Obama´s presidency to start amid expectations, hopes, challenges

FROM TEAM TO CABINET

The power transition from Bush to Obama, in general, has been considered to be smooth, highlighted by Bush's early invitation to Obama's family to visit the White House, the immediate start of cabinet member appointments after election day, the rare meeting of all current, future and previous living presidents at the Oval Office, and joint efforts of Bush and Obama in calling for passage of the economic stimulus package in Congress.

On the other hand, Obama has also sped up the transition of his campaign team to a cabinet that can actually work to realize the promised changes.

In contrast to a team composed of young leaders, political activists and volunteers associated with grass root voters and communities, Obama has also enlisted a group of Washington veterans to carve out a way forward against political difficulties his blueprint of changes may encounter.

"Even though we know he promised changes from the past, which was his major campaign theme, he has brought back a lot of people from the Clinton administration including Hillary Clinton herself as secretary of state," Rozell said. "Obama is sending a signal that although he may not have long experience in D.C., people advising him and helping him make policies have the most extensive experience of all."

However, no appointee in the new cabinet has been officially approved by the Senate and the confirmation hearing for the assumed Treasury Secretary was delayed after reports said he did not pay enough tax when he was self-employed and hired a maid without legal documents to work in the Unite States.

Clinton's appointment as secretary of state is still waiting for a vote by the Senate's full floor as some senators still have concerns about her husband's fundraising activities.

Obama must also fill the vacancy of commerce secretary as his choice, Bill Richardson, has withdrawn his nomination due to his involvement in a corruption case under investigation.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei