Obama Formally Nominates Salazar for Interior and Vilsack for Agriculture Posts

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller reports:

President-elect Obama formally nominated two more posts within his Cabinet today: announcing former Gov. Tom Vilsack, D-Iowa, for Agriculture Secretary; and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., for Secretary of the Interior.

Obama said that the health of the economy and the nation’s energy future depends on these two "guardians of the American landscape."

Obama attempted to frame his choices as a two men bringing a "new kind of leadership in Washington," and assured that "the policies being shaped at the Departments of Agriculture and Interior are designed to serve not big agribusiness or Washington influence- peddlers, but family farmers and the American people."

INTERIOR: TIME TO CLEAN UP YOUR ACT

President-elect Obama said that the nation has had an Interior Department that was “deeply troubled,” and “seen as an appendage of commercial interests as opposed to for the people.”

Twice the president-elect said that he wants to have a “proactive” Interior Department that will get out and talk to people, ranchers, and farmers, one that will be on the “cutting edge of environmental and energy policy.”

“I want a more proactive Interior Department. I also want an Interior Department that, very frankly, cleans up its act.  There have been too many problems and too much — too much emphasis on big-time lobbyists in Washington and not enough emphasis on what’s good for the American people, and that’s going to change under Ken Salazar.”

Obama called Salazar, a “champion for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” that will “bring to the Department of Interior an abiding commitment to this land we love.”

The president-elect mentioned the First Americans – and the responsibilities that Salazar will have to ensure, “that tribal nations have a voice in this administration.”

Salazar, a fifth generation farmer said that he was humbled by his nomination, and promised a strong commitment to move toward energy independence.

“I will do all I can to help reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil,” Salazar –wearing a cowboy hat and Western-style bolo said, “I look forward to working directly with President-elect Obama, as an integral part of his team, as we take the moon-shot on energy independence.”

AGRICULTURE: “THE PEOPLE’S DEPARTMENT”

President-elect Obama – referencing Lincoln yet again – said that he wishes for the Department of Agriculture for once again return to the people’s department under Tom Vilsack.

“As our next Secretary of Agriculture, Tom will not only help ensure that rural America has a true partner in implementing the Farm Bill and pursuing agricultural research, but that Washington is looking out for everyone from the small family farms that are feeding our communities to the large farms that are feeding the world.”

Obama said that the former Iowa governor, coming form one of the most abundant farm states, comes uniquely qualified.

“Tom Vilsack has been a leader among governors when it comes to clean energy, when it comes to agriculture.  Obviously, if you don’t know agriculture, you’re not going to be the governor of Iowa.” 

The president-elect said that one of the characteristics he liked about his choice is that Vilsack has been “forward looking” in thinking about moving toward cellulosic ethanol and harnessing wind and solar power to give a boost to rural communities.

“He led with vision, promoting biotech to strengthen our farmers and fostering an agricultural economy of the future that not only grows the food we eat, but the energy we use. Tom understands that the solution to our energy crisis will be found not in oil fields abroad but in our farm fields here at home.”

Obama was asked why Vilsack was under the strong impression late last month that he would not be secretary of Agriculture, and what had changed since then.

“Well, I don’t know who led him to believe that,” Obama replied, “Whoever did obviously was misinformed because here he stands.”

- Sunlen Miller