I don’t think I’d go as far as calling it “cronyism.” If you were elected President, wouldn’t YOU want someone you knew and trusted in the position of White House spokesperson? I know I would. It seems like a natural thing to me, and not at all negative or unseemly. In this case, however, it didn’t turn out so well.
You don’t call keeping someone you know in a position who is so completely unqualified cronyism?
He was completely unqualified to do the job he did. He should have been yanked a week after he started that job.
I am in a leadership position at work. I have people I trust. But they are also the best at what they do on the team. If they are not, we find outsiders who can fit the role.