaign communications director Robert Gibbs, perhaps best known for his tussles with Fox News anchors, as his White House press secretary. And Obama's Senate chief of staff, Pete Rouse, will be one of Emanuel's deputies. The selection of the pugnacious threesome is being taken as an indication that Obama will play hardball and not shy away from pushing an ambitious agenda - and that he "doesn't want yes men," in the words of one member of his transition team.

The Rest:

South Dakota's Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader who lost his seat four years ago, has been something of a mentor to Obama. He is seen as a potential Health & Human Services chief, should he want the job. Another potential HHS chief? Democratic National Committee chairman and doctor Howard Dean.

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an early Obama backer who was seriously considered for the vice presidential slot, is also seen as an HHS candidate, as well as a potential secretary of Education, Commerce, or Energy.

Then there's Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, an early Clinton supporter who became an enthusiastic Obama supporter, who could go to Energy or the Department of Transportation; former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack, a candidate to head the Department of Agriculture; and the candidates to head Homeland Security, among them Sept. 11 commissioner Tim Roemer, New York City police commissioner Ray Kelly, and former Federal Emergency Management Agency head James Lee Witt.

For the Labor department, former House majority leader Richard Gephardt is seen as a strong candidate; Richardson is seen as a candidate for the Department of the Interior, along with Rep. Jay Inslee; and South Carolina Rep. James E. Clyburn could head the Department of Housing & Urban Development.

Among the highest profile names popping up is that of Colin Powell, the Republican former Secretary Of State who endorsed Obama, who could become secretary of Education or Defense. Also in the mix is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who could be tapped to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

[azrealife]

As a registered REPUBLICAN voter I am still amazed at the lunacy of the mases. McCain is and always has been an honorable independent thinker, but he ran a lousy race. His support of Bush, in order to get back in the good grace of the party was totally misguided. The decision to run with Palin was questionable at best. Give credit where credit is due, Obama ran a smart race. The argument that he lacks experience is neither here nor there, neither did Bush Clinton,Reagan or Carter.Important is to listen tothe people you put in positions of responsibility. Something Bush didn''t do, which is why Colin Powell, among others,fled the party. While we''re pointing fingers, I should remind you, Republicans raised alot of money and scandal during our time in power. The voters have spoken, and we have a new President. And
as a veteran, I support My President whether his name is Bush or Obama.

[jamshied]

I THINK THAT PRES. ELECT OBAMA SHOULD REPLACE GATES WITH COLIN POWEL.
AFTER ALL, POWEL IS A MILITARY MAN NOT A DIPLOMAT. IN MY VIEW, IT WAS A WRONG CHOICE BY BUSH TO APPOINT POWELL AS SECRETARY OF STATE AND RUMSFELD, WHO HAD NO MILITARY BACKGROUND , AS SECRETARY OF DEFENCE. A SECRETARY OF DEFENCE, IN ADDITION TO BEING A GOOD MANAGER, MUST UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THE VERY BASICS OF MILITARY STRATEGIES. OBVIOUSLY, A 4-STAR GENERAL LIKE COLIN POWEL IS MUCH BETTER QUALIFIED TO FILL THAT POSITION.

I WONDER WHAT THE HECK A CIA SPY MASTER, GATES, KNEW ABOUT RUNNING A MILITARY ?

[alanrobisch]

There were many reasons he won but one of the most nauseating was his class warfare and essentially bribing people by saying that he would give money a tax refund who don''t pay taxes. 70% of those who fit this criteria voted for him

[amorris19]

President-elect Obama believes in the non-traditional approach to achieve the "change we need". So rather than Gore, Schwarzenegger or the other Gov''s, here''s an unlikely, but very appropriate non-traditional approach for Energy Secretary under President Obama: Andrew Liveris, current CEO of the Dow Chemical Company. He''s been out preaching abut the need for a truly comprehensive energy policy in the U.S. for a long while now, most recently at the coveted podium of the Detroit Economic Club. Every time he speaks, he''s told he should be running for public office. Given his company is hugely connected to the energy sector and he is vastly knowledgeable of all things energy on a global basis, this non-traditional choice makes a lot of sense.

[mulder121]

I am really enjoying the show. An "interest group" cabinet with personal agendas all around the table. President Obama will not be able to handle all of them. I just hope they don''''t make the President and the country look foolish.

I am loving this already!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by MegaWhy at 08:48 PM : Nov 07, 2008
============================================

Hahaha.......I hoped all you brainless republican zombies would crawl back under the rock you came out of after this thing was decided, but here you are again talking that rubbish. Foolish!!! Are you kidding me? After 8 years of Bush!!! We are the laughing stock of the world and not to mention the stat the country is in. President elect Obama couldn`t do a worst job if he tried. I for one am encouraged by the strength and intelligence of the people he is already surrounding himself with.
It`s time we had a president that can at least speak English.

