[Cboldt]

The lesson of this and Mike Brown-gate is to appoint the best man or woman for every job, not just your buddies.

That's one lesson. Another is that if you have settled for "less than the best," explain why that is the case (e.g., 60 vote hurdle, don't want a fight, etc.).

Another is to not insult supporters who provide reasoned criticism.

Another is to be a good listener - and to be appropriately responsive, considering the merit (or lack) of the criticism.

[SmoothTalker]

" Another is to not insult supporters who provide reasoned criticism."

That is a good one too. Don't call those who gave you countless volunteer hours, and hundreds of millions of dollars "sexists," and "elitists."