Bryson to be named Commerce Secretary
May 31st, 2011
11:11 AM ET

Bryson to be named Commerce Secretary

UPDATE: Obama has made the official announcement.

CNN's Ed Henry reports that President Obama will nominate John Bryson to be the next commerce secretary. He is the former CEO of Edison International. Bryson is also the co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council, a nonpartisan environmental advocacy group. He also serves on a U.N. group that deals with climate change.

Obama will make the announcement at 1:15 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden.

Bryson, who must be confirmed by the Senate, would replace current Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, who has been nominated to serve as ambassador to China.

More career highlights after the jump:

- CEO of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and Edison Mission Group, from 1990 to 2008.

- Director of The Boeing Company, The Walt Disney Company and Coda Automotive, Inc., and is a senior advisor to KKR.

– Chairman of the board of BrightSource Energy, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) Board of Overseers. He also serves as co-chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy (PCIP).

- Trustee of the California Institute of Technology and a director of The California Endowment and the W. M. Keck Foundation.

- Serves on the Advisory Board of Deutsche Bank Americas

- Served as president of the California Public Utilities Commission, chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board, and on the board of the Council on Foreign Relations.

- Graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School.

UPDATE: Official statement from The White House:

President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate John Bryson as U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary

Today, President Obama will announce his intent to nominate John Bryson as the Secretary of U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Bryson will play a key role as a member of the President’s economic team, bringing decades of knowledge and experience in the public and private sectors, and will provide valuable ideas and initiatives to strengthen America’s competiveness around the world.

“I am pleased to nominate John Bryson to be our nation’s Secretary of Commerce, as he understands what it takes for America to succeed in a 21st century global economy,” said President Obama. “John will be an important part of my economic team, working with the business community, fostering growth, and helping open up new markets abroad to promote jobs and opportunities here at home.”

The President is confident in Mr. Bryson’s ability to lead the Department and promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improved standards of living for all Americans by working in partnership with businesses, universities, communities and our nation’s workers.

Mr. Bryson will continue the Department’s mission to drive U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace, strengthen the international economic position of the United States and facilitate global trade by opening up new markets for U.S. goods and services. Mr. Bryson will continue the ongoing effort to meet the President’s goal of doubling America’s exports to support millions of American jobs.

Previously, John Bryson was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and Edison Mission Group, from 1990 to 2008.

He is a director of The Boeing Company, The Walt Disney Company and Coda Automotive, Inc., and is a senior advisor to KKR. He is chairman of the board of BrightSource Energy, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) Board of Overseers. He also serves as co-chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy (PCIP).

Mr. Bryson is a trustee of the California Institute of Technology and a director of The California Endowment and the W. M. Keck Foundation. He serves on the Advisory Board of Deutsche Bank Americas. He also previously served on a number of educational and environmental boards, including as chairman of the California Business Roundtable, co-chairman of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), trustee of Stanford University, and as a member of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC).

Bryson also served as president of the California Public Utilities Commission, chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board, and on the board of the Council on Foreign Relations. At the start of his career, he was a co-founder and attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a national and international environmental group. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School.


Topics: President Obama • The News

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soundoff (119 Responses)
  1. the_dude

    oh boy just what we need

    May 31, 2011 at 11:19 am |
    • John

      Hmmm – a Director? How many peers did this guy have at those companies and how many "decision makers" were above him? On the surface it looks like a poor choice, but I need to read more about him.

      May 31, 2011 at 1:34 pm |
      • Howard

        How can the president of a major nation and society, the one with the
        most successful economic system in world history, stand and talk about
        business when he's never worked for one? Or about jobs when he has
        never really had one? And when it's the same for 92% of his senior
        staff and closest advisers? They've spent most of their time in
        academia, government and/or non-profit jobs or as "community
        organizers." They should have been in an employment line.

        May 31, 2011 at 2:32 pm |
      • 2cents4free

        @ Howard, The president never had a job because he had a CAREER. Americans don't need jobs they need careers. If your idea of a good pres is one that brings factory jobs back to America you are sadly trapped in the past. Don't know where you'd rather your kids hang out I'd rather mine hang out in "academia."

        May 31, 2011 at 2:43 pm |
      • jean2009

        Since when is a career as an associate lawyer at Miner, Barnhill & Galland not a job? Have you even held a job, or are you still typing from your mother's basement?

        June 2, 2011 at 3:24 pm |
  2. sup

    FIRST!

    May 31, 2011 at 11:20 am |
    • loser

      Fail – the first word that comes to mind. This is what happens when people post lame pointless quotes – the "first" post that is in fact, second. GJ CNN moderator

      May 31, 2011 at 12:51 pm |
    • fail

      fail

      May 31, 2011 at 2:30 pm |
    • 2cents4free

      Nope.

