Obama Transition Team Taps Clinton Alumni to Prepare for Transfer of Power
EmailThe Obama-Biden Transition Team announced three "Agency Review Teams" (ART) to prepare policy and personnel for the soon-to-be-named secretaries.
* For Treasury, the ART will be headed by Josh Gotbaum and Michael Warren;
* For the Pentagon, the ART will be headed by John White and Michele Flournoy;
* and as previously reported, Tom Donilon and Ambassador Wendy Sherman will run the ART for the State Department.
The Transition Team is also naming co-chairs of the Agency Review Working Group — Melody Barnes, Lisa Brown, and Don Gips.
Members of the Working Group include Louisa Terrell, Ray Riviera, and Jon Wilkins, as well as some designated for specific areas:
Seth Harris — labor, education, and transportation agencies;
David J. Hayes — energy and natural resources agencies;
Reed Hundt — international trade and economics agencies;
Sally Katzen — executive office of the president and government operations agencies;
Tom Perez — justice, health and human services, veterans affairs, and housing and urban development agencies;
Sarah Sewall — national security agencies;
Michael Warren (again) — international trade and economics agencies; and
Tom Wheeler — science, technology, space and arts agencies.
I think, if my math is correct, 16 out of 19 of these folks worked in some capacity for the administration of President Clinton, which will no doubt cause some to question just how much "change" can really come of these appointments.
But on the other hand, one can’t expect Democrats who can be relied upon to help run a government to just pop out fresh from thin air.
Moreover, these folks aren’t necessarily going to work for the Obama administration — they’re helping the administration get up to speed.
Gotbaum and Warren, in particular, have their work cut out for them in the short term, what with the president-elect and the president trying to fend off even further economic disaster.
Not that White, Flournoy, Donilon and Sherman have an easy task ahead of them, what with the safety and security of the nation and, you know, the world.
- jpt
GOP Rap: 'Take America Back' 
Afghanistan Timeline Realistic?
It depends on what your definition of “change” is.
Posted by: Roxie | November 12, 2008, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
I honestly wish at this point that Obama would say something to reassure the business and investing communities, namely that he is not going to raise taxes, and/or that he understands that jobs come from business, and he wants to support business in his first year. We need to hear from him, badly. It can’t be that hard to put out such a statement. If he cares. I voted for him but I must admit he is not impressing me lately and his lack of initiative is very different from his campaign rhetoric.
Posted by: Wow | November 12, 2008, 5:37 pm 5:37 pm
Uh… Jake, there are Clinton loyalists, and people who happened to work for Clinton. Obviously, if you’re a Democrat that has any idea of what’s going on, you probably worked in the CLINTON administration since all other administrations have been Republican (save Carter – 100 years ago).
Posted by: David | November 12, 2008, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm
Let’s give this “change” thing a rest, for gosh sakes. We all know the change this country needed…and that meant getting out from under the Bush administration and conservative policies that mired us down the past 8 years. So what if some Clintonistas are being consulted for the Obama administration? I don’t care if Obama consults my grandmother for advice, I’m just relieved that we’ll be out from under Bush and his cronies in about 67 days!!!!
Posted by: dlh | November 12, 2008, 5:48 pm 5:48 pm
Wow – I believe Obama has his hands full at this time with all of the preparations he has to make as President-elect. No one can realistically expect this man to hold a press conference right now to reassure Americans that he won’t raise taxes and that the business sector is going to be okay. Bush is still in office, and unless I’m mistaken about this, he still has an actual job to do. You should be imploring HIM to DO the job we elected him to do.
Posted by: dlh | November 12, 2008, 5:52 pm 5:52 pm
Hmm this is not a shock I knew Obama was gonna do this when he started taking people from Hillary’s campaign. Wonder if Obama will be so bold as to tap the big dogs themseleves Hillary or Bill. I guess I will be subject to hope Obama succeds all the while shaking my had thinking like that stupid V8 commerical could of had a Clinton.
Posted by: rachel | November 12, 2008, 6:01 pm 6:01 pm
dlh,
I did not vote for Bush. Bush is a lame duck. It is obvious that the investors want to hear something from Obama so why doesn’t he say something. I realize he is busy moving his household and picking out schools for his girls, he did not have a funeral for his grandmother so yeah I get that.
