More than 24 hours and still no one here has screamed bloody murder or called for his head.

I, for one, applaud the President's action to appoint Richard Cordray to head the congressionally approved Consumer Fraud Protection Bureau. Cordray is well qualified, as conceded by many Republicans and Democrats, but his appointment was blocked by Republicans who wanted to restructure the agency mission and powers.

The President is risking lawsuits and rather severe hand slapping by the courts. Ultimately a court reversal could set an important precedent further limiting the power of Presidential appointments. Reversal, or even a reasonable indication it might occur, would also give opponents a major argument for unseating the incumbent in November.

So it took some courage and resolve to 'damn the torpedoes' and make the appointment. These are the qualities I look for in a President.