I have to agree, and don't agree with the "damaged goods" concept in relation to people either - more often than not it is a "marketing concept" denoting people whose reputations have been damaged by association - e.g. with Clinton or Bush - and says nothing about their actual capabilities or current views.  Sure Rahm Emmanuel has been stridently pro-Israel, and sure he worked in the Clinton White House.  But lets wjudge him on what he does in his current role.  Obama knows him a hell of a lot better than we do.

Personally I would love to see Samantha Power appointed to a senior role because she would be such a breath of fresh air compared to the current denizens of State and the National security apparatus.  She is inexperienced at that level, however, and hopefully the hard nosed operators there won't be able to chew her up and convert her into one of them.

Vote McCain for war without gain