Democracy is so icky sometimes, isn't it, what with people expressing their opinions

[phantom power]

Surprised and irritated to see Senate Democrats touting a preferred candidate for Federal Reserve chairman, White House officials have moved behind the scenes to quash the campaign and are insisting President Barack Obama not be pressured as he mulls whom to nominate, people familiar with the effort say.

...

Some Democrats have recently criticized Mr. Summers for his ties to Wall Street and what some consider an abrasive personal style. But Mr. Obama defended Mr. Summers in closed-door meetings with Democratic lawmakers last month, and again at a news conference on Friday, calling him a hardworking public servant.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323446404579011190517262538.html

Democracy is so icky sometimes, isn't it, what with people expressing their opinions all over the place and telling the president what they think he should do and all? Why a president can hardly do anything anymore without a bunch of citizens and lawmakers weighing in on his decisions....

The president has the right and obligation to appoint a Fed Chair and members of his Party, by tradition, will in all likelihood confirm whomever that is. But there is no tradition, law or rule that says the public, the party and members of congress cannot make their wishes known ahead of time and try to lobby the White House to make whatever choices they prefer. In fact, it's downright undemocratic for the executive to imply that they shouldn't.

I'm going to guess that what the White House really wants is not for Democrats to pipe down but for them to enthusiastically back Summers publicly and say he should be chosen on the merits over anyone else. It's too late for that. If the president wants to appoint Summers over the objections of virtually everyone, then he should go ahead and do it. I'm sure Harry Reid will not produce a defeat in the Senate. But there is not going to be a vote by acclamation from the entire country because Larry Summers is an unpopular choice. I'm sorry that's inconvenient for the White House but it is what it is. Perhaps instead of trying to muzzle the critics he ought to consider why they feel the way they do. It's not as if he doesn't have other excellent candidates for the job.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/letat-cest-moi.html

[demwing]

1. Your OP is not factual - It can't be!

I just read on DU that democracy was dead.
http://election.democraticunderground.com/10023462033

And now you tell me it's alive and icky?