Functions Of Cab Meetings For The President

Question 1

What is the function of policy debate?

Answer 1

-pres use cab meetings as forum to debate policy
-e.g. Raegan’s defence sec Carlucci stated meetings often ‘vigourous’ - one on pros + cons of building Rus oil pipeline was ‘quite a shouting match’

Question 2

What is the function of team spirits?

Answer 2

-engendered at start of admin as most members are strangers to pres
-meetings help weld them into his team to move forward with pres agenda
-after this est meetings decline

Question 3

What is the function of collegiality?

Answer 3

-important for pres appear collegial + consultative esp since Nixon
-Nixon notorious for lack of openness + displayed by press in cartoon of him dressed as Russian style military officer with ‘no entry’ signs

Question 4

How does the media play a role in the function of collegiality?

Answer 4

-meetings with media photo opportunities good way pres send reassuring message signalling running open admin
-public relations exercise

Question 5

What is the function of promoting action?

Answer 5

-use meetings to goad cab members into actions
-e.g. July 2014 sec of defence Hagel dragging feet over release of prisoners from Guantanamo bay

Question 6

How did Obama respond to Hagel?

Answer 6

-after cab meeting July Obama instructed white house chief of staff McDonough to fix situation with Hagel