      May 31, 2011 at 3:08 pm |
  3. robert b

    Shocking – a businessman for commerce

    May 31, 2011 at 11:24 am |
    • Brian DC

      Bryson has some business associations with his board seats, but his history has been with public companies and environmental advocacy organizations. How about appointing a guy who has run a real business?

      May 31, 2011 at 12:34 pm |
      • Howard

        Check this last set of statistics!!

        The percentage of each past president's cabinet who had worked in the
        private business sector prior to their appointment to the cabinet.
        You know what the private business sector is...areal-life business,
        not a government job. Here are the percentages.

        T. Roosevelt..........38%
        Taft.......................40%
        Wilson ..................52%
        Harding................49%
        Coolidge............... 48%
        Hoover.................42%
        F. Roosevelt.........50%
        Truman................50%
        Eisenhower...........57%
        Kennedy..............30%
        Johnson...............47%
        Nixon....................53%
        Ford.....................42%
        Carter....................32%
        Reagan.................56%
        GH Bush............. 51%
        Clinton ..............39%
        GW Bush.............55%

        And the winner is:

        Obama............... 8%

        This helps to explain the incompetence of this administration: only 8%
        of them have ever worked in private business!

        That's right! Only eight percent-the least, by far, of the last 19
        presidents! And these people are trying to tell our big corporations
        how to run their business? They know what's best for GM, Chrysler,
        Wall Street, and you and me?

        How can the president of a major nation and society, the one with the
        most successful economic system in world history, stand and talk about
        business when he's never worked for one? Or about jobs when he has
        never really had one? And when it's the same for 92% of his senior
        staff and closest advisers? They've spent most of their time in
        academia, government and/or non-profit jobs or as "community
        organizers." They should have been in an employment line.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:49 pm |
      • barabbas2011

        because you can't run a federal agency like a business. the goal of government is not to maximize profit at the expense of everything else.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:56 pm |
      • XWngLady

        So as Chairman, President and CEO (from October 1990 to July 2008 – 18 years) of Edison International, an electric power generator and distributor company that is traded on the NYSE (EIX), you think he doesn't have any experience running a real business????....As for the lunacy and totally irrelevant and non-contextual blather of "Howard", there is not enough time or space to even begin to debate it. I will simply say that had John McCain won the Presidency, he wouldn't have had any substantive "business" experience either (by your standards), unless you count maintaining his 7 houses as a business venture.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:05 pm |
      • Brian DC

        In other news, it has not been officially confirmed by the WH but sources say that XWingLady will now head of the newly created department within the WH to combat negative criticisms of Obama on the internet. Press Secretary Carney commented that, "we love that useful idiot."

        May 31, 2011 at 1:13 pm |
      • salvatore

        Yeah, why not just hire the CEO of Goldman Sachs? Heck, how about Lehman Bros or Behr? Those guys probably aren't busy.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:15 pm |
      • XWngLady

        An insult from you Brian (especially one calling ME an idiot) is actually a huge compliment! Thanks. 🙂

        May 31, 2011 at 1:23 pm |
      • Aaron

        Howard...if you're going to be a know it all and post statistics, at least have the decency to disclose the source. The info you're touting was created by Glenn Beck via Fox News. It's always been disproven. The Repub numbers were skewed to be higher, the Dem numbers were skewed to be lower. This lying and making up info is sickening and is not doing a service to anyone.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:27 pm |
    • really

      Howard, just because Glenn Beck says something it does not make it true. Just beause it shows up in a viral email (pass this on) does not make it accurate. You can fact check those figures in a number of places, and they are not accurate. In Obama’s Cabinet, at least three of the nine posts — a full one-third — are occupied by appointees who had significant corporate or business experience

      May 31, 2011 at 1:01 pm |
    • John

      Only a Lib would call this guy "a businessman". The more I read about him the more I see new regulations that impact business. And, not in a good way...

      May 31, 2011 at 2:25 pm |
  4. clr

    HUH? We need someone that knows ECONOMICS and COMMERCE – Obama you moron! We are in a recession – depression! Geezzz... you put an energy greenie on the board that is responsible for our high energy prices!????

    May 31, 2011 at 11:26 am |
    • *

      which part of this did you not read?

      – CEO of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and Edison Mission Group, from 1990 to 2008.

      – Director of The Boeing Company, The Walt Disney Company and Coda Automotive, Inc., and is a senior advisor to KKR.

      – Chairman of the board of BrightSource Energy, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) Board of Overseers. He also serves as co-chairman of the Pacific Council on International Policy (PCIP).

      – Trustee of the California Institute of Technology and a director of The California Endowment and the W. M. Keck Foundation.

