So far President-elect Barack Obama’s cabinet picks have been excellent, choosing on merit rather than partisanship or idealogical criteria. His decision to keep Republican Secretary of Defense Gates was a particularly positive sign. Obama obviously recognizes Gates’s ability and realizes that this is no time to disrupt the handling of our two wars.

Choosing Tim Geithner, president of the Federal Reserve bank of New York, to be his Treasury Secretary and Larry Summers as his economic advisor sent comforting signals to Wall Street. U.S. stock prices rallied more than 6 percent next day. Both are recognized on the street as eminently qualified for the positions. Nine years ago Summers warned of financial trouble ahead if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were not reined in and subjected to more stringent capital requirements and oversight. The political blowback was fierce; lobbyists representing many, now bankrupt, investment firms and large banks, along with powerful lawmakers, accused Sumner of promoting a “tax on homeownership.” The proposals everyone now wishes had become law were shot down in flames. Those systemic risks Summers warned about haunt our economy.

However, Obama strayed from only safe and solid appointments when he selected Hillary Clinton Secretary of State. Clinton has the credentials to be an excellent Secretary of State. She is knowledgeable on all aspects of our foreign policy, no one disputes that she is exceptionally intelligent. She has met most world leaders, and during the primary her foreign policy views were close to Obama’s. However, Clinton brings with her considerable baggage. Obama must trust that Clinton, both in public and in private conversations supports his policies. We can bet that the presses’ love of controversy will have them, like a pack of wolves hovering outside the campfire, poised to jump on any evidence of disloyalty on her part. Undoubtedly she has given Obama a guarantee of her loyalty. And Hillary is a person who will honor her pledge. The bigger problem is her husband.

After announcing Clinton’s appointment to the press Obama accepted questions. He was specifically asked whether Bill Clinton would be a problem. His response was that Bill Clinton has a wealth of knowledge, has friendships with many world leaders and would be useful to Obama if sent by him on special missions. And there is no doubt that Bill Clinton could be valuable to Obama if he limited himself to doing only what he was asked.

Once when I was spokesman for GE during a strike, the union newspaper referred to me as “motor mouth”. That is a label that fits Bill Clinton perfectly. As he demonstrated during the primaries, with all good intentions, he can be a bull in a china shop, wreaking havoc around him each time he speaks. He did this despite what her close campaign advisors have disclosed were Mrs. Clinton’s wishes, that he go home and shut up. Will he act differently with his wife Secretary of State? Obama is tempting fate.

The President-elect told reporters he had deliberately chosen people who are not shy in expressing their views. Obama said that to be effective as president he must have the opinions of others. Without them, he said, it’s not possible to make good decisions. He added, however, that he is the president and decisions will reflect his policy and he expects it to be supported.

When the President-elect chose Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff it indicated that cabinet members and other advisers will be closely monitored to be sure they do just that. Emanuel is known to be very smart and very demanding. He has no tolerance for lack of effort or results and can be very abrasive in his dealings with people, even those who are friends. This does not mean Emanuel will emulate the actions Carl Rove and Dick Cheney, giving orders and informing the President after the fact. Technically he has no authority other than keeping the White House staff efficient. However, Emanuel’s personality and personal loyalty to Obama suggests that no matter what their rank, everyone will be watched closely and should not be slow in implementing the Presidents expressed wishes.

President-elect Obama will be in office in just a few weeks and even that seems too long to for the end of this period of inaction. We can be thankful that it will happen on January 20. Until the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution the President-elect did not assume office until March.