Via Jeremy, we see that Politico is reporting the possibility of Cambridge JP (thanks tblade) resident Doug Hattaway as the State Department’s chief spokesman under Hillary Clinton.
Doug HATTAWAY is being considered for “the Jamie Rubin job” at the State Department podium. The president and CEO of Hattaway Communications in Boston had a soothing vibe with Senator Clinton when he traveled with her during the depths of the campaign, and would be a comforting presence as America’s face to the world. Democrats note that as opposed to being a combatant, Hattaway would “stick to the binder” of briefing materials about world hot spots that the briefer has to absorb each day.
Not mentioned in this report is that, as far as I know, Hattaway, if appointed, would be the most prominent federal official to be in a same-sex marriage. Hattaway is married to Jarrett Barrios, the ex-State Senator and current head of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Foundation.
Here’s hoping that Hattaway, if he gets the job, might educate his boss (and her boss as well) about the marriage issue (he might start by explaining how annoying it is that he will not be able to add Jarrett and their two kids to his gold-plated federal benefits). If so, his appointment could benefit more than the State Department.
The Jamaica Plain Gazette reported in November that Barrios recently moved to JP, and it’s fair to assume that Hattaway went with him (maybe not? I don’t know). JP, Cambridge – his precise residency isn’t relevant to the story, but interesting to those who are nosy and those who track Boston city politics, given that Barrios is running Felix (The Younger) Arroyo’s bid for an at-large City Council seat.
Doug and Jarrett would highlight a policy issue at the State Department. But there is a global message that needs to get out on U.S. policy too.
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p>Yes, families serve the U.S. around the globe and they deserve all the responsibilities, rights, and training offered to other Foreign Service personnel. However is Doug Hattaway a Jamie Rubin?
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p>As I mentioned before, I have real issues with Jarrett Barrios’ hit-and-run method of politics and policy. Grandstanding and fluffanutter style strikes aren’t necessarily conducive to addressing long term foreign policy matters or childhood diabetes and obesity.
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p>It was flattering, I’m sure, that politico.com mentioned Doug Hattaway.
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that Jarrett’s politics (like ’em or not) would affect Doug’s job. I have no idea what the politics of any other agency spokesperson’s spouse are, not do I care, nor (I’d think) should anyone else.
. . . it seems as though it would be prudent to ask if Hattaway was advising him about his grandstanding on Beacon Hill.
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a little grandstanding would be refreshing. jarrett put himself out there and actually helped move the narrative along in massachusetts. grandstanding might be a tiresome style in some circumstances, but it can also be effective if used properly.
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p>but to echo david, i have no idea what doug’s style is but there is no reason to believe that he will be jarrett’s sock puppet. peabody, when you apply for a job, do you let the employer interview your spouse? if not, then kindly shut up about doug’s husband, because he is irrelevant to doug doing the job.
Obviously, my comments struck a nerve.
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p>For one, all spouses deserve whatever rights and responsibilities are due them across the panoply of federal programs. It is not only fair, but it makes sense!
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p>Secondly, if Doug hattaway gets nominated he will be asked by someone on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee if his style includes advising his spouse,yes spouse, about tactics.
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p>Some people grew up on a few Fluffanutter sandwiches and with the right level of physical activity and metabolism turned out alright.
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Did I just get magically transported to RMG? Is that you, Ken Pittman? I’m not at all convinved that you survived the fluffernutter experience mentally intact.
I don’t have the occasion to use that word alot. Thank goodness!
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What the fuck is your problem?
Did you address the points that were made or just attack someone? Nice tactic!
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p>I think I’ll make myself a Fluffanutter sandwich now.
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p>Enough said!
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It was wise and necessary for the Obama folks to get some answers on Bill’s dealing and projected antics before nominating Hillary for ecretary of state.
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p>Yes, I put Doug and Jarrett’s marriage on par with any and all others!
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