      – Serves on the Advisory Board of Deutsche Bank Americas

      – Served as president of the California Public Utilities Commission, chairman of the California State Water Resources Control Board, and on the board of the Council on Foreign Relations.

      – Graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:11 pm |
    • NYC REPUB

      He is a director of The Boeing Company, The Walt Disney Company and Coda Automotive, Inc.
      Previously, John Bryson was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and Edison Mission Group, from 1990 to 2008.
      -------------------------------------------------
      So what he is interested in green technology. He clearly has experience in private and public sector, which will help in his new role as commerce secretary.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm |
      • XWngLady

        Don't waste your keystrokes....Clearly this individual does not have the critical thinking skills nor the inclination to look beyond party here.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:44 pm |
      • Brian DC

        Being on the BOD of private industry does not translate at all into obtaing business experience. His history has been with public companies and environmental advocacy organizations.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:46 pm |
      • VOTE4obama

        Thanks for being one of the few rational comments on this board.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:07 pm |
      • XWngLady

        Brian DC: He was the Chairman, President AND Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Edison for 18 years. What about that don't you understand?

        May 31, 2011 at 1:08 pm |
      • John

        As a Director in these large companies he must have had several dozen peers at the same level and at least 4 levels above his level. This guy is not a decision maker. Gotta love the posts that talk about "partisan". I'd like to see who he contributed to.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:32 pm |
    • Howard

      Obama has spent more American tax money in the first two years of his Presidency, than all the Presidents before him, COMBINED !!! ... and, he still is pushing to spend TRILLIONS more !!!

      Here are just a few examples of how Obama is ruining our economy:

      2009 GAS $1.83 per gallon TODAY $4.00 + per gallon
      2009 SOYBEANS $9.66 TODAY $13.75
      2009 SUGAR $$13.37 TODAY $35.39
      2009 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BLACKS 12.6% TODAY 15.8%
      2009 NUMBER OF LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED 2,600,000 TODAY 6,400,000
      2009 PEOPLE IN POVERTY IN U.S. 39,800,000 TODAY 43,600,000
      2009 NATIONAL DEBT IN TRILLIONS $10,627 TODAY $14,052

      Just take this last item: In the last two years we have accumulated national debt at a rate more than 27 times as fast as during the rest of our entire nation's history. Over 27 times as fast! Metaphorically, speaking, if you are driving in the right lane doing 65 MPH and a car rockets past you in the left lane 27 times faster . . . it would be doing 1,755 MPH! This is a disaster!

      Sources:
      (1) U.S. Energy Information Administration; (2) Wall Street Journal; (3) Bureau of Labor Statistics; (4) Census Bureau; (5) USDA; (6) U.S. Dept. of Labor; (7) FHFA; (8) Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller; (9) RealtyTrac; (10) Heritage Foundation and WSJ; (11) The Conference Board; (12) FDIC; (13) Federal Reserve; (14) U.S. Treasury

      SAVE AMERICA – RESTORE OUR ECONOMY
      DUMP OBAMA IN 2012 !!!

      May 31, 2011 at 1:31 pm |
      • really

        Obama inherited the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. It began in December 2007 and ended a few months after Obama took office, in June 2009, according to economists who make up the Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of Economic Research.
        The stock market has roared back since Obama took office. The S&P 500 Index increased nearly 59 percent — rising from 805.22 on Jan. 20, 2009, to 1,280.26 two years later. (The American Thinker article mentioned big increases in the S&P 500 and in other stock-market indicators as well, but the author of the viral e-mail omitted them.)
        A total of 4.4 million jobs had been lost before Obama took office, including 820,000 the month he was sworn in. And although employment continued to slide after the economy bottomed out, and has been agonizingly slow to recover, more than 1 million jobs have been added since payrolls hit their low point early last year.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:52 pm |
      • Cedar Rapids

        Gas also hit over $4 in 2008, not sure what your point is.

        May 31, 2011 at 2:22 pm |
      • Cedar Rapids

        Actually soybeans were also higher in 2008 than they are now. We need to maybe take a look at the rest of these statistics you are pushing out here.

        May 31, 2011 at 2:24 pm |
  5. Robert

    Climate change! That's all we need to know!

    May 31, 2011 at 11:31 am |
    • 2cents4free

      Yeah the people of Joplin know too.

      May 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm |
  6. Yasin

    Good guy

    May 31, 2011 at 11:33 am |
  7. JohnCBarclow

    Basically admitting the other Secy of Commerce was no good, but it took Obama two and a half years to figure that out.

