Howard Dean On The Bill Daley Pick

Howard Dean likes William Daley. He thinks the former Secretary of Commerce is a good choice to be President Obama’s next Chief of Staff. And except for a fundamental difference with Dr. Dean on building the proposed Islamic Center in lower Manhattan, I like him. He was a fabulous Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Three things of note I think, to glean from his interview last night with Rachel Maddow, on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show:

Howard Dean admires Bill Daley for having many of the qualities I think Dr. Dean himself has. Qualities that amounted to a very successful tenure at the DNC. He believes Mr. Daley to be honest, hard working, no-nonsense and respectful. Wiling to admit when he is wrong. He thinks the guy really listens. He believes you can have a conversation with Bill Daley, and walk away knowing the man really understood what you said – even if in the end a disagreement remains. And Howard Dean believes positive, working relationships are a BIG DEAL. So, he thinks we need to give the guy a chance.

He does not pretend to think Bill Daley is a progressive. But he really thinks the former Mid-West Chair of JP Morgan will put aside all his former allegiances and make President Obama his only client. And Dr. Dean is willing to eat his words if it all comes tumbling down.

I don’t think Rachel Maddow was in any way convinced this is a good choice.  And I am sure many on the left will remain unconvinced as well.  But, I must mention I think using Bill Daley’s tenure running Al Gore’s campaign against him is a bit unfair. More to that there, remember? But, I digress…

All I could think of during the interview was that Howard Dean was painting a picture of the “anti- Rahm Emanuel.” And despite all the Chicago connections, I do believe this White House needs that.