Why did President Obama appoint Tom Wheeler to head the FCC?

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112. A few facts for the record.

First, let me emphasize that (a) I think the Commission should (and to a certain extent) will take action to guarantee the Internet remains "open" and (b) I think that the Comcast/TWC merger should be stopped or, failing that, should be subjected to very strong conditions.

Second, it really doesn't help make the case for net neutrality or against the Comcast/TWC merger to misstate facts in a rant. Tom Wheeler isn't going to go to work for Comcast when he leaves office. He'll be at least 70 when that happens and from those who know him well, there is no doubt in his mind that he won't be going to work for private industry when he leaves office. Far more likely, he'll return to his first love -- writing about history. He is not a lawyer. And his nomination was supported by Susan Crawford and Andy Schwartzman, two well known figures in the public interest community.

In addition, I can't recall any former FCC Chairman who went to work for Comcast. Nor do they generally become lobbyists for the communications industry. Here's the last few Chairs and where they ended up: Genachowski - Carlyle Group (big money investors, but not in Comcast); Copps (acting chair) Common Cause; Kevin Martin - Patton Boggs law firm (he hates, and is hated by, Comcast); Michael Powell -- the exception to the recent rule -- he is now head of NCTA, so in effect he is a lobbyist for Comcast albeit indirectly); William Kennard - Carlyle Group followed by a stint as US Ambassador to the European Union.

Finally, Bill Baer may have represented GE/NBC in their merger with Comcast, but that doesn't mean he's a pushover for the proposed merger. Indeed, he might even recuse himself. But he has been aggressive in the time he's been in office in fighting mergers and getting favorable settlements from the parties; and his recent statements suggest he intends to continue along that course. http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/wireless-mergers-will-draw-scrutiny-antitrust-chief-says/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1