    May 31, 2011 at 11:37 am |
    • XWngLady

      Its not necessarily that the old guy didn't do a good job, but in this situation the Pres. needs someone who can do an exceptional job (btw, the old guy is a Republican). Nothing wrong with upgrading along the way. The Pres. would be irresponsible if he didn't just to avoid the criticism of people who would criticize him no matter what he did.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:11 pm |
      • AngryInCA

        I hate to call you out, but this gentlement is replacing Gary Locke, who was a) not qualified to be Secretary of Commerce AND b) definately NOT a Republican (he was the Democrat Governor of Washington – before the witch took over – err excuse me, I mean Chirstine Gregiore). Gary Locke is the one replacing a Republican, John Huntsman, as embassador to China, a pick that acutally makes some sense. I think Bryson will spend too much time on Obama's failed "Green Economy" policies, but he can't possibly be any less effective than Locke, so maybe it will be okay. Anyway, at least now the facts are clarified from the above post.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:48 pm |
      • Howard

        XWingLady ... you are an impecile ... and, where did you get that foul mouth ??? ... you should obviously remove 'Lady' from your posting name, it's an oxymoron. Your pension for responding to all opposing opinions with obnoxious insults, says more about you than the people you are insulting. God help anyone who has the horrible misfortune of ending up in a relationship with a harpy like you.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:37 pm |
      • really

        Howard,
        If you call someone an imbecile and spell it wrong, you are the one that looks like an imbecile....

        May 31, 2011 at 1:48 pm |
      • Mr.Greenjeans

        what is an "impecile"?

        May 31, 2011 at 3:47 pm |
      • XWngLady

        Lol...Foul mouth?" When did I post anything even remotely 'foul'?...I suggest you read my posts again, this time get YOUR mind out of the gutter (or wherever you must have had it to suggest that I was being foul-mouthed)...Furthermore, an insecure man is a man of the worst kind. You can't counter any of the substantive information that I've provided or the logical rebuttals that I've made so all that you can think to do is call me a "harpy". So sad....Oh, and if you're going to call someone an "imbecile", you might want to spell it correctly, not "impecile". Also, the correct word is the context that you tried to use it is "penchant", not "pension".

        May 31, 2011 at 4:34 pm |
  8. Mark

    A climate change libtard that's all we need to help business:)

    May 31, 2011 at 11:38 am |
    • Nwyrkr

      You are a blind and stupid @zzhole! Go back under the rock you came under from.

      May 31, 2011 at 11:49 am |
    • Nwyrkr

      As opposed to a climate change denying reetard, like you?

      May 31, 2011 at 11:53 am |
      • Sarojaarti

        Danielle, how can your library not have this one? Maybe it's in the works, I hope. I love ptootaes. This time of year I try to use sweet ptootaes or yams with the excuse that they are healthlier I'm only about 45% of the way through the book and it is due in a week. We'll see if I finish it in time!Daphne, it is a fun book. Your internet went out too? Ugh!Justin, I hope the book turns up on paperbackswap or your Christmas stocking. It's lots of fun.whisperinggums, I knew about ptootaes and corn but I didn't know about the other foods. It is indeed pretty amazing.

        July 30, 2012 at 10:42 am |
      • Mehdi

        Lawrence & Yolanda Riley – Your pictures are just snuinntg!!! We agree with the photographers that you all look so in love with each other. That's wonderful. Can wait to get our set of pics from you all.Much Love,Mom & Dad

        August 1, 2012 at 4:30 am |
    • Kathy

      YUP, typical GOP, name call when you have nothing else.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:02 pm |
    • Not All Docs Play Golf

      Oh, Mark, Mark, Mark....it's a shame that your former teachers won't be getting any performance bonuses, all because of you.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:08 pm |
    • Neal

      You are correct. Obama has appointed another brain-dead liberal who lives in the world of fantasy.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:17 pm |
    • Brian DC

      He bottom lined it for you. Bryson's history has been with public (not the kind that trades on WS) companies and environmental advocacy organizations. How about appointing a guy who has run a real business?

      May 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm |
    • Howard

      Check this last set of statistics!!

      The percentage of each past president's cabinet who had worked in the
      private business sector prior to their appointment to the cabinet.
      You know what the private business sector is...areal-life business,
      not a government job. Here are the percentages.

      T. Roosevelt..........38%
      Taft.......................40%
      Wilson ..................52%
      Harding................49%
      Coolidge............... 48%
      Hoover.................42%
      F. Roosevelt.........50%
      Truman................50%
      Eisenhower...........57%
      Kennedy..............30%
      Johnson...............47%
      Nixon....................53%
      Ford.....................42%
      Carter....................32%
      Reagan.................56%
      GH Bush............. 51%
      Clinton ..............39%
      GW Bush.............55%

      And the winner is:

      Obama............... 8%

      This helps to explain the incompetence of this administration: only 8%
      of them have ever worked in private business!

      That's right! Only eight percent-the least, by far, of the last 19
      presidents! And these people are trying to tell our big corporations
      how to run their business? They know what's best for GM, Chrysler,
      Wall Street, and you and me?

