http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.co...ithdraws-from-consideration-for-cabinet-post/ BREAKING: Gupta withdraws from consideration for cabinet post Posted: 05:18 PM ET Dr. Sanjay Gupta will continue his work as a surgeon and for CNN. WASHINGTON (CNN) – CNN correspondent Sanjay Gupta has withdrawn his name from consideration as the nation’s next surgeon general, opting to continue to devote time to his reporting and his medical career. Gupta will discuss his decision, and the president’s health care agenda, tonight on CNN’s Larry King Live.
But that's the Surgeon General's primary job. It's a PR type position that mostly involves communicating with the public. The HHS Secretary does the primary health-related work.
What's ironic is that the real reason Gupta was controversial was because liberals didn't like his approach. He was very "Republican" and in bed with pharma, as well as advocating screenings as such. But that wasn't the worst offense - it was Gupta calling Michael Moore essentially a liar and not agreeing with the liberal health care agenda. This is why Gupta has been opposed. The bigger Irony is that TJ was opposed to someone who would bring a more conservative view point, and to a man that detested Michael Moore. I guess TJ liked Sicko and really is a liberal at heart. Way to go TJ! Personally, Gupta is more than qualified for the job, not only having the communication skills but being a very qualified doctor who has done pioneering work, been published in medical journals, and is a cheif surgeon at a major hospital. Jus tbecause the guy has his own show doesn't mean he was all fluff. It's a sad day for the Indian American community. I definitely think he would have been the greatest SG the country had seen in a long while.
Good for Gupta. He is 39 years old with 3 young kids. He put his children ahead of the prestige of the political appointment.
