For all you centrists who are urging Biden to appoint Republicans to his cabinet, let me ask you: how did that work out for Obama?

And don't go "Team of Rivals" Lincoln with me, either. Lincoln included opponents in his cabinet, the South still seceded, and his Northern opponents remained just as committed. Plus, some of those appointments (looking at you, Simon Cameron) were fucking disasters.

Why is the burden *always* on Democrats to be "bipartisan?" No one told Trump he should appoint Joe Manchin to the cabinet or some other stupid shit like that. So get out of here with your "Mitt Romney for State" takes. Enabling creeping authoritarianism is disqualifying.

Also: best Simon Cameron corruption story: someone asked fellow PA'n Thaddeus Stevens if there was anything Cameron *wouldn't* steal. Stevens thought for a minute and said, "a red-hot stove."

Cameron was pissed, and demanded Stevens retract his words. Stevens then said, I believe I told you Simon Cameron would not steal a red-hot stove. I now take that back.

Thaddeus Stevens is one my favorite historical figures for this and literally hundreds of reasons.