      How can the president of a major nation and society, the one with the
      most successful economic system in world history, stand and talk about
      business when he's never worked for one? Or about jobs when he has
      never really had one? And when it's the same for 92% of his senior
      staff and closest advisers? They've spent most of their time in
      academia, government and/or non-profit jobs or as "community
      organizers." They should have been in an employment line.

      Pass this on we'll NEVER see these facts in the main stream media.

      "One of the penalties of not participating in politics is that you
      will be governed by your inferiors." Plato

      May 31, 2011 at 12:51 pm |
      • salvatore

        Private business excess caused the recession, maybe it's time for someone else to play.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:19 pm |
      • Cedar Rapids

        'That's right! Only eight percent-the least, by far, of the last 19
        presidents! And these people are trying to tell our big corporations
        how to run their business? They know what's best for GM, Chrysler,
        Wall Street, and you and me?'
        sure, why not? why does private business mean 'better'?

        May 31, 2011 at 2:26 pm |
      • Howard is Spreading Lies

        You will never see these "facts" from the main stream media, because they are not facts.
        This has been debunked time after time.

        June 1, 2011 at 10:57 am |
    • really

      Howard, just because Glenn Beck says something it does not make it true. Just beause it shows up in a viral email (pass this on) does not make it accurate. You can fact check those figures in a number of places, and they are not accurate. In Obama’s Cabinet, at least three of the nine posts — a full one-third — are occupied by appointees who had significant corporate or business experience

      May 31, 2011 at 1:02 pm |
      • Ibrahim

        – Absolutely fabulous pecrutis! Sheer delight and hapiness emmanates from every picture. However, these pecrutis cannot contain your love for each other as it is impossible for anyone to see these without their own hearts leaping with joy and being warmed.

        July 31, 2012 at 6:28 am |
      • Jack

        March 2008$29 Billion Stimulus Package Wall Street BailoutThe Federal Reserve stepped in to pernevt the collapse of Bear Stearns (one of the world?s largest investment banks and brokerage firms) by guaranteeing $29 billion worth of potential losses in its battered portfolio. This provided enough economic stimulus for JP Morgan Chase to take over the beleaguered firm.May 2008$178 Billion Stimulus Package Average American BailoutThe U.S. Treasury provided an economic stimulus package to American taxpayers in the form of $600 economic stimulus checks for individuals and $1,200 economic stimulus payments for couples. That cost the government $100 billion, and they threw in another $68 billion in tax breaks for businesses, $8 billion to increase unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 39 weeks, and a $4 billion economic stimulus package to be doled out to states and local municipalities to buy and rehab foreclosed properties.July 2008$300 Billion Stimulus Package Homeowners BailoutThe Bush Administration committed $300 billion for 30-year fixed rate mortgages for at-risk borrowers, as well as tax credits for first-time homebuyers, who could be eligible to receive up to a $7,500 tax credit.

        August 1, 2012 at 10:55 pm |
  9. astro24102

    Boy, he is really making this economy run on all cylinders......NOT! His inexperience and his lack of leadership is almost overwhelming. Lets get everyone dependent on Govt. Can't wait for the next election.

    May 31, 2011 at 11:39 am |
    • Dave

      Not? what is this 1995? Yes whoever the republicans put up for election will clearly have more experience and be a better leader than Obama...theres already so many good candidates...Is amazing how dumb you right wingers are and the worst part is you think youre smarter than you are...thats the worst type of idiot

      May 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm |
    • really

      and then what? what have the Republicans done for the economy? It was supposed to have been Jobs, Jobs, Jobs?
      All they have done is try to restrict abortion, screw the middle class and pad the pockets of those who are already doing better than they ever have. The great bait and switch of 2010. Look at what happened in NY26 – people are starting to figure out that the GOP sold them a load of cr*p...the next election will be interesting for sure.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:45 pm |
  10. XxMacleodxX

    so he rips people off selling them "green" products.....nice qualifications

    May 31, 2011 at 11:41 am |
    • VOTE4obama

      You know what? I'd rather be ripped off by 'green' products any day than sucked into a never ending oil abyss – period!

      May 31, 2011 at 1:14 pm |
  11. Brian DC

    Since Obama's last pick was such a smashing success, I have no doubt this new secretary will be equally inept. How's that "laser-like focus" on jobs Barry, see any new jobs at the 19th hole?