Go Obama

[shingles1]

I''m sure Besscannon was the first to complain about all the Bush products being sold before he became President.
I''ve got news for you, Besscannon - that''s called CAPITALISM. If you don''t like our capitalist system, you can move to Cuba.

[shingles1]

It is sad that it has come down to the election being decided by who has the most money. That is NOT democracy, it is Socialism!!!
Posted by Besscannon

You better go and look up socialism in the dictionary, cause you''re waaaay off.

[besscannon-2009]

What''s this bit about Obama T-shirts, mugs, etc. still being sold? Isn''t that crass and undignified for a president-elect? Did we elect a President or a celebrity icon? Shouldn''t the people be showing respect and dignity now? It looks like this country has gone into childish, idol worshipping mode. That immaturity is not going to take this country in the right direction or solve any of our many sober problems.

[besscannon-2009]

Colin Powell weas ''bought''? Maybe so, because this whole election was ''bought''!! It is sad that it has come down to the election being decided by who has the most money. That is NOT democracy, it is Socialism!!!

[besscannon-2009]

WHY should Obama ''save'' Liberman? The man can''t make up his mind what side he wants to be on and made his own bed with all his indisiviness, now, let him lie in it or, straighten it out HIMSELF. He did nothing for Obama, therefore Obama owes him nothing.

[megawhy]

Wow do you really think Colin Powell gave Obama an endorsement so he could get a cabinet post? He was bought...nooooo can''t be.

[megawhy]

Can''t we all just get along.

Look, the Democrats "won". Now we get to see how really competent they are. I am so entertained by the process being used to select a cabinet. Just watch all the "wonderful" people President Obamna will put on his cabinet. It will be like watching a live show of the three stooges, except there are so many more.

I am really enjoying the show. An "interest group" cabinet with personal agendas all around the table. President Obama will not be able to handle all of them. I just hope they don''t make the President and the country look foolish.

I am loving this already!

[thepitbull13]

Crook, Crook, goose. Tax, Tax, spend. Same ''ol, same ''ol, change. Trickle up poverty. I am poor, educated and smart enough to know that poor folk do not create jobs and employ people. So tax the rich and watch the money be put in tax shelters and overseas, and watch the job market go further south. Capital gains taxes...watch investments fall....lower corporate profits= less jobs and fewer raises. I am so comforted by the fact that the Iranian President and Hamas celebrated Obama''s election. And now the media decides to vet the President elect. Suckers. The only person that can lift me up and out of my difficulties is ME and not depending on the nanny state. While you wait for handouts, I''m working to better myself. Don''t wait for the got to fix your life!

[treknutz]

Careful who you propisition DJ, Texwithlove is a transgender!

[excoachken]

Don''t worry you guys, bj is praying for you AND a new puppy too.

[chitown4716]

What an idiot you must be.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by I_AM_DJ

Not a bigger idiot than you, trying to pick-up chicks on the message board....WHAT ARE YOU??? SOME KINDA PREVERT??? Go back to your porn sites, SICKO!!!!

[chitown4716]

It''''ll be more stimulating than posting to the neandrathal Slownewsday/daze and his fifty other nic names...and ********* the racist hysteria addict...

lol....I think I''''ll nic name them both Hannibal I and Hannibal II...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FromTexwLove

I think you should give those nic names to your STALKER friend who wants you to go on messenger with him....LMAO

[chitown4716]

Strange now isn''''t it, *********, I haven''''t lost a damned thing. I wasn''''t running for office...and I''''m still the happy camper I''''ve always been living in the prosperity that I earned...not off anything the government gave to me...and I intend to go on doing so...and I will continue to speak out against a communist president and any attack against the US Constitution.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FromTexwLove

Well, I was just pointing out that you were using PRE-ELECTION PROPAGANDA....its time for some new material POST GOP EMBARRASSING DEFEAT PROPAGANDA....do some research on those hatesites. The home team is still pulling for you to come up with the most ridiculously foolish posts, dont let us down!!!!

[chitown4716]

Nice try, but NO BANANA!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FromTexwLove

Well, you were dumb enough to say that communism existed in the 1700s....I am not calling you dumb, but let me ask you this, IS AFRICA A COUNTRY OR A CONTINENT? LMAO!!!!

[chitown4716]

Yes, because those are the courses from the course catalog that he taught.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by FromTexwLove

Youre a loser!!! McCain LOST THE ELECTION!!! GET OVER IT!!! ITS OVER, MCCAIN LOST!!!!