All it takes is watching McClellan for 5 minutes to put to rest the idea that Bush is good at nominating people for important positions.
My only guess is W picked McClellan for that spot because, compared to McClellan, Bush's public speaking skills are good!
I suspect the White House Chief of Staff did the picks with a nod here and there by the Prez for people like this.
Don't knock him to quick...this is a tough, tough position. He may not be the very best, but he's there and doing the job.
I'd put LTGen Honor'e their when and if I could...the animals in the briefing room need some discipline. McClellan is too nice. He needs to kick some ass --off camera first...one on one...and then ZOT the rebellious ones.
Oh please. Hundreds and hundreds of appointments and you point out McClellan and Miers as proof positive that Bush is deficient in that particular process? McClellan is drone-ish but that is a style that is effective in general. Ari's livelier style was great but gave more opportunities to allow the press to say the WH was on the defensive. Yes McClellan also gives such opportunities but I'm guessing that among the public, media and intelligensia Ari's style drew more attention (better ratings) which is alright when all is pleasant but a negative when rough waters are being crossed.
McClellan is appropriately monotone for a position that involves issueing both benign statements and plausible denials.