Vilsack says he's not being considered for Obama's cabinet

Michael Pollan seems to have the right idea... (0.00 / 0)

... in terms of what radical changes need to take place with America's farm policy.  He had a good New York Times op-ed piece back in October that addressed to the new "Farmer in Chief".  It's worth a look.  Some are saying Pollan would make a good secretary of ag, but I'd like to see Obama consider Ed Fallon.

(I'm brand new here, so my apologies if some of this has been brought up before.)

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by: ProfOzone @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 16:38:27 PM UTC

Pollan is fantastic (0.00 / 0)

I think he is WAY too much of an outsider to handle that level of policy work, though.

I'm hoping for Tom Buis of National Farmers Union- probably the best qualified and the most pro-family farm candidate being mentioned now....

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by: Renewable Rich @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 16:48:21 PM UTC

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I read at La Vida Locavore (0.00 / 0)

that Pollan confirmed he is not seeking any kind of government post.

Not that anyone with his background would have a prayer of being appointed to head the USDA anyway!

At least we know Obama has read some of Pollan's work (he referred to an op-ed by Pollan in an interview with Newsweek). I hope there will be some changes for the better on agriculture.

Bush has left the country in such a mess that agriculture is probably not first, second, third or even tenth on Obama's priority list.

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by: desmoinesdem @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 17:58:36 PM UTC

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It's pretty apparent... (0.00 / 0)

that Vilsack sent up that balloon himself, in the hope that a media buzz would get him a meeting.  

I swear, this guy is just delusional- that whole ridiculous early prez campaign fiasco, and his continual clawing to get a position of power through the party machine- it's just.... sad.

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by: Renewable Rich @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 16:45:35 PM UTC

I don't think it all came from Vilsack (0.00 / 0)

Everyone seemed to think he was being seriously considered. Maybe the coverage about Obama appointing so many Clintonistas scared them away from Vilsack?

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by: desmoinesdem @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 17:59:29 PM UTC

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Vilsack Ran Poor Campaign (0.00 / 0)

Vilsack had plenty of money to run a good campaign in Iowa but he tried to compete with Hillary and Co. right away out of the gate and that's why he dropped out so fast.

If he would have just run a grassroots campaign - he would have been able to generate excitement and the money would have come pouring in. He had 100 percent name recognition already amongst Iowa Democrats.  He blew it when he didn't endorse Obama like Treasurer and Attorney General did.  They were smart.

What will Vilsack do now?  I hear he is a corporate attorney in Des Moines and works for Drake as a lecturer?

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by: Bill Spencer @ Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 22:13:38 PM UTC

Now is free. (0.00 / 0)

Now Vilsak is free to run against Grassley.  Personally Christy is a better campaigner.  But I would love to see Tom go against Grassley.

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by: keith nichols @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 at 00:45:07 AM UTC

I don't think he will run (0.00 / 0)

unless Grassley retires or develops a health problem. I don't see Vilsack as a big risk-taker, and challenging Grassley would be a major uphill battle.

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by: desmoinesdem @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 at 01:50:04 AM UTC

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I should add that (0.00 / 0)

whoever does run against Grassley (Tom or Christie Vilsack or anyone else) will have my full support.

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by: desmoinesdem @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 at 01:50:44 AM UTC

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Grassley vulnerable? (0.00 / 0)

Will you be able to give Grassley's opponent $2300?

Maybe William Meyers should run for the US Senate?

Grassley was for the bailout and I don't think that was a smart move on his behalf.  While it would take a lot to beat Grassley, he did himself no favors.

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by: Bill Spencer @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 at 02:15:45 AM UTC

Grassley is probably not vulnerable (0.00 / 0)

But if a top-tier challenger declares the intention to run against him, and he gets increasingly fed up with life in the minority in the Senate, he may decide to retire.

I'm in favor of leaving no Republican unchallenged anywhere. No one thought Saxby Chambliss was vulnerable six months ago.  

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by: desmoinesdem @ Tue Nov 25, 2008 at 02:53:48 AM UTC

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