A post-election Boxing Day

Poor strategery

The Bush administration has been all but concise when it comes to proposals and plans for many government issues recently. While Americans have been pleading for a solid strategy and specific timetables for policies in Iraq, the Bush administration finally devised and completely, faithfully followed through on a strategy; of course it was a very bad strategy.

The resignation of Donald Rumsfeld, although wanted by an overwhelming number of Americans, was still a shaking surprise and turn for the Bush administration on Wednesday. And while many are shocked by such a bold move, it is far more shocking that this was kept secret during such a politically volatile November and announced only after elections - Bush last week assured the media that there were no plans for ending the tenure the secretary of state. Yet, he later explained that he blatantly bluffed to avoid affecting the elections.

Avoid affecting the elections? Getting rid of Rumsfeld probably would have had the potential of helping republicans in the midterm election more than hurting them.

It was nice to see Bush emerge with a concrete strategy and the gall to back it, but like many of his political blunders it didn't make much common sense.

Pelosi must speak up

One of the greatest priorities on the political to-do-list post Election Day concerns Nancy Pelosi - the House of Representative's speaker-to-be who has an uphill climb even before she assumes her role in January. Being the first female speaker in a field where women are still a clear minority, questions about the new climate in the house are already being asked - this is a political organization that recently got into a heated debate about the appropriateness of open-toed shoes. Many feel that she doesn't fit the role, but we need to look beyond sex and question the type of person she really is.

She is indeed soft-spoken and mild-mannered - the antithesis of the quintessential large man pounding a gavel - but before we speculate any further, perhaps she possesses other skills, not typical of a speaker of the house, but no less strong and persuading. We will have to wait and see.

For Pelosi to succeed, she will need to step up early and command respect despite her quiet manner.

Spitzer skips victory laps

Governor-elect Eliot Spitzer of course will be indulging in his fair share of celebrating over his near record-breaking landslide victory for governor, but he is also trying to hit the ground running before he steps into his new office.

Just 12 hours after results of his victory were confirmed, he hosted a consensus-building session in which he discussed future plans with labor and business leaders. He even brought together talks with the state AFL-CIO and the business council, which have not collaborated or cooperated with each other for years under Pataki - a sudden start with undeniable, promising potential.

Although he is only establishing new contacts and relationships right now, it is more than anyone could have hoped for when ballots were cast on Tuesday. It is still months before the reigns of New York State will be handed over to him, but he has set an example and sent a signal of what just may be to come during his term.