    May 31, 2011 at 11:46 am |
    • Michelle

      Brian – were you equally disgusted at the numerous vacations Bush took? How did you feel when he was spending money like it grew on trees? Of how about almost 4,000 Americans who died going to war in Iraq a country we weren't even suppose to be at war with. And I bet you probably believed that Obama wasn't born in American, too. But, there are bigger questions as to if Bush lied about his military record and NO ONE EVER finding his paperwork. Did you have any problems with that? I didn't think so.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm |
      • Joe

        Why do libtarts try to bring up that past Presidents when they are faced with a failure like Obama? Obama is a failure NOW... He will still be a failure TOMORROW. Stop blaming everyone else for 6 years of democrats controlling congress. The last 2 years being the worst with a super majority. Democrats are so stupid and weak they could not make a budget with a super majority... they waited for the Republicans to fix their 6 year mess.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:12 pm |
      • Joe

        Also stupid... congress voted to go to war after 36 other countries joined in. I guess UKs Tony Blair, Spain, Australia, Sudan, Turkey.... which all spoke to the USA congress must of lied too.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:15 pm |
      • *

        Apparently Joe has never heard of a filibuster, and how many times the Republicans have used it
        But he does know how to name call, so life is good.
        Libtart? That's a new one.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:38 pm |
      • Brian DC

        Michelle, how does this have anything to do with how the current POTUS's incompetence? I didn't like the spending when Bush was doing it and I certainly don't like it now that Barry has dwarfed Bush's spending in less than half the time. You are what is referred to as a "usefule idiot" for the pols.

        May 31, 2011 at 12:39 pm |
      • Cedar Rapids

        'Joe – Why do libtarts try to bring up that past Presidents when they are faced with a failure like Obama? Obama is a failure NOW... He will still be a failure TOMORROW'
        No they bring up the hypocrisy in complaining about something previous presidents have done, sometimes far more often. Bush spent more time on vacation or away from the whitehouse but its Obama that the right has decided to moan about playing golf. that is what they are moaning about.

        May 31, 2011 at 2:29 pm |
  12. john q

    Please don't vote for this clown again

    May 31, 2011 at 11:48 am |
    • VOTE4obama

      Ha! That's what you think, that others think as you? Most people WILL vote for him! You're in DENIAL!!

      May 31, 2011 at 1:04 pm |
  13. RPB

    Things Just Got Worse.

    May 31, 2011 at 11:50 am |
  14. The Chief

    If the gentleman is so good, why has he held so many positions? Just asking.

    May 31, 2011 at 11:51 am |
    • Nwyrkr

      If I'm not mistaken, it's called having a broad experience.

      May 31, 2011 at 11:55 am |
    • Kathy

      CEO of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison and Edison Mission Group, from 1990 to 2008 – You can do simple math, that is 18 years...you know, longer than any of your idol, Rush Limbaugh's marriages. (and Newt's marriages, TOO)

      May 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm |
    • Andrew

      You'll notice it says 'serves' or 'trustee' nothing is paste tense, they're all current positions.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:01 pm |
  15. Mark

    So Cal Edison (EIX) went bankrupt? Have we all forgotten?

    May 31, 2011 at 11:55 am |
    • Andrew

      Actually PG&E went bank rupt.. SCE and Edison International are still functioning and he was the CEO of Edison International not SCE, SCE happens to be owned by Edison International, which does mean it was the parent company of it, but also means it's independently operated as it's a subsidiary.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:07 pm |
      • XWngLady

        Andrew, stop using truth and logic....It only confuses the minions that are intent on bashing the President for waking up in the morning.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:14 pm |
  16. Andrew

    Just want to remind everyone that Commerce is not just Commerce.. but also environment and Technology...

    In the Commerce Department we deal with some economic stuff (but not much amusing enough) Small Business Administration, but we also have the National Institute of Trades and Technology (they make up standards), The Census, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (which is both where the National Weather Service and the National Geodetic Survey live - among other environment divisions, Coastal Services Center and National Marine Sanctuary programs and the NOAA Corps), National Information and Telecommunications Administration, Patents and Trade Marking, and international business policy.

    It seems Mr. Bryson has a good mix of business, environmental and technology understanding, making him probably one of the better candidates we've had in some time. Some of the biggest climate change initiatives come out of the Commerce Department, specifically from NOAA. As where EPA is a regulator to climate change, NOAA is a policy and education outlet.

    May 31, 2011 at 11:57 am |
    • XWngLady

      The most well-informed, relevant and sensible post on this board....but of course the anti-Obama web-rovers don't want to hear it. Its much more fun to just throw nonsense out there, so-long as it bashes the President. Truth be darned.

      May 31, 2011 at 1:18 pm |
  17. Intruder

    NRDC is non-partisan? Since when? The only reason obama would pick someone with these "credentials" is to have a camel with its nose under the tent flap in yet one more part of administration. Trust no one in this inept gang of rank amateurs.

    May 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm |
  18. blake

    What a leftist loser - UN, climate change, environmental advocacy. Absolutely no credentials or interest in commerce. Will in fact be anti-commerce. Obama is attempting to systematic destroy this country. Wake up America!

