Editorial: Two quick misfires for Obama

• President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

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Tom Daschle did the right thing Wednesday in removing himself as the secretary of Health and Human Services nominee. His decision saves Senate Democrats the politically problematic scenario of approving their second cabinet member in less than a week with tax delinquency issues.

When President Barack Obama nominated Daschle for the Health and Human Services post, many praised the choice of the South Dakotan. The same was true when Timothy Geithner was picked as treasury secretary. Both of those choices, however, should raise more than a few eyebrows across the country.

John McCain was roundly criticized for a lack of vetting — or checking into the background of — Sarah Palin upon choosing her to be his running mate. Obama should, without question, held to the same standard. The nomination of a treasury secretary, in particular, with a history of tax penalties shouldn’t have happened. Of course, his choice shouldn’t have been confirmed, either — there should have been a bipartisan “no” vote, or Geithner should have stepped aside.

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