So far so good with Trump's staff picks.........

[zingerdawg]

80% … although this time around, his insults will be well founded. Each is uniquely unqualified for the position they have been given, with the possible exception of Rubio. He just named a talking head from Fox News as Secretary of Defense. The idea that Noem is being put in charge of Homeland Security should terrify all of us. She took 12 years to complete her online college degree, has zero experience in Federal Government.

I don’t disagree with noem. That is one pick I will never understand. The rest have been very solid. The good news with noem is she doesn’t have a very high bar to clear to be better than mayorkis. Quite frankly, he may have been the worst ever at his job. If it weren’t for the secret service overshadowing his massive incompetence at every turn. Mayorkis had not one damn clue of what was going on in his department.

Hegseth is the outsider choice for Trump. I think this is his most brilliant choice. We can revisit and I will eat crow if I am wrong. But milley and Kelly turned out to be liars, incompetent and corrupt. People tried to trot them out as a source to be believed about trump. Then both were trashed and debunked for being who they are. Even the left hated Kelly, but they were so desperate. The guy trump chose served for twenty years. Has two bronze stars and went to Princeton and Harvard. I say we give him a chance to figure it out. Vivek and Elon to clean up is also an incredible move as well.

 

[zingerdawg]

What else can you ask for than this.

 

[-lowcountrydawg]

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What else can you ask for than this.

It is a big deal. Imagine putting successful accomplished executives as opposed to academic wonks in charge.

 

[Georgia Jim]

I wonder how many of his cabinet will be suddenly deemed losers or idiots before the end of their first year and replaced.

Boy those grapes are sour....As OdumbAss said " Elections have Consequences "

 

[3 Pete]

In a way, Noem and Hegseth have the same task. Restore the culture. John Ratcliffe just announced for CIA Director.

 

[zingerdawg]

Boy those grapes are sour....As OdumbAss said " Elections have Consequences "

I don’t know how some can’t look in the mirror on this. As awful as never trumpers think he is, we all kept telling them how bad it is out there right now. How disconnected they were from the everyday voter. I said it here 100 times or more in response to will. People would come into my office and tell me they have never had it so bad. Friends would tell me the same. Unless you were upper middle class or rich, you were prison raped by this past admin. They left their own base. Now the Dems are going to pay for it.

 

[-lowcountrydawg]

I don’t know how some can’t look in the mirror on this. As bad as never trumpers think he is, we all kept telling them how bad it is out there. How disconnected they were from the everyday voter. I said it here 100 times or more in response to will. People would come into my office and tell me they have never had it so bad. Friends would tell me the same. Unless you were upper middle class or rich, you were prison raped by this past admin. They left their own base. Now the Dems are going to pay for it.

Hopefully because the dude can't run for re-election, they will give him a chance to govern.

I suspect that many in opposition secretly believe that his policy and executive style will work well and further the belief that working class have regarding Trump's (and by extension his successor) superiority in terms of both peace and prosperity. That is even more dangerous to their way of life than the "enemy within, nazi, facist, firing squad" bullshit they all spewed.

 

[zingerdawg]

Hopefully because the dude can't run for re-election, they will give him a chance to govern.

I suspect that many in opposition secretly believe that his policy and executive style will work well and further the belief that working class have regarding Trump's (and by extension his successor) superiority in terms of both peace and prosperity. That is even more dangerous to their way of life than the "enemy within, nazi, facist, firing squad" bullshit they all spewed.

Plus this is going to get ugly before it gets better. People are excited, but some tough decisions are about to happen to real people. It is long overdue, but it is going to hurt. I said this before, we need someone not afraid to be the villian. This deportation deal will be exploited as much as it can be by the legacy media. If they are still around. They are going to force people getting paid for nothing to resign. The government is about to get an overhaul. There will be plenty of upset people to interview. People with families. It has to be done.

 

[KidneyStoned]

Well, Hegseth has degrees from Princeton and Harvard, served at Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, worked at a think tank, ran 2 vet charities, advised DJT on military issues in his first term, has worked as a counterinsurgency instructor and of course has worked as a talking head on Fox which means he has good communication skills. He seems to be exponentially more qualified to serve as Sec Def than Kamala and Tiananmen Tim were for the positions they pursued.

