The Times opposes Obama choice for NASA chief

The editors of The New York Times came out against Charles Bolden Jr. as the new NASA administrator.

Alleged shortcomings of Bolden

Four shuttle flights. Next: NASA administrator?

Bolden, a former astronaut, is unqualified according to The Times for a number of reasons:

1. He has insufficient expertise in space science and engineering
2. Past ties to the aerospace industry creates a conflict of interest
3. Bolden may feel an obligation to Senator Nelson of Florida, who supported his selection…by favoring programs which would bring more jobs to Florida

Frankly, I don’t know whether or not Bolden would make a good administrator…but I disagree with the assessment that The Times offers.

Why The Times is wrong

First of all, almost anyone qualified for the position would have some past ties with the aerospace industry. That’s practically a requirement for the job.

Any candidate would have supporters in political office, so his connection to Senator Nelson is irrelevant. (And, wouldn’t almost any activity by NASA bring jobs to Florida?)

It’s the money, stupid!

Finally, the job of administrator isn’t a science or engineering job. It’s a job that requires management skills…and, ideally, brilliant political skills. To succeed, any NASA administrator needs to keep the money flowing to the space agency.