John Bryson, Obama's pick for Commerce chief, has work cut out for him
If John Bryson is confirmed by the Senate to be Secretary of Commerce, it'll be his job to revive economic growth, double U.S. exports and encourage business to hire more employees.
Those are President Obama's marching orders for Bryson, if and when he takes over from Gary Locke, who's leaving the Commerce post to be U.S. Ambassador to China.
Interestingly, the business community's objectives for Bryson are about the same.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce was quick to say that as Commerce Secretary, Bryson must keep his department "focused like a laser beam on putting people back to work, expanding U.S. exports and helping American businesses succeed in the 21st century."
They're all easier said than done - which may be why Mr. Obama was quick to joke about Bryson's qualifications for the job.
"Nothing has prepared him more for this demanding role -- a role that requires delicate diplomacy, complex negotiations, and careful management of folks with strong views -- than being the father of four daughters," said Mr. Obama, father of two daughters, in announcing his intention to nominate Bryson. His four daughters were in the State Dining Room for the announcement.
If Bryson delivers on his economic and business goals, Pres Obama will get the credit. And if he doesn't, Mr. Obama will also get the blame. It's the nature of the beast.
In choosing Bryson, Mr. Obama is reaching out to a businessman with a background that includes non-profits, government agencies, major corporations and most recently, membership on the Boards of Directors of Boeing and Walt Disney.
For nearly two decades until 2008, Bryson served as Chairman and CEO of Edison International, the electric power conglomerate that is parent company of Southern California Edison.
Pres. Obama likes it that Bryson has energy in his resume, and a green background to boot as a co-founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Gov. Jerry Brown, D-Ca., brought Bryson into government service as president of the California Public Utilities Commission and Chairman of the State Water Resources Council.
"He's been a fierce proponent of alternative energy," the president boasted about Bryson today.
And the Chamber of Commerce is looking to Bryson to be "a strong voice for American business."
Mr. Obama says Bryson will be "an important part" of his economic team.
But Bryson's success in the Commerce post will be measured in large part by a numerical grade: the Gross Domestic Product, now at an anemic 1.8 percent economic growth.
