What's in the Cabinet?

In his new book, "Where Have All The Leaders Gone?" former auto executive Lee Iacocca recommends that presidential candidates reveal their cabinet choices prior to the election. His argument, and I agree, is that this would help voters gain significant insight into the candidates' leadership styles. Consider what we have learned about McCain and Obama since their vice-presidential choices. Americans have paid attention to these decisions, as reflected in the polls. But we need more to go on. We cannot tell how well the football team will perform based solely on the quarterback and his best wide-receiver.

Yes, the president is the ultimate "decider" in the executive branch, as George W. Bush has said, but he does not exist in a vaccuum. His advisers are appointed experts who influence domestic and foreign policies. They include, among others, the Secretaries of State, the Treasury, and Defense, as well as the Attorney General (and the National Security Adviser, who is not technically a "cabinet" member). These are extrememly powerful individuals, especially with a weak president, such as the current President Bush. Also, though less significant, the cabinet determines presidential succession.

When voters elect a president who has chosen his or her cabinet (at least to begin the term), they have a much clearer idea of what they are getting. Will it be merely a team of "yes men"? Or will it be a diverse group of qualified, free-thinking public servants. Sure, it might be awkward for those chosen by the eventual losing candidate, but that's politics. What's easily more important is that the voting public be as informed as possible about who - specifically who - will be leading their country.