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Will president-elect Joe Biden appoint Obama as secretary of state? Here are 3 rules for cabinet appointments

Given the friendship between Biden and Obama, many have been discussing the possibility of the former president being appointed the Secretary of State

The news of Joe Biden winning the 2020 US presidential elections caused a wave of celebrations and joy across the country among Democrat supporters. People on social media have already been talking about who should perform at the inauguration of president-elect Biden and vice president-elect Kamala Harris. The Internet has also been discussing the possible cabinet appointees of the upcoming Biden administration. No wonder, given the close relationship and friendship between Biden and Barack Obama, many have been discussing the possibility of the former president being appointed the next secretary of state.

One Twitter user, talking about the same while also throwing in the name of Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, tweeted, "Totally agree about Pete Buttigieg (I know it’s a dream, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if Barack Obama could be Secretary of State?) – sorry, just daydreaming," while another, hoping for Obama's return to the government, wrote, "I think if President-elect Joe Biden asks Barack Hussein Obama to serve as Secretary of State he would say yes. We need our best talent on the field. Internationally and at home. Sunday prayers for wisdom." A different user further added, "Yay! Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are looking forward to supporting our new president and vice-president however they can! So which one is going to be Secretary of State?"

A different user, naming Michelle Obama, tweeted, "Michelle Obama she will be secretary of state in your administration buckle 4 years...I think only...I don't say it is the truth...Thank you Kamala for your kingdom." Another said, "Joe Biden, Kamala Harris congratulations! Your speeches brought tears to my eyes. Here's a thought, how about President Obama for Secretary of State? God bless America," while another expressed, "I am seriously suggesting that the next Secretary of State be Barack Obama. That's the only person who will win back the confidence of the all 'friendly' Countries driven away by Trump and the trust of the rest of the world."

Three Rules of Cabinet Appointments

Here, the first two rules are straightforward. The first rule is that Cabinet ministers must have educational credentials or experience in government or the private sector that is seen as relevant for their post. The second rule is that presidents appoint cabinet members whom they can trust and who have demonstrated loyalty to them (or to their party). The third rule is that the Cabinet should look like the country in some way. This means that it should be representative of the citizen population and their interests. The rules about who is represented, and how many representatives are necessary, is not defined. Going by these rules, Obama is fit to be appointed as the Secretary of State and his appointment won't be controversial.