Bloomberg article headlined “Obama Faces Rebellion From Democrats on ... Nominations” leaves out key facts

Written by Christine Schwen

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In a Bloomberg News article headlined “Obama Faces Rebellion From Democrats on Stimulus, Nominations,” the only evidence cited in the article of “rebellion from Democrats” on President-elect Obama's “nominations” was that Sen. Dianne Feinstein “said she hadn't been consulted on the pick” of Leon Panetta for CIA director “and preferred a CIA director with more experience in intelligence,” and that Rep. John Conyers “took aim at reports that Obama is considering naming CNN reporter Sanjay Gupta as surgeon general.” In fact, Feinstein reportedly stated that she was “going to vote for” Panetta. And as a member of the House of Representatives, Conyers will not have a vote on Gupta's confirmation.

On January 14 Bloomberg News published an article headlined “Obama Faces Rebellion From Democrats on Stimulus, Nominations.” However, the only evidence of “rebellion from Democrats” on President-elect Barack Obama's “nominations” reporter Brian Faler cited in that article was that Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) “said she hadn't been consulted on the pick” of Clinton White House chief of staff Leon Panetta for Central Intelligence Agency director “and preferred a CIA director with more experience in intelligence,” and that Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) “took aim at reports that Obama is considering naming CNN reporter Sanjay Gupta as surgeon general.” In fact, while Feinstein, in the wake of reports of Panetta's selection, did issue a statement on January 5, on January 7 -- two days before Obama officially announced Panetta's nomination -- Feinstein reportedly stated that she was “going to vote for him,” and said that “I believe all systems are go” with regard to his confirmation. Moreover, while Conyers did urge Obama not to nominate Gupta for the post, Faler did not note that as a member of the House of Representatives, and not the Senate, Conyers will not have a vote on the confirmation of the nominee for surgeon general.

From the January 14 Bloomberg News article:

President-elect Barack Obama, looking to get his administration off to a fast start when he takes office next week, is drawing fire from members of his own party on Capitol Hill.

Democratic criticism of the stimulus package and the nomination of Leon Panetta as intelligence chief shows lawmakers intend to flex their muscle after eight years of a Bush administration that treated Congress more like employees than a separate branch of government. The disputes may become more frequent when Congress takes up contentious issues such as overhauling health care or cutting the federal budget deficit.

[...]

The tensions have flared on several fronts in recent weeks.

Obama's choice of Panetta as Central Intelligence Agency director irked Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, head of the Senate panel charged with confirming the nomination. The Intelligence Committee chairwoman said she hadn't been consulted on the pick and preferred a CIA director with more experience in intelligence. Vice President-elect Joseph Biden apologized, saying he and Obama should have conferred with her.

Days later, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, a Michigan Democrat, took aim at reports that Obama is considering naming CNN reporter Sanjay Gupta as surgeon general.