Today, President Bush nominated Michael Chertoff for Secretary of Homeland Defense.
Benefit: Chertoff won immediate praise from politicians, as well as the same parties who were unconvinced of former nominee Bernard Kerik, who was later withdrawn amid the appearance of impropriety. As a bonus, Chertoff participated in the investigation of the Clintons' questionable Whitewater real estate dealings.
Slight disadvantage: Chertoff looks remarkably like Mr. Gower from It's A Wonderful Life.
Still, we might see someone who looks remarkably like George Bailey run up to Chertoff's seat at the table during confirmation hearings and demand to be recognized. That could win the hearts of even the stoniest partisans.
