Larry Summers is apparently on the short list for the Treasury Secretary slot. He has been a controversial figure in the past for both written and oral statements. There was his public speculation that women were intellectually disinclined to pursue math-related subjects. There was his memo at the World Bank that argued that it would be economically wise to use LDCs (Lesser Developed Countries) as waste dump sites since they don't live as long there anyway.
An article in Boston Magazine had some interesting insights into Summers. The key point is that he is socially and politically tone-deaf. That wouldn't necessarily disqualify him for an advisory position but the Secretary of the Treasury is often the public face of the administration on economic matters. He may very well have to advocate for Obama's economic policies in Congress.
Summers is spectacularly ill-adapted for the political dimensions of this particular job slot.
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