We’re voting for a team this November

Voters need to keep in mind that when we head to the election booth on Nov. 5, we’re voting for a whole team, not just an individual. People who are frustrated, unhappy, or otherwise feel like the system isn’t working for them are likely to vote for the candidate who promises to shake things up, get rid of all the elitists, and bring back good times for everyone. I’d be tempted to vote for that candidate myself were it not for my understanding that he’s prone to erratic behavior and will not have anyone close to him to rein in his wildest impulses.

Instead of focusing only on the candidates this year, we should think about their staffing agendas. To paraphrase John Donne, no president is an island. Whoever we elect will nominate or appoint a chief of staff, secretaries of the cabinet, national security advisor, White House counsel, press secretary, a variety of advisors (homeland security, science, climate), ambassadors, federal judges, possibly including Supreme Court justice nominees, and miscellaneous assistants, aides and all sorts of people to help with important decision making as well as day-to-day routine governing.