I said the other day that Obama’s national security appointments were as good as a hawk could hope for. Well his pick for US Trade Representative is much better than what free traders expected. The former Mayor of Dallas Ron Kirk (pictured with Obama) is on the right side of the issue which considering Obama’s protectionist demagoguery during the primaries and the general is a pleasant and most welcome surprise.
Given the protectionist nature of the Democratic Congress it is unlikely that much progress will be made on liberalising trade over the next few years. But the nomination of Kirk suggests that Obama is, thankfully, not prepared to give the unions all that they want on trade. I expect that we’ll see more Democratic opposition to Kirk than to any other of Obama’s nominations.
The other good news on the appointments front is the choice of Arne Duncan for the education slot.
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