Trump and Rex Tillerson as SoS

tres borrachos said:

This #NeverTrumper applauds Trump's selection of Tillerson. Call me crazy (to my face instead of behind my back as most of you do anyway).

I'm not sure who would have made the left happy anyway, unless he tapped Hillary for the role, or asked Kerry to stay on for a few more years.

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radcen said:

2) Yet, Trump's choice of Ambassador to China, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, is being hailed by many in political circles, Rep and Dem, as being a good and smart choice precisely because of Branstad's longtime friendship with the Chinese leader (don't remember his name and don't care enough to look it up).

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tres borrachos said:

This #NeverTrumper applauds Trump's selection of Tillerson. Call me crazy (to my face instead of behind my back as most of you do anyway).

I'm not sure who would have made the left happy anyway, unless he tapped Hillary for the role, or asked Kerry to stay on for a few more years.

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Praxas said:

Which Dem circles is he being hailed as a good choice in?

It's just amusing that Trump and his Trumpbots say that career politicians are the problem yet he hires the longest serving governor. :roll:

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radcen said:

Re: The current brouhaha over Trump's choice of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State (SoS).

Some random thoughts and confusion...

1) Tillerson is being vilified by many in political circles, Rep and Dem, as being too close to Putin.

2) Yet, Trump's choice of Ambassador to China, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, is being hailed by many in political circles, Rep and Dem, as being a good and smart choice precisely because of Branstad's longtime friendship with the Chinese leader (don't remember his name and don't care enough to look it up).

Is it just me, or is this just what has become standard political partisan hackery in action? Maybe it's me, but being on good terms with the leader of another country is either a good thing or it's not. Many of the people doing the criticizing and praising are the same people, yet they're arguing both sides of the concept.

Now, SoS isn't ambassador to a single country, which is one difference, but the way people are acting you'd swear that it is and that Tillerson will be dealing only with Russia.

So again, maybe it's just me, but I'm seeing this whole scenario as much ado about nothing. I am not convinced that Tillerson would make a good SoS, but this aspect is wholly irrelevant... especially given the praise heaped on Branstad for essentially the same thing.

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Praxas said:

Which Dem circles is he being hailed as a good choice in?

It's just amusing that Trump and his Trumpbots say that career politicians are the problem yet he hires the longest serving governor. :roll:

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ttwtt78640 said:

Yep, kind of like being against Trump appointing career business folks because they lack government experience and yet being against Trump appointing career government folks because they are swamp creatures.

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ttwtt78640 said:

Being friendly with some socialists is bad but being friendly with other socialists is good. What is so hard to understand about that?

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RAMOSS said:

It seems to me there is a difference between a friendship between two people, and people who have a strong business relationship. The business relationship could be considered a conflict of interest

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radcen said:

I had thought of that, but Branstad routinely travels personally to China to encourage them to buy Iowa products, i.e. soybeans, etc. So, while it's not his pocket being lined, I'm not seeing much of a difference.

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RAMOSS said:

I see a huge difference between promoting your state's products, and lining your own pockets. Someone who promotes his own states interests will also promote his countries interests. SOmeone who promotes their own interest is much different when it comes to 'themselves' and 'their country'

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radcen said:

That's some impressive mental gymnastics you got going on right there. Promoting their country also promotes 'themselves'. If one's country succeeds, one's personal interests are more likely to do well, also.

In in reverse, promoting one's state's products also promotes them self in the success and advancement of their political career... unless you are saying that you're naive and believe that politicians are selfless public servants doing the will of the people with no concern for themselves whatsoever.

Try as you might, they are more similar than they are unalike.

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RAMOSS said:

I find a big differnce when someone is lining their own pocket, verses promoting their state/country. No 'gymnatistics' what so ever, but recognition of the character trait known as 'greed'

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radcen said:

Then maybe you are naive and believe that politicians are selfless public servants. I stand corrected.

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