Intelligence posts next, but harder to fill
Wall Street Journal Dec 1, 08 8:50 AM CST
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No surprises are expected as Barack Obama formally nominates his national security team today, leading with Hillary Clinton, Gen. James Jones, and Robert Gates. But the president-elect is having trouble with intelligence positions, the Wall Street Journal reports, as he looks for experienced hands not tainted by service in the Bush administration. Obama's pick for CIA head, a 25-year agency veteran, was dumped because of his role at the agency when controversial interrogation tactics were developed and implemented.
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Transition boss discusses bailout, Cabinet
Bloomberg Nov 28, 08 10:32 AM CST
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The government should “demand accountability” from Citigroup in return for bailout funding, Barack Obama’s transition team leader says. “If we’re going to have one rule, we ought to apply it to all of the financial institutions that we’re taking a look at,” John Podesta said in a Bloomberg interview. Lawmakers asked automakers for a plan and management changes before giving them money—a request they didn’t make of Citigroup.
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Once-outspoken Biden content with the back seat
New York Times Nov 26, 08 7:08 AM CST
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The nation's last two vice presidents loomed large in Washington—Al Gore leading on the environment and technology and Dick Cheney practically a shadow president. But when Joe Biden succeeds arguably the most powerful No. 2 in American history, the job is expected to shrink back to its original size. As the New York Times reports, Biden will serve primarily as a counselor and adviser to Barack Obama, and he will not receive a portfolio.
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Obama team says State is a done deal; Times has her waffling
New York Times Nov 21, 08 6:45 AM CST
(Newser)
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The Clinton agonizing continues, the New York Times reports, as friends said yesterday she was "back in the indecisive column," and Senate Democrats said they'd offer her a substantial leadership role if she doesn't end up as Barack Obama's secretary of state. Obama's team put the word out last night that things are on track for the Clinton nomination, which could be announced after Thanksgiving, and that she's expected to accept. But the Times isn't buying.
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Aides say he plans
to do so just after Thanksgiving
Politico Nov 20, 08 11:52 PM CST
(Newser)
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Barack Obama remains "on track" to name Hillary Clinton as his secretary of state and plans to do so shortly after Thanksgiving, senior aides to the president-elect tell Politico. They said Clinton is expected to accept the offer and added that disclosure issues related to the complicated funding of Bill Clinton's foundation have been ironed out, the AP notes.
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Defense Secretary fulfill talk of bipartisan cabinet
Financial Times (UK) Nov 19, 08 12:07 PM CST
(Newser)
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Barack Obama and Robert Gates are negotiating policy issues with a view toward Gates remaining Defense secretary, the Financial Times reports, a move that would make the Bush appointee a key member of a bipartisan cabinet that resembles Abraham Lincoln's “team of rivals.” Gates, a former CIA chief, is respected for being tough, but in a less abrasive manner than predecessor Donald Rumsfeld.
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Will head health transition
Roll Call Nov 19, 08 11:59 AM CST
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Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle has been offered, and intends to accept, a post as Barack Obama’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, Roll Call reports. Daschle will also head the health care policy transition group. Nearly all of Obama’s transition policy working group heads are expected to land in top administration jobs.
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OPINION
Obama needs 'an agent, not an author'
Washington Post Nov 19, 08 10:25 AM CST
(Newser)
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Hillary Clinton would probably do a good job as secretary of State, but giving her the post would be a mistake, writes David Broder in the Washington Post. “It’s not the best use of her talents, and it’s certainly not the best fit for this president.” Obama needs a diplomat to carry out his will, “an agent, not an author.”
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Politico Nov 18, 08 9:10 PM CST
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Press reports to the contrary, Hillary Clinton still hasn't decided whether to accept the post of secretary of state, Politico reports. She remains genuinely torn on whether to leave the Senate and give up her fight for health care reform, several anonymous aides say. The Obama camp is still vetting the business dealings of Bill Clinton and has not made a formal offer.
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ANALYSIS
Cool-hand Barack wants heavy-hitters, isn't afraid of a fight
New York Times Nov 18, 08 6:22 AM CST
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For a man who earned himself the nickname "No-Drama Obama" during the campaign, the president-elect seems to be assembling a surprisingly high-maintenance cabinet, writes Helene Cooper in the New York Times . From Larry Summers to Rahm Emanuel to Hillary Clinton, the partners that Obama has chosen or considered have big personalities and enjoy a catfight—which could quickly turn his cabinet of rivals into a lion's den.
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Guardian (UK) Nov 17, 08 9:15 PM CST
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Hillary Clinton will accept Barack Obama's offer to become secretary of state, the Guardian reports. The president-elect's team does not anticipate problems arising from an ongoing examination of the records of Bill Clinton's foundation, clearing the way for Obama's fiercest primary rival to embody his stated ambition to assemble a bipartisan administration.
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ANALYSIS
Doris Kearns Goodwin's tome provides unexpected insight into next administration
Guardian (UK) Nov 17, 08 2:55 PM CST
(Newser)
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“Team of rivals” is the post-campaign buzzphrase, Graeme Allister writes in the Guardian , replacing the lipsticked pigs and pitbulls. The term refers to Barack Obama’s strategy of filling Cabinet positions with Republicans and political enemies (ie, Hillary Clinton), and comes from a 2005 book by Doris Kearns Goodwin chronicling similar maneuvers by Abraham Lincoln almost 150 years ago.
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