New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is ducking out of president-elect Barack Obama’s cabinet as the feds investigate” pay-to-play” charges. Can’t have that kinda drama right out the gate. I’m glad he opted out rather than being ousted out. There’s some idea that Richardson may have awarded contracts to a company that contributed heavily to his failed campaign for president. Obama, who normally stays above controversy, felt compelled to offer up statement.

“It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson’s decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce . . . Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office.”

More than that, he was part of a diverse staff, and his absence will be noted by Hispanics. Obama, for his part, says he will be quick to replace Richardson, and I agree with that. Best not to linger on negativity. But there are other issues ahead.

The question going forward is, who do we get to replace Richardson? No matter how it turns out, does Richardson have the power-base to recover for a possible presidential bid in 2012? What do you think?

Who should Obama get to replace Gov. Bill Richardson on his cabinet?  Tell us here.

Images courtesy of nydailynews.com.

(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One.  TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)

President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Rev. Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration.  Warren is well known for being active on social issues, but he is not without baggage: he’s considered a social conservative who opposes gay rights and abortion. People for the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert said he is “deeply disappointed” with the choice of Warren because he doesn’t have “consistent mainstream American values.” But choosing evangelical Warren has ruffled some feathers with Democrats, many of whom feel they should have a say.

This new kerfluffle makes me wonder how and where the Obamas are going to worship in peace. They already turned their back on their home church and its pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. They are both members of the United Church of Christ, but you have to wonder if they intend to keep that affiliation, given the churches well-known liberal politics. The thing is, religion is a personal thing, and the choice  should be made without the input of the public. I don’t know any way Obama could have made everyone happy with his choice of religious emissary to oversee to the proceedings. Warren is one of the most powerful religious leaders in America, but so is T.D. Jakes–was Warren the right man for this job? What do you think?

Who should Barack Obama pick to give the invocation at the inauguration?  Tell us here.

Images courtesy of monstersandcritics.com.

(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One.  TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)