    May 31, 2011 at 12:04 pm |
    • The Light

      @Blake: It is obvious u have not formal education. I wonder what more u people want from this man!!!

      May 31, 2011 at 12:28 pm |
    • Not All Docs Play Golf

      Man, you are really backward. What article did YOU read? Because I read THIS ONE and didn't come away with any of your small-minded conclusions.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:32 pm |
    • XWngLady

      ????....So, I guess you don't think that Boeing, Disney, Automotive Industry or Deustche Bank (though they don't have the best reputation right about now), have anything to do with Commerce? ....Goodbye.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:41 pm |
      • Dave C

        Rest assured, he's on those boards because of his political connections, not his business expertise.

        May 31, 2011 at 1:32 pm |
  19. HeyZeus

    breaking news, lol - Another bureaucrat, another moron, at least he is "green", what a joke !!!
    the middle class suffers again...Dems = Reps
    obama = bush.
    Ron Paul 2012

    May 31, 2011 at 12:06 pm |
  20. Joe

    If Obama appointed Bryson... does this mean Bryson is a crook and a liar ?

    May 31, 2011 at 12:07 pm |
    • Brian DC

      Most likely.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:43 pm |
      • Siva

        Why doesn't my library have this? I like the ecerxpt about potatoes yummy and full of bad starch and carbs. I had no idea there were so many kinds! However the last ecerxpt does sort of put me off my lunch. It looks like it is chock full of interesting information (and probably delightfully presented). I guess this means you are going to be able to finish before it disappears from your Kindle?

        July 31, 2012 at 2:27 pm |
  21. The Light

    @Brian: I bet no one ever asked/talked about Bush's DUI record or how he got into Yale. What better candidate can you ask for? I bet u still think he is a muslim........................... oh and he was born in Africa right?

    bloody R******.......................................

    May 31, 2011 at 12:16 pm |
  22. David

    I wonder how many of the folks that are making such intelligent comments about this guy also went to Stanford & Yale?

    May 31, 2011 at 12:23 pm |
  23. FoolKiller

    "He also serves on a U.N. group that deals with climate change." So dies the lightbulb's last hope...

    May 31, 2011 at 12:24 pm |
  24. Mark from Louisiana

    that's all we need in washington another global warming loon. Where does obozo find these folks? I wonder if this guy is behind on his taxes too?

    May 31, 2011 at 12:27 pm |
  25. john manz

    Bryson seems well qualified to run Commerce inspite of some very disgusting partisan comments in here. RW FOX News type come in with typical anti Obama crap and take every opportunity to criticize with their boring 'one tine' ditties! they are disgusting why not uh read a book...on anything RW ILLITERATE WHINERS? dont worry you'll get your white guy back in the WH SOON ENOUGH. LOL

    May 31, 2011 at 12:29 pm |
  26. Margee

    Gee it almost gave me heart failure for a minute there it looked like George W. Bush...doesn't it.

    May 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm |
    • Indah

      Oh, I'm sure it's the librarians hilnepg him out. How could it not be? Funny how all those people around the world complain about American cuisine, when, apparently, they'd be lost if we hadn't introduced our foods to them. Of course, I guess one could say that we Americans maybe didn't have the imagination to use all those foods in the ways others in the world did when you consider that so many Americans just want to see a steak (or a chicken leg), a potato, and some salad on their dinner plates.

      July 30, 2012 at 10:49 am |
    • Shaina

      As lover of Bill Bryson I was delighted to stmulbe across this. It's going on my Christmas present list! Huge arcane reams of information are difficult to digest but he seems to have the knack.I'd like you to review one of mine but I'm shy and don't like to ask!!!I'll be back for more info on books for my list.Thanks for great blog.davidrory.

      August 1, 2012 at 3:16 am |
  27. JoeyTx

    As have been said before, trying to have a sane conversation with a Republican is like trying to chat with your dinning room table. The comments analogy made here by people calling the POTUS names is just absurd and deserves no response. Let's see the POTUS failures as generally stated here;
    Took over an economy on the brink of collapse – turned Dow from 6000 to over 12000; Bailed Auto Industry which is now robust and has paid back every dime with interest – ahead of schedule. more jobs in two years than Bush in 8 years and trending upwards, restored our international standing and respect. These just to mention a few. BTW Killed OBL something Bush couldn't do because he let politics get in the way. Other than disagreeing with the POTUS approach to solving problems the Republicans are not offering any new ideas other than proven failed policies of the past. I rest my case.

    May 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm |
    • humtake

      The funniest part about your entire post is that when a Republican is in office, the EXACT same things are being said by people like you. The Dems offered no new ideas and in most cases no ideas when Bush was in office. And, the Reps didn't offer anything when Clinton was in office. Basically, anyone who talks like you do is a person who is committed only to party lines and not to actually fixing issues.

