Obama’s Grand Collection

Grand compromises involve great conversation. Great conversation involves awareness, curiosity, humility, indulgence, interest, knowledge, respect, and restraint. One cannot assume correctness. They must accept correction, education, and instruction.

On Monday, President-Elect Obama announced his national security specialists. They include Hillary Clinton (Secretary of State), Robert Gates (Secretary of Defense), Janet Naploitano (Secretary of Homeland Security), Eric Holder (Attorney General), James Jones (National Security Advisor), and Susan Rice (United Nations Ambassador).

According to President-Elect Obama, his vision is shared. “In their past service and plans for the future, these men and women represent all of those elements of American power, and the very best of the American example,” he said. “They have served in uniform and as diplomats; they have worked as legislators, law enforcement officials, and executives. They share my pragmatism about the use of power, and my sense of purpose about America's role as a leader in the world.”

Clinton and Gates’ nominations are intriguing. Gates is a Republican. Clinton was a campaign rival. “I have known Hillary Clinton as a friend, a colleague, a source of counsel, and as a campaign opponent,” said Obama. “She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. I am proud that she will be our next Secretary of State. She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence; who knows many of the world's leaders; who will command respect in every capitol; and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world.”

“At a time when we face an unprecedented transition amidst two wars, I have asked Robert Gates to continue as Secretary of Defense, and I'm pleased that he's accepted,” Obama continued. “Two years ago, he took over the Pentagon at a difficult time. He restored accountability. He won the confidence of military commanders, and the trust of our brave men and women in uniform, and their families. He earned the respect of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle for his pragmatism and competence. He knows that we need a sustainable national security strategy -- and that includes a bipartisan consensus at home.”

President-Elect Obama’s choices are impressive. They epitomize bipartisanship and compromise. They project pragmatism and trust. They traverse gender and race. Obviously, selections cannot prophesize success. They can reveal wisdom.

President-Elect Obama Complete Text