Cabinet Notes: Most Diverse Ever? Millions V. Trillions?

Our political unit notes that while the White House is calling today’s main event President Obama’s first "full Cabinet meeting", it isn’t quite. "Full" as in, all the available members; not full, because there’s still an empty chair. Tom Daschle’s nomination for Health and Human Services fell apart; and Kathleen Sebelius’ nomination for the post is due for a vote in the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday.

And from USAToday, there’s this: "If she is confirmed by the Senate, Sebelius will complete a Cabinet that experts say is the most diverse in history. It will have seven women and nine racial and ethnic minorities among its 21 members — and only eight white men. Average age: 54."

By the way the Cabinet — however you define it — gathers as we write, with the President demanding $100 million in spending cuts. And many in the GOP is taking the moment to beat the drums of fiscal conservatism.

From Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell:

"I appreciate the efforts to save millions by identifying unnecessary or duplicative government spending. But let’s not forget that at the same time they’re looking for millions in savings, the President’s budget calls for adding trillions to the debt. The nation’s debt is at its highest level ever, but under the administration’s budget, the amount of public debt will double in five years and triple in ten."

Click here to see who’s in Obama’s cabinet.