McCain: Cuomo for SEC chairman

Republican nominee makes naked bid to appeal to independents and soft Democrats by showing a willingness to appoint big-name Democrat to Cabinet.

Published September 22, 2008 12:39PM (EDT)

In his interview with Scott Pelley on "60 Minutes" -- televised Sunday night inconveniently during the opening ceremonies of the Yankees’ final home game at Yankee Stadium -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain said that he not only would be able get Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Chris Cox to resign (whether McCain would technically have the ability to fire him or not) but would also consider appointing former Clinton administration Cabinet member Andrew Cuomo to the post.

“This may sound a little unusual, but I’ve admired Andrew Cuomo,” said the Arizona senator. “I think he is somebody who could -- restore some credibility, lend some bipartisanship -- to this effort.”

Cuomo spokesman Alex Detrick told the Politico’s Ben Smith, "It is inappropriate to comment because of our ongoing investigations into short-selling during last week's market turmoil, as well as other market investigations we are currently conducting in conjunction with the SEC.”

I swear, I think I’m starting to feel nostalgia for the not-even-finished Bush administration. At least Bush sticks stubbornly to his guns and talking points, refusing to say the easy or convenient thing when it suits him. I’m starting to think McCain will say anything, promise anything, associate with anyone (whether as running mate or endorser) to win this election.

Anything and anyone -- it’s oh so very, well, “Slick Johnny.”


By Thomas Schaller

Thomas F. Schaller is professor of political science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the author of "Whistling Past Dixie: How Democrats Can Win Without the South." Follow him @schaller67.

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2008 Elections John Mccain R-ariz.