President-elect Barack Obama has, in his transition, submitted a seven page vetting questionnaire to every applicant for a government job within his administration--including Cabinet jobs (not posts). This includes background checks on each applicant, family and 'hired help.' It includes all resumes submitted withing the last ten years, a record of all legal infractions (traffic fines of $50 or under are excluded)

Mr. Obama seems to want to make government honest.



Does his questionnaire accomplish this? Or will he be left with no one to hire?

To be honest, Liz, I don't think Obama drafted the list in question. It is far more likely a staffer did so. It is also rather likely the intent was not so much to get "honest" people for the positions but rather to avoid even the smallest possibility of embarassment arising over one of the hirings or appointments.

I think the President-elect just wants to ensure he gets people that agree with his narrow views more than have any particular qualifications or bring anything to ensure a more "honest" government. I'm sure one of the questions is "Can you keep a secret?"

Actually, Cy, I think Law has it right (no pun intended)--Obama doesn't want nasties to pup up in the next few months that would give the opposition any ammunition, ala the Clinton administration. The questionaire is far reaching and includes questions re the applicants' spouses, children and household help. It also requires documentation to back up any claims made by the applicant. That's why I called it looking for 'honest' applicants--if you tell even one little fib, and it can be proven, you won't get hired.

Mr. Obama has too much on his plate as it is--He doesn't need any past ghosts from anyone.

Yeah, I guess that's more like it and that seems prudent. I should have realized it was more about that and the questionaire is given to applicants who already have some qualifications for the positions that need filling. He already seems like he's honest and wants his administration to be honest with the best applicant for the job getting it. But he certainly has to be careful about any 'facts' that may be used against his administration.

Law, and everyone else... As much as you hate on the guy... He really is far less tainted by Washington then pretty much any of our other politicians. He openly admitted to smoking weed and doing coke back in his college days, his three favorite groups are Miles, Dylan, and the Fugees... The Fugees? What?

Aside from his gun stance back in 98, I'm having a hard time finding things to criticize the guy for.

A Fugees fan? Shit. The next four years will most certainly be interesting.

You believe that, huh? Well, then. Between now and January 20 I'll enjoy doing what I can to burst your serene little bubble. MUAHAHAHA

I am not sure where I ever hated on Obama himself, Stone. He has some views I do not support and may pursue policies I do not like and I have said so but that does not equate to hating on him, does it? Have I villified Obama? Called him a war criminal? Suggested he was an idiot? Blamed the death of Jimmy Hoffa on him? I don't recall any of that...

In any event, I concede he has less of the stink of Washington on him than most other politicians. That is due in no small part to the fact that he has almost ZERO national level political experience or associations. While that experience might generate some stink it might also have generated some actual qualification for the office he is about to assume. Oh well, its all water under the bridge. Obama is the newly elected President and the nation will simply have to deal with the consequences of its election day decisions...

No, you haven't. But it's far easier to get a reaction out of you than Ray. Don't take it personally.

Still, as lame as it sounds, I do like the fact our future president enjoys both Miles and the Fugees. The Fugees?

I actually promised my mom that I will vote republican next presidential election if Obama attacks the second amendment...

Guess we'll see what happens.

I think the application is like what many of you said, an attempt to weed out the surprises. Having worked for a lobbyist, having porn pictures, having had to go to court because you failed to pay the taxes on your immigrant maid's wages...lots of extortion-like stuff and big press stories happen when adminstrations are surprised..

as far as the gun issues that some of you seem concerned about.. first, there are so many.. huge.. issues that America needs Obama to pay attention to, unless, and God forbid, there is another heinous massive gun situation, like Columbine, I would be surprised to see any 2nd amemdment issue come up.
second, Obama is a Constitutional lawyer.. unless he wants to push for a complete re-interpretation of the 2nd amemdment (making it only about state rights and not individual rights) Obama is not going to be wanking around the Constitution.

Even if Obama decides to enforce the regulations already on the books, if he pushes for say, a ban on assault weapons, or tightens registration rules.. those might irk and vex but.. I'd be really surpised if you'd see any deep move against the 2nd amendment.. but, I'd sure like the NRA lobby to be taken down a notch or 2.