Some who campaigned for Barack Obama last year are disappointed by his senior appointments. The president-elect has given the top jobs to centrists and veterans of the Clinton administration. The left of the Democratic party feels neglected, and worries that the Obama administration is not intent on radical reform.

Their surprise is surprising. They must have been counting on their man’s insincerity. The president-elect campaigned as a centrist and a builder of consensus. So far as one can judge – admittedly, since he is not yet president, it is a little early to say – he meant it. His appointments say that he values experience and expertise over loyalty to his political tribe. This was a trait notably lacking in the Bush administration. It is a welcome innovation.