Obama Appoints Vilsack to Agriculture, Salazar to Interior
Keeping his presser-a-day streak alive, this morning President-elect Barack Obama filled two more cabinet slots, nominating former Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-Iowa) as
Jul 31, 202042.4K Shares816.5K Views
Keeping his presser-a-day streak alive, this morning President-elect Barack Obama filled two more cabinet slots, nominating former Gov. Tom Vilsack (D-Iowa) as secretary of agriculture and Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Col.) as secretary of the interior.
A month ago, Vilsack was considered the front-runnerfor the agriculture position, but in late November he told the Des Moines Registerthat he had not been contacted by Obama and was “no longer” in the running. Yesterday afternoon, reports surfaced that would indeed take the helm at agriculture.
Rumors of his selection drew criticism from Michael Pollan-mold food policy advocates, who arguedthat his support for ethanol and corn subsidies — Iowa is the country’s largest grower of corn— would get in the way of significant reformof the Department of Agriculture. Apparently addressing concerns that the pragmatic Vilsackmight hew to the status quo, Obama said that “as fiercely protective of family farms and the farm economy as he’s been, he’s also forward-looking” on issues of energy and sustainability.
Salazar, accepting the nomination in a cowboy hat and bolo tie, emphasized the importance of faith to his ancestors, who helped found the city of Santa Fe, and said, “Today, as I stand here, I see their faith shining brightly on Barack Obama.” He laid out some of his priorities, which include reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, improving infrastructure, preserving parks and working with Native American nations.
Salazar’s appointment has been criticized by some liberal Democrats who would have preferred the progressive Rep. Raul Grijalva(D-Ariz.). According to NPR, “The only ones pleased with the rumored pick were those in the agriculture and mining industries. During the campaign these folks, generally, were counted as supporters of Republican John McCain.”
But Obama said that Salazar would be “at the cutting edge of environmental of energy policy so that commercial interests are just one group among many groups.” And liberals may actually stand to gain from his appointment. Salazar, who worked in environmental law before becoming a senator, is considered more progressiveon the environment than on other issues. His Senate seat may now be filled by a more liberal legislator.
Once again, Obama could not dodge the Blagojevich scandal when he took questions from reporters. Asked when his report on his team’s interaction with the Illinois governor might be released, he replied that the delay was “a little bit frustrating” to him and assured reporters, “By next week, you guys will have the answers to all your questions.”
Rhyley Carney
Reviewer
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