I started writing about this as the announcement was made and got called away. Now I discover that my friend and very wise colleague PunditMom has basically said everything I would have said – so go read her evaluation.
I still want, though, to share my sense of this remarkable woman. It's very exciting. Melody Barnes, now a top adviser to President-Elect Obama, is one of the most impressive, decent and unpretentious people I've worked with in Washington or anywhere else. She's smart, she's interesting, always open, funny and committed. She is a wonderful choice. Since she's been working with the transition for some time it's no surprise, but it still says a lot that she's there. Here's a interview with her that will give you an idea of her thinking and of the way she responds; calm, orderly, thoughtful and usually, wise.
Not much detail, I know. My own experiences with her were peripheral and intermittent but this I know: her presence in the Administration is yet another piece of evidence supporting what I wrote yesterday. The values, outlook and core of this Administration offer more and more hope that they're bringing smart, capable and "no drama*" people with them as they take over in these very difficult times.
*Yeah, yeah I know but Larry Summers is just one guy.
Obama’s wise decisions (Summers aside!) on his cabinet and advisors helps confirm that he is the kind of leader we need right now.
Yes, I’m excited and hopeful about Melody as well. Relevant to note that all four of Obama’s economic picks yesterday–Geithner, Summers, Romer, and Barnes–are all members of Generation Jones–born ’54-’65, between the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Because Obama is a GenJoneser also, numerous influential pundits and publications have recently been writing and talking about the many collective personality traits which distinguish Jonesers from Boomers/Xers, and these traits (e.g. practical idealism) will not only significantly impact the way Obama governs, but also how those keey advisors around him approach their jobs. This 5 minute video is worth watching–it’s filled with dozens of top political figures like David Brooks and Clarence Page discussing the existence and importance of Generation Jones vis-a-vis the election of Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ta_Du5K0jk