Those are terrific, admirable credentials - for a lesser position in the administration.

 

[Dirty Hairy Dawg]

Those are terrific, admirable credentials - for a lesser position in the administration.

We'll see. Sec Def isn't brain surgery and it will boil down to his staff. The issue isn't that the Sec Def singularly devises war plans but what direction the Sec Def wants to lead. What we know about Hegseth is that he wants to shift focus from social issues to building the best fighting force we can build and giving them the best equipment in the world. He appears to be very qualified to sell his vision of the military and his vision of how we use our military when necessary. I don't think we'll have soldiers getting killed because they are hamstrung by faulty equipment and BS rules of engagement.

 

[KidneyStoned]

Rep’s selection of Thune over Scott as majority leader indicates that they will not rubber stamp unqualified nominees … I hope.

 

[ToddBburn]

There is nothing on her resume to suggest that she should even be considered for this post - same as Hegseth, who has probably never set foot inside the Pentagon and is perhaps best known for his history of adultery.

We will be less safe.

Less safe? You make some good comments and then finish with that. Less safe than what, when?

 

[-lowcountrydawg]

Those are terrific, admirable credentials - for a lesser position in the administration.

When the main / only argument against a candidate hired to lead a broken organization is the fact that he comes from outside that organization, you’ve probably hit the right spot. Give him a chance. I suspect you’ll see this guy smoke it in confirmation hearings.

 

[KidneyStoned]

Rep’s selection of Thune over Scott as majority leader indicates that they will not rubber stamp unqualified nominees … I hope

Less safe? You make some good comments and then finish with that. Less safe than what, when?

Less safe than we are now or will be if qualified persons assume those positions.

Many people, including me, are disgusted by Myorkas’ performance re the border. But Homeland Security is tasked with a great deal more than that. At the very least, he was qualified for the job. Noem has no qualifications whatsoever. Like hiring a landscaper to build a skyscraper.

Austin is a retired 4 Star General. I’m not even going to make an analogy between that and Hegseth’s resume.

These are the people most responsible for our National Security. Neither are qualified. They were picked solely because they bend the knee and kiss the ring. We are less safe as a result.

Austin :

He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the Infantry. He holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Auburn University, and a Master of Business Management from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

His 41-year career in the Army included command at the corps, division, battalion, and brigade levels. Mr. Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Seven years later, he would assume the duties of Commanding General of United States Forces – Iraq, overseeing all combat operations in the country.

After a tour as the Army’s Vice Chief of Staff, Mr. Austin concluded his uniformed service as the Commander of U.S. Central Command, responsible for all military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. In this assignment, he led U.S. and coalition efforts to battle ISIS in Iraq and Syria. He retired from the Army in April, 2016.

 

[BlessedDawg]

We'll see. Sec Def isn't brain surgery and it will boil down to his staff. The issue isn't that the Sec Def singularly devises war plans but what direction the Sec Def wants to lead. What we know about Hegseth is that he wants to shift focus from social issues to building the best fighting force we can build and giving them the best equipment in the world. He appears to be very qualified to sell his vision of the military and his vision of how we use our military when necessary. I don't think we'll have soldiers getting killed because they are hamstrung by faulty equipment and BS rules of engagement.

I think building the military back to world dominance and less concerned about DEI or social issues will be Hegseths main priority. I’ll admit that I’m not crazy with the pick but I’m willing to give it time and see how it goes.

 

[zingerdawg]

My landscaper could do a better job than mayorkis. Ironically

 

[TivoliDawg]

Rep’s selection of Thune over Scott as majority leader indicates that they will not rubber stamp unqualified nominees … I hope

Less safe than we are now or will be if qualified persons assume those positions.

Many people, including me, are disgusted by Myorkas’ performance re the border. But Homeland Security is tasked with a great deal more than that. At the very least, he was qualified for the job. Noem has no qualifications whatsoever. Like hiring a landscaper to build a skyscraper.

Austin is a retired 4 Star General. I’m not even going to make an analogy between that and Hegseth’s resume.

