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By all means, wait to judge Obama based on his decisions and policies, not who he appoints to administer them.
The Senate must confirm most of these appointments. The senators who must confirm them must thus judge them before they take office (not that I expect anything other than rubber-stamping to occur here). Thus I think it quite legitimate to form opinions on them before they take office.
Obama's appointments are indeed a big disappointment. He talks about bringing in new expertise and fresh opinions, all while introducing these retreads. Surely in a nation of 300 million we can find someone not tainted by the Washington establishment? And especially irritating is the cant about how Obama is reaching out across the aisle. Heck, he's already to the right of the aisle (see these AP stories: "Rove: Obama security team represents continuity" - http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2008/12/02/D94QJ6UG0_rove_transition/index.html; or "Obama AG pick defended Guantanamo policy", which Glenn alluded to - http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2008/12/02/D94QF6202_obama_attorney_general/index.html) Where are the representatives of the real Left in this government? I don't see any. If Obama is reaching out, why not to them too?
And finally: I find BooMan's comments the ultimate irony, and the perfect example of what is rotten in our political system. Kucinich to the Kiddie Table? And yet, all these "adults" were wrong about Iraq, and Kucinich was right! Dessert is the very least he deserves!
