C&C is not primarily about politics, but politics makes itself felt in staffing any new administration. The primary goal, however, is to bring in people who know what they are doing and whose integrity, experience and judgment are widely respected, even if their views aren't shared. Obviously, you also need people in line with what the new President told the electorate he was going to do if he won.
With this in mind, I'll throw out some suggestions about who I think would be good appointments in the coming Trump Administration.
White House Chief of Staff -- Reince Priebus. Has the trust of both establishment Republicans and Trump insiders. His warm greeting by Trump at Trump's speech on election night was an eye-opener. The strategy of going for Rust Belt states normally unattainable by the Republican candidate was brilliant -- basically the difference in the election. And it shows that Priebus has a feel for what is going on in the country, an indispensable quality in the Chief of Staff.
White House Counsel -- Judge Michael Mukasey. Mukasey is the name of probity and integrity in this town. He is the perfect counterbalance for Trump's sometimes impulsive tendencies.
Attorney General -- Jeff Sessions. I discussed this previously. His gracious and friendly demeanor will make it easier to implement the law-and-order policies to which Trump is committed. He also has experience as both a United States Attorney and an Assistant US Attorney, meaning that career people at DOJ and in US Attorneys Offices will relate to him.
Homeland Security -- Rudy Giuliani. If anyone in America is identified with a successful response to terrorism and the hard thinking needed to confront Jihad, it's Giuliani. He is not all that socially conservative, but is close to Trump and a perfect fit for the position.
Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division -- Steve Cook. Cook is a dark horse pick for sure, but well-qualified for the job. He is President of the National Association of Assistant US Attorneys; has more than 30 years' experience as a federal prosecutor under administrations of both parties; is a former police officer; and has been a leader in opposing mass sentencing reduction. His appointment would send a signal of respect for the day-to-day work of his subordinates, and the integrity of a non-political approach to wielding prosecutorial power.
I have heard Sessions wants State, do you think he'd be willing to be AG?
I saw a report about Asa Hutchinson as a possible AG pick. DO you think he would be good?
And do you think the Bridgegate scandal and recent convictions means Christie does not get a Cabinet seat?
And what about Newt?
Trey Gowdy? Is he part of the mix?
Bridgegate hurts Christie.
Just very briefly:
Hutchinson has said unequivocally that he does not wish to be in the cabinet, http://www.thv11.com/news/local/gov-hutchinson/350484641
I would give Sen. Sessions any job he wants. I think he's ideal for AG.
Newt is on the wrong side of sentencing reform (although I have heard he's having second thoughts).
Trump likes and trusts Christie, but I do think the recent convictions of his former aides is a problem.
Just joking here---what about James Inhofe for EPA?