These are the people most responsible for our National Security. Neither are qualified. They were picked solely because they bend the knee and kiss the ring. We are less safe as a result.

Austin :

He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the Infantry. He holds a Master of Arts degree in counselor education from Auburn University, and a Master of Business Management from Webster University. He is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

His 41-year career in the Army included command at the corps, division, battalion, and brigade levels. Mr. Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Seven years later, he would assume the duties of Commanding General of United States Forces – Iraq, overseeing all combat operations in the country.

After a tour as the Army’s Vice Chief of Staff, Mr. Austin concluded his uniformed service as the Commander of U.S. Central Command, responsible for all military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. In this assignment, he led U.S. and coalition efforts to battle ISIS in Iraq and Syria. He retired from the Army in April, 2016.

Yeah the Hegseth thing makes me nervous. No one is perfect, certainly not Trump. When he is about to do something foolish, you need a mature (not young) person there who will speak their mind. Not be missing the experience or courage to speak up.

This is a very risky pick. Very. We are talking about our ability to wage war.

 

[ToddBburn]

Rep’s selection of Thune over Scott as majority leader indicates that they will not rubber stamp unqualified nominees … I hope

Less safe than we are now or will be if qualified persons assume those positions.

Many people, including me, are disgusted by Myorkas’ performance re the border. But Homeland Security is tasked with a great deal more than that. At the very least, he was qualified for the job. Noem has no qualifications whatsoever. Like hiring a landscaper to build a skyscraper.

Austin is a retired 4 Star General. I’m not even going to make an analogy between that and Hegseth’s resume.

These are the people most responsible for our National Security. Neither are qualified. They were picked solely because they bend the knee and kiss the ring. We are less safe as a result.

Qualified has many determining factors and changes depending on who you ask. I have seen many people with so called good qualifications do a terrible job. Mayorkas qualifications were not necessarily aligned with the task. Desire and willingness to do the job is a good start. Many great coaches, military leaders were not great players or soldiers either. I understand your thoughts and concerns. But the last 4 years were abysmal. There are so many safety concerns that we are not even aware of at this time. I am sure she will go to the border more often, she will get input and feedback from those on the ground and direct accordingly. But to make the statement less safe is a reach in my opinion. This is not a place where we were doing well and we can really mess it up. She has done quite well without the so called qualifications you mention. That usually means she has something that universities and degrees cannot teach. I am willing to give her a chance.

 

[KidneyStoned]

My landscaper could do a better job than mayorkis. Ironically

Your landscaper may be here because of Mayorkis lol ...

 

[KidneyStoned]

I think building the military back to world dominance and less concerned about DEI or social issues will be Hegseths main priority. I’ll admit that I’m not crazy with the pick but I’m willing to give it time and see how it goes.

I hear you, but honestly believe that the DEI / social crapola came from the Biden Admin, not from Austin. Given a free reign I doubt very seriously he would have gone down that silly path. There is certainly nothing in his background to suggest he would prioritize it.

 

[zingerdawg]

Your landscaper may be here because of Mayorkis lol ...

Well done!! Lol. Great point. I am waiting on some food. Laughed out loud when I read that. People were staring. Haha. Ironically mine is not an immigrant.

 

[Athens is Heaven]

Plus this is going to get ugly before it gets better. People are excited, but some tough decisions are about to happen to real people. It is long overdue, but it is going to hurt. I said this before, we need someone not afraid to be the villian. This deportation deal will be exploited as much as it can be by the legacy media. If they are still around. They are going to force people getting paid for nothing to resign. The government is about to get an overhaul. There will be plenty of upset people to interview. People with families. It has to be done.

The government needs to be lean and mean. We will be in for some tough times in the short term but it will benefit the people in the long term.

 

[Dirty Hairy Dawg]

I hear you, but honestly believe that the DEI / social crapola came from the Biden Admin, not from Austin. Given a free reign I doubt very seriously he would have gone down that silly path. There is certainly nothing in his background to suggest he would prioritize it.

