Comments on: Obama Job Seeker Vetting Process

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:30:57 +0000

The other difference, though,is that one usually at least has an offer in hand when starting the clearance process. Doing this just to put one's resume into the pile is a bit much. Certainly, I'd never bother applying under these circumstances.

I guess you've never filled out an application for the CIA, especially their DO. That one was at least 10 pages with very detailed information required. And that was before they would even talk to you.

By: davod

davod — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:45:10 +0000

Would Obama pass scrutiny?

By: James M.

James M. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:56:15 +0000

I find some irony in this request of in-depth information. Obama was asked for proof of birth refused,even went to court to stop it and when asked for his school transcripts he said it wasn't anyone's business. So is this a case of do as I say do and not as I do?

By: Steve Verdon

Steve Verdon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:08:06 +0000

As much as I’d like to criticize Obama for this, it’s perfectly prudent in the current environment. Bill Clinton’s transition was famously bungled, including embarrassing revelations about his first two tries at appointing an Attorney General.

But traffic tickets? WTF? In California I don't think there is a traffic ticket for less that $50. Sure maybe if you had lots of tickets, or unpaid tickets, but tickets you paid, and/or went to traffic school for? Really?

By: James

James — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:45:10 +0000

This is no big deal. The SF-171 (federal application for employment) and the SF-85 and SF-85P (supplemental questionaires for positions of public trust) are very standard and long-standing forms. These are filled out and submitted long before any vetting process for a security clearance. The email and facebook questions are probably new, but I don't really see what the big deal is. Any applicant for a fed position, either career or from the Plum Book, should expect to fill this stuff out, under any administration. Unless of course you were a bushie in the past 8 years, then all you'd need is a receipt for your campaign contribution. We all know how that turned out, don't we, Brownie? Browse through all these forms here Electronic Forms: Standard Forms I fail to see the concern, or the unusual nature of this. Mountain out of an anthill.

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:02:11 +0000

James - What this tells us is that Obama understands the scrutiny his administration will be under and that the people they pick to work for them will be similarly scritinized. They remember Nannygate and Illegal Alien Domestic Help-gate. They are under no illusion Obama will get a free pass if it's later discovered one of his staff or appointees had a degree from Mail Order U. This just shows the amount of attention to detail and organizational discipline of the Obama team. Of course, I could be all wrong and they end up just like the previous administration.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:35:05 +0000

This isn't much more information thatn what's demanded for anyone seeking a top secreat clearance.

Well, every email and blog post and Facebook entry is going a bit far. The other difference, though,is that one usually at least has an offer in hand when starting the clearance process. Doing this just to put one's resume into the pile is a bit much. Certainly, I'd never bother applying under these circumstances.

By: DC Loser

DC Loser — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:30:01 +0000

This isn't much more information thatn what's demanded for anyone seeking a top secreat clearance.

By: Triumph

Triumph — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:03:24 +0000

As much as I’d like to criticize Obama for this, it’s perfectly prudent in the current environment.

Give me a break. These questions show what Obama is up to. This nanny-statism is nothing more than a prelude to what Republican Congressman Broun warned us about: Obama's plan to establish a Marxist dictatorship.

By: PJens

PJens — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:42:00 +0000

A question about gun ownership? What is that all about? I would hope that gun ownership would not be a qualifier or dis-qualifier for a job.

By: Barry

Barry — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:50:03 +0000

James, a good post. I'd only add that this might be a warning - don't even think of applying unless your record can stand a thorough GOP oppo research, and a thorough journalistic study.

By: fester

fester — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:51:17 +0000

As to your second to last paragraph, I would hazard a little bit of A (the connection gets your resume on top of the pile with a star and a Post-It note attached to it) and a bit of B as there are more people with decent connections and a good recommendation than there are positions.

By: odograph

odograph — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:08:06 +0000

Someone said Obama had a "deep bench" to choose from. 10 years of bright people and Nobel Laureates who have been out of power and waiting their turn.

Some even moderates ;-)

By: rodney dill

rodney dill — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:05:10 +0000

a veritable ACORNucopia of applicants