Obama Girds for 'Unprecedented' Economic Crisis

President-elect focusing on security, trust, downturn and Gitmo, he tells 60 Minutes
By Jess Kilby,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 17, 2008 3:35 AM CST

National security, the economy and breaking America's addiction to fossil fuels are Barack Obama's key priorities, he revealed in his first sit-down TV interview since becoming president-elect. He's focusing first on security because "transition periods are times of vulnerability to a terrorist attack," he explained on 60 Minutes yesterday. But he's already grappling with an "unprecedented crisis" posed by a plummeting economy.

Obama also pledged to shut down Guantanamo Bay, shift troops from Iraq to Afghanistan, and “recreate a bond of trust between the presidency and the public.” He confirmed that Republicans will sit on his cabinet, and called Hillary Clinton one of the nation's "most thoughtful public officials”—but wouldn't say what role she might play in his administration. Until he plunges into White House life he's enjoying sleeping at home, and having his girls "jump in bed. It's a great feeling." (More Barack Obama stories.)

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