The art of not being too far in front

For the upcoming NYC history meetup, I read the chapter on FDR and lend lease in "Fateful Choices" by Ian Kershaw. A dominant theme is FDR's caution and concern about getting ahead of public opinion on US involvement in WW2. Many of FDR's closest aides were greatly distressed, fearing that cowardice on FDR's part would lead to England's defeat. But in the event, FDR's cautious approach paid dividends, as public opinion remained quite unified behind him. With the outrage over Pearl Harbor, and Hitler's follow up declaration of war, FDR enjoyed overwhelming support for the all-out war effort, when it came.

The current parallel, I suppose, is that Obama also needs to move carefully, take a long-term approach, and keep the public in his corner. Liberals who are urging bolder action should reflect that if Obama gets out of step with the public, he may have trouble recovering the support he needs.

A step not noted

The appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State is a classic "celebrity appointment" and in a way echoes that of Colin Powell. But what seems not to have been much remarked is that Clinton is the third female Secretary of State. In other words, it has become "normal" for the Secretary of State to be a woman.

And this raises the question, when will it be normal to have a female Secretary of Defense, or Treasury, or Attorney General?