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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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 ANALYSIS 
9

Obama Lacks Health Team as Swine Flu Spreads

Terrorism pros handle health crisis

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(Newser) – With key health posts in the Obama administration still vacant, the swine flu outbreak is being handled by a counter-terrorism specialist and a former governor, Politico reports. The administration still lacks a surgeon general and chiefs for the Food and Drug Administraion and Centers for Disease Control, and needs to fill 20 crucial positions—including the secretary of the agency—at Health and Human Services. Still, the White House contends it's prepared.

"I think it's all hands on deck, and we're doing fine," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. The situation isn't unprecedented: Timothy Geithner handled the financial crisis with 18 Treasury posts open. The epidemic may put pressure on the Senate to confirm HHS Secretary-designate Kathleen Sebelius as early as tomorrow. Some 20 nonfatal cases of the flu have already been reported in five states.

President Obama makes remarks to the media after holding his first Cabinet meeting last week. Key health positions remain vacant in the administration as the swine flu hits.
President Obama makes remarks to the media after holding his first Cabinet meeting last week. Key health positions remain vacant in the administration as the swine flu hits.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Jarrita Juarez wears a mask after entering the US from Mexico in San Diego. Cases of swine flu are expected to climb in the US, the White House said yesterday.
Jarrita Juarez wears a mask after entering the US from Mexico in San Diego. Cases of swine flu are expected to climb in the US, the White House said yesterday.   (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Health and Human Services Secretary-designate, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is awaiting Senate confirmation before she can take on her post.
Health and Human Services Secretary-designate, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is awaiting Senate confirmation before she can take on her post.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, FILE)
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9 comments
VIEWING:
 
kokuaguy
Apr 27, 09 2:13 AM CDT
I was really disappointed last week== usually I immediately watch each new episode a second time. I agree that I laughed harder today than ever before. I think I'll go for a third viewing. And yes, the ethnic minority humor is by definition funny in the right context. But now always! Reply
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kokuaguy
Apr 27, 09 2:15 AM CDT
oops--that was meant for another page. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
anchower
Apr 27, 09 3:35 AM CDT
Kind of works for this one.
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riffran
Apr 27, 09 5:06 AM CDT
no reason for worry.....regardless of who is at the head of those departments..(or should I say figureheads)...the rest of the people who do the real work do not suddenly get fired or leave when a presidents leaves, or changes...Nor do they get the recogniition they deserve.....but they are still doing their job....just hang in there Reply
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sache
Apr 27, 09 9:57 AM CDT
With the repubs throwing up road blocks , it's a wonder any post are filled. The party of No are forever using delaying tactics. Reply
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