      Btw, Bush is the one who started the bailouts. Also btw, Obama has kept over 70% of Bush's policies and has actually increased funding for over 40% of those policies. See, Bush made the same choices anyone else would have had to make. Since they weren't popular choices, but necessary choices, the general public doesn't see past their own nose...like yourself. I'm not attacking you personally, regardless if you are a Dem or Rep, but the general idea of what you typed is the best example of "general public". You should try harder to be part of the "informed public" group instead.

      May 31, 2011 at 12:44 pm |
    • HeyZeus

      "turned Dow from 6000 to over 12000; Bailed Auto Industry which is now robust and has paid back every dime with interest " - another democrat drinking the Fed cool aid, FYI - it is easy to bailout co's with anothers money.
      Did the auto industry really learn anything? GM still owes billion, BTW....moral hazard be gone, right Joey?

      May 31, 2011 at 12:54 pm |
    • barabbas2011

      the dining room table doesn't understand any of that

      May 31, 2011 at 1:03 pm |
    • VOTE4obama

      Most of the crazy comments about POTUS are from older folks that believe the chain emails they get, you know, the ones not working but just sitting around angry most of the day after listening to Rush and then getting paranoid after watching Glenny Beck. They don't represent the bulk of the population. I know conservatives who are embarrassed by the junk on these boards.

      May 31, 2011 at 1:25 pm |
  28. Jeanine

    The CEO's of AIG, Goldman Sachs, & Lehman Bros. who made millions of dollars in salaries by selling bad loans and turning their financial companies bankrupt were also picked by Obama to run our country. What they did was far more criminal than Bernie Madoff, and they should be in jail, not working for the government.

    Every American should watch the video Inside Job which explains how our economy got runied. It is eye-opening.

    May 31, 2011 at 12:50 pm |
  29. Jeffision

    Smart and a hottie! Great choice. 🙂

    May 31, 2011 at 1:08 pm |
  30. Bill

    Good thing he don't come from one of those failed companies the government bailed out in 2008. He needs a guy like Bill Gates.

    May 31, 2011 at 1:09 pm |
  31. Dave C

    Running a public utility monopoly is a distant cousin to running a private business at the mercy of the market. The one area he might be familiar with is how regulations drive up costs, reduce productivity, and erode profits. However as a monopoly, a utility can just raise rates and collect from their helpless to change customers.

    May 31, 2011 at 1:12 pm |
  32. Aaron

    So, this one is actually from the business field. It remains to be seen how much outsourcing and regulatory violations he's been responsible for. The corporate guys are almost always tainted.

    May 31, 2011 at 1:24 pm |
  33. fofo

    All I need to know is if he is an outsourcing advocate or not?

    May 31, 2011 at 1:34 pm |
  34. Larry Marcum

    Howard seems to think there is some correlation between competence and percentage of appointees with private sector experience. By your own chart GW Bush had the highest percentage of private sector appointments! So much for that argument.

    May 31, 2011 at 1:35 pm |
  35. CitizenJP

    I applaud the president for nominating Mr. Bryson who has an all-rounded experience to take us in the path of responsible capitalism and not greedy capitalism at the expense of the very environment that sustains our existence.

    May 31, 2011 at 1:41 pm |
  36. Hope for Change 2012

    Joey in texas.. you are too far gone to change..

    3 wars, Gitmo still open, Housing market tanking, Gas @ $4... Obamaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

    May 31, 2011 at 2:03 pm |
  37. oreo

    breaking news, lol – Another bureaucratic moron, at least he is "green", whatever that means ...what a joke !!!
    the middle class suffers again...
    Dems = Reps
    obama = bush.
    Ron Paul (libertarian) 2012!

    May 31, 2011 at 2:35 pm |
  38. Liz Carter in Georgia

    I see you XWngLady! You go girl! Butcher those haters with the truth and reason! They are the foul ones. They simply hate OBAMA, THAT'S ALL! They're just a bunch of 'litte raschals' when 'you know who' one the race. They are the sorest loosers I have ever seen in my 63 years! @Howard, if your business statistics on the last 19 presidents are true, they must have needed a few more classes and certainly a lot more experience. LOL! LOOK AT THE SHAPE THEY LEFT US IN! We sure did need a 'CHANGE'. Some academia!

    May 31, 2011 at 8:55 pm |
  39. Liz Carter in Georgia

    @2cents4free; Good points! Good analogies. I agree! That's right! 'ACADEMIA' is what counts!

    May 31, 2011 at 9:01 pm |
  40. Liz Carter in Georgia

    Ooops, sorry! I must correct a mispelled word of importance to the point of my post of May 31, 2011 8:55pm ET. .....when 'you know who' WON the race'.

    June 1, 2011 at 6:59 am |