Thoughts on Specter, the News Conference, and the First 100 Days

• It seemed like an awfully big coincidence that Specter changed parties right before President Obama’s 100th day. The move certainly gives Obama a lot of momentum into Wednesday’s press conference and should also eat up a few questions from the press corps. This eerily reminds me of Colin Powell’s decision to endorse Obama a few weeks before election day. Like Specter, there were many rumors that Powell was going to betray his fellow Republicans. He disregarded those comments but later supported Obama at a more critical time. I guess both questions can only be answered when such folks as Robert Gibbs and David Axelrod pen their memoirs.
• So now that the Democrats ostensibly have their filibuster proof majority, will the Republicans sniff out Sen. Roland Burris as a potential ally on certain issues? Key Democrats including Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin are jettisoning Burris for Illinois state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the 2010 primaries. If Burris figures that his seat is gone, he might be a tough vote on key Democratic legislation. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows. It is more likely  though that the Democrats will give Burris favors sub rosa. One thing is for sure though: Burris shall be watched.
• With Specter, swine flu, and Air Force One’s mistake dominating the news cycle, will the press corps once again fail to ask any foreign policy questions(if you don’t count torture as one)? Foreign policy is intrinsically the most opaque part of government, and it looks like Obama will once again eschew divulging any important facts about his administration’s position on key international issues.
• In light of Tim Geithner’s schedule just being disclosed, it seems that the most important aspect of being the Secretary of any cabinet is one’s ability to adroitly handle the media. Most of his days as Treasury Secretary consist of meeting with members of the press, prepping for interviews, and talking with lawmakers. He rarely spends much time actually contemplating the issues—that task appears to be in the hands of his subordinates. Therefore, the key behind cabinet choices should be their communication skills, not their analytical skills(one can of course have both…).
• And finally, watch for any potential 2012 Republican candidates to start making the media rounds this week. With the 100 days number marketed so effectively, an above average amount of people will be paying attention to the news this week. For those considering making a splash in presidential politics, look for them to do shows starting tomorrow through the Sunday shows trying to corner the voice of opposition. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s decision to dominate the media on Tuesday was probably not accidental.