If Austin believed that the Biden admin was harming troop quality, readiness and the overall ability to complete any foreseen missions, he should have pushed back privately and resigned if he felt he was being asked to degrade our ability to defend the nation and project power. I'm certainly not an Austin critic but he made the decision to preside over a defense dept that seemed to have priorities that didn't put capability and readiness as priority one. As such, he doesn't get a pass.

 

[KidneyStoned]

If Austin believed that the Biden admin was harming troop quality, readiness and the overall ability to complete any foreseen missions, he should have pushed back privately and resigned if he felt he was being asked to degrade our ability to defend the nation and project power. I'm certainly not an Austin critic but he made the decision to preside over a defense dept that seemed to have priorities that didn't put capability and readiness as priority one. As such, he doesn't get a pass.

Can’t disagree with any of that.

 

[accountingdawg2012]

Gaetz is an absolutely awful pick. There is no way he gets confirmed by the senate. Murkowski, Colins, and probably Graham are automatic “no’s” and that gets you to 50/50. Lose one more (and you probably will) and I can’t see him getting anywhere the DOJ.

Plus he’s under active criminal investigation for sleeping with 17 year old girls - an investigation started by the Trump DOJ I might add.

 

[KidneyStoned]

Gaetz is an absolutely awful pick. There is no way he gets confirmed by the senate. Murkowski, Colins, and probably Graham are automatic “no’s” and that gets you to 50/50. Lose one more (and you probably will) and I can’t see him getting anywhere the DOJ.

Plus he’s under active criminal investigation for sleeping with 17 year old girls - an investigation started by the Trump DOJ I might add.

I’m not sure you are assigning enough value to his 2.5 years practicing law in Fort Walton. That goes a long way.

 

[stray]

I’m not sure you are assigning enough value to his 2.5 years practicing law in Fort Walton. That goes a long way.

Less than 3 years being a lawyer is actually a huge plus in my book for anyone in government.

 

[brimur]

Less than 3 years being a lawyer is actually a huge plus in my book for anyone in government.

For Attorney General though? If you’re serious- hell yeah - I’ll take a Trump admin incompetent to defend its policies in the courts. Just like last time! So many injunctions incoming.

 

[LRA Dawg]

Gaetz is an absolutely awful pick. There is no way he gets confirmed by the senate. Murkowski, Colins, and probably Graham are automatic “no’s” and that gets you to 50/50. Lose one more (and you probably will) and I can’t see him getting anywhere the DOJ.

Plus he’s under active criminal investigation for sleeping with 17 year old girls - an investigation started by the Trump DOJ I might add.

Not to mention he is in favor of eliminating the entire FBI. I am beginning to think Trump is just drawing names of his ass kissers out of a hat when each job comes up.

 

[WyoDawg307]

Gaetz is an absolutely awful pick. There is no way he gets confirmed by the senate. Murkowski, Colins, and probably Graham are automatic “no’s” and that gets you to 50/50. Lose one more (and you probably will) and I can’t see him getting anywhere the DOJ.

Plus he’s under active criminal investigation for sleeping with 17 year old girls - an investigation started by the Trump DOJ I might add.

The joke is on everyone who thinks this is a bad pick and all those screaming swamp creatures from DC.

Trump gave them a poison pill and they will get it one way or the other:

 

[accountingdawg2012]

The joke is on everyone who thinks this is a bad pick and all those screaming swamp creatures from DC.

Trump gave them a poison pill and they will get it one way or the other:

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DeSantis isn't appointing Gaetz to the Senate. Rubio will be one of the first nominations moved (if not the first) and he will sail through confirmation with 90+ votes, and DeSantis will probably have that seat filled before Gaetz's nomination is even out of committee. DeSantis will appoint either his Lt. Gov or his Chief of Staff most likely to hold that seat until 2026. Even if he DID appoint him, I highly doubt he wins a special election in 2026 on a statewide basis so no they don't have to decide to have him as AG or as a colleauge for "years to come." The person that posted that tweet clearly doesn't understand how nominations are moved, how the Senate works, or how special elections in Florida work.

Also, Gaetz resigned so the investigation of him sleeping with 17 year old girls didn't come out from the House Ethics Committee. Can't believe we have people actively defending those accused of statutory rape.