Obama's Early Picks Disappoint His Base

Cabinet tally, inauguration choice upset minority groups
By Ambreen Ali,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 23, 2008 3:15 PM CST
Obama's Early Picks Disappoint His Base
Obama miffed gay supporters when he chose evangelical Rick Warren to lead invocation at the historic inauguration.   (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Barack Obama has already slighted some of his most vehement campaign supporters. Women's groups are unimpressed by his Cabinet tally: 15 of 20 spots went to men. And the gay constituency is enraged that Obama chose anti-gay marriage evangelical Rick Warren to lead prayer in his historic inauguration. Instead of the change he promised, Obama has taken "shocking step backwards," a women's rights advocate tells CNN.

Polls say 75% of Americans support Obama's picks thus far, which the president-elect defends as diverse not just ethnically, but politically and in experience. "It has always been his goal to find common ground with people with whom you may disagree," his team is quick to remind. Their advice: Let the man be sworn in before judging.

(More President Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X