As someone who didn't vote for Obama because he is too far to the right of me, but who was nonetheless glad to see him win, I've been disappointed but not surprised by his other appointee picks (not least Hilary, who favored invading Iraq).

The appointments announced today are the first ones that I actually found encouraging. Amazing that this will be the first Secretary of Energy who has been a professional scientist. (Previous secretaries include a guy from the coffee-business.)

It is refreshing to see a scientist for energy.

I looked earlier today for a discussion in DB on these moves. None. Nice to see the top post.

Maybe we'll see a biologist again in government in some of the other agencies-USDA, Interior- that sorely need it.

Thus far, the President-elect is surrounding himself with very strong people-hard to find yes men or women among them. Will be an interesting spring watching if he is strong enough himself to move forward. Some appear quite far from his campaign positions.

I looked earlier today for a discussion in DB on these moves. None.

You didn't look here, apparently. ;-)

Thx for the heads up. I missed it.

Maybe the first energy meeting won't have the vice president closing the door.

At EPA, Lisa Jackson chosen. Masters in Chemical Engineering. Right up RR's alley.

I agree with some other posters, that initial appointments were starting to look like Clinton Term 3. It's wait and see.