Bernanke's reappointment

Forgive me for being a cynic. But the reappointment of Chairman Bernanke, whose term doesn't expire until early 2010 was so urgent that the President had to interrupt his family holiday to announce it!!!

This from a President that jealously guards his family time (in this case, I am sympathetic). What gives?

This couldn't wait for a week? Especially since the announcement came in the dog days of August rather than after Labor Day?

Hmmmm. The President does not do anything that is not carefully calculated from a political standpoint--and I mean his own political standpoint.

First, the substance of the appointment. This is a President that clearly would prefer Lawrence Summers or another liberal. Could it be that this appointment gives him some political cover for actions of the Fed that are likely to be coming down the road. Or am I just too cynical? But it is pretty convenient that the ongoing public anger about the bank bailout can be directed to the Fed with a few words about the importance of the Fed's independence.

Second, the timing. Many observers have noted that the appointment pushed the news of the accelerting deficit off the front pages. This seems pretty trivial. But really this timing looks suspicious. Wasn't Bernanke just in Wyoming for the confab of the bankers.

By the way, am I the only one that thinks that the President is showing his celeb status by running off to the "vineyard" for a week. I guess it is a recession so the Obama family opted for a stay-cation at $20,000 per week. I suppose it is an accident that Oprah has a house on Martha's vineyard. Community organizers get paid really well. Can I apply for a job like that?. Well this is a bargain for the American people compared to the $2 mil for the date night. Wow, what a life!!! I noticed the children managed to join O on his Health Care reform rally in Montana as well. How do you get a job like this????? My employer doesn't even allow my spouse to travel with me at my expense. It seems there is a suspicion that if my spouse is there, I must not be really working.

What is Brittany doing this week?