Bunker Mulligan "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~Mark Twain

Beyond all the discussion about whether John Kerry or George Bush will be better for this country, I believe it is necessary to look at what kinds of people each would appoint to positions of power and influence in their Administration. As with every election, this topic is not discussed in polite company, or in the normal campaigning.

We can look to President Bush to retain his current cabinet and primary advisors unless one or more of them decide to “return to private life to spend more time with my family.” I don’t see any of them leaving for any reason except a sincere desire to get out of the spotlight. In particular, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice shun the theatrics of politics, and prefer to simply do their jobs well. I feel Rumsfeld is a strong SecDef, although there are some who would like to see him gone. Perhaps he would want to leave also. I believe the departure of any one of these three prior to inauguration day would be a bad move and generate an “I told you so” mentality from their opponents. Perhaps McCain’s quasi-strong support of Dubya is predicated on the possibility of a high-profile position in the Administration in anticipation of a run for President in 2008. I can only see him as a possible SecDef, and not in any other position.

For Kerry, the list of wannabes is long and pretty uninspiring. First out of the chute would be Wesley Clark for Secretary of State or UN Ambassador. He is a logical Kerry choice given his experience as NATO Commander. I, personally, don’t think he handled that very well, but those in the Kerry camp (and Clinton’s) certainly see him as a player. Another general officer looking for a job in the Kerry Administration is Merrill McPeak. Whether Kerry trusts him or not remains to be seen. He is an obvious opportunist having first supported Dean when it looked like the good doctor had the nomination wrapped up, then jumped to the Kerry camp as Dean imploded. He could serve only one of two spots–replace Rice as National Security Advisor, or Rumsfeld as SecDef. I get a chill in my spine even thinking about it.

Expect some favorite of Al Gore’s to head the EPA. The Attorney General will be someone Edwards knows, possibly some young gun who’s made a reputation suing BIG companies. He/she will be in favor of prosecuting all manner of hate crimes and trying to destroy imagined monopolies.

The remaining spots will be filled with Clinton retreads or their previous subordinates in the Administration. Terry McAulliff and Ted Kennedy will have much to do with their selection. There will be a token African-American somewhere, although not in a truly significant position. The Democrats have eaten far too much Jim Crow since Bush placed Rice and Powell in roles of power for that to go unanswered. Health and Human Services comes to mind.

I’m curious what my Democratic friends out there think the lineup would be.