CNN: Hostage Crisis in Obamas Cabinet as NRA Set to Block Surgeon General Nominee?

President Barack Obamas nominee to become the next Surgeon General, Vivek Hallergere Murthy, appears unlikely to be confirmed for the post on Monday. A CNN panel confirmed that even Senate Democrats are wary of voting to confirm Murthy because, as CNN anchor John King put it, his only crime is he agrees with the president and the National Rifle Association opposes his nomination. King asked if Obamas cabinet is now in the midst of a hostage crisis with the NRA as captors.

King began by noting that Republicans are being joined by a number of Democrats openly opposing Murthys nomination. Dr. Murthys crime is he agrees with the president that you need more gun controls, King observed. He cant get a vote because the National Rifle Association has served notice it will punish anybody who supports him.

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Why walk the plank if youre a red state Democrat when the NRA is actually scoring this vote? asked POLITICOs Manu Raju. [Senate Majority Leader] Harry Reid (D-NV) wants to protect his vulnerable Democrats in tough races.

The question is, if youre in the Obama cabinet, is it now a hostage crisis? King asked. And you cant lead because you cant get your replacement confirmed?

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CNN: Hostage Crisis in Obamas Cabinet as NRA Set to Block Surgeon General Nominee?