I am saying that he is obligated to make a statement. Any fool can see that the investors are worried. Wall Street fell for the third straight session. Obama needs to say something.
Posted by: Wow | November 12, 2008, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm
wow,
because, no matter how worried you or wall street is, bush is still the president.
I know, and i can understand why no one wants to hear anything from Bush,
especially bush,
if bush could he would leave the white house tonight.
during bushes eight years, he has been at the head of this country being wrecked.
and all of this mess that is going on now, is just the last gasp of bushes failed adm.
lets hope we don’t go completely under before help arrives.
help arrives jan 20. 2009.
until then obama is right to say nothing more than he has to say.
Posted by: What? | November 12, 2008, 6:15 pm 6:15 pm
OBOMA NEEDS TO CONSIDER JAMES LEE WITT FOR SOME TOP POST IN THE SYSTEM HE SERVED WELL AS HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTOR UNDER BILL CLINTON.
Posted by: TOM EDGIN | November 12, 2008, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
I am saying that he is obligated to make a statement. Any fool can see that the investors are worried. Wall Street fell for the third straight session. Obama needs to say something.
Posted by: Wow | Nov 12, 2008 6:07:43 PM
He is under no obligation to say anything until Jan 20,2009 AFTER he takes office. Don’t you think he is fact finding right now? Also he has to make decisions about other things like appointments etc.
Posted by: Jwench | November 12, 2008, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
More hope and change….
Posted by: Irish Gal | November 12, 2008, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
I am glad he is tapping Clinton people and not Bush people!
Posted by: Jwench | November 12, 2008, 7:38 pm 7:38 pm
For a man who wasted not a minute in running down the nation and the economy for the past 2 years he sure is being quite but loading up on used talent…I thought he was starting in a new direction? Clinton gave us Nafta and all that neat trade with China along with “affordable housing” now Obama is snatching advisors from that era up left and right.
We always have hope but change? I think not.
Posted by: david | November 12, 2008, 7:43 pm 7:43 pm
Did he copy Clinton’s docrine also?
LOL,,,you people especially youth voters hope for Change.
Where is the change!
here,,, I give you a penny!
Posted by: Fakebama | November 12, 2008, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
The definition of “Change”
copy Clinton’s doctrine, easy!
Posted by: crisis08 | November 12, 2008, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Lastest news from the Obama’s camp that there will be NO tax relief for anyone. Second campaign promise broken. Remember, the Bush tax relief ends Dec. 31, 2008. So increase in taxes for everyone….Can’t wait to support everyone, and ALL the BAIL OUT PLANS that Pelosi & Reid want to give out to ALL the BIG Businesses.
Cslifornian’s can you vote out PELOSI and NEVADA do the same with REID. NO MORE BAIL OUTS Thanks…
Posted by: 55Mariposa | November 12, 2008, 8:06 pm 8:06 pm
Lastest news from the Obama’s camp that there will be NO tax relief for anyone
Posted by: 55Mariposa | Nov 12, 2008 8:06:51 PM
Where did you pull that out of? Did you get that of Palin’s website or did the little Republican fairies tell you that?
Posted by: Jwench | November 12, 2008, 8:10 pm 8:10 pm
Jwench…no I just have real good connections. If you really think about it, how could Obama give anyone one a tax credit? Look at the economy, ALL the Bail Out Plans and ALL that Obama wants to accomplish and 2+2 does NOT equal 4. I forgot to add, Pelosi & Reid will be asking for another Bail Out Plan for the airline industry.
Posted by: 55Mariposa | November 12, 2008, 8:26 pm 8:26 pm
Posted by: 55Mariposa | Nov 12, 2008 8:26:03 PM
Sure you have connections and I am the Queen of England.
Posted by: Jwench | November 12, 2008, 8:27 pm 8:27 pm
What did Obama do with all of the money he raised? He and his wife chartered separate planes to go to Washington-who paid for that? Still getting emails from Plouffe to contribute as it cost so much to have organizers in 50 states etc….He wants $30 and I’ll get a Tee shirt. Hmm. Does anyone know who pays for all his “employees” right now? Just wondering how much “change” this is going to be.
Posted by: RL in Illinois | November 12, 2008, 8:34 pm 8:34 pm
Jwench…FYI…the anti gun President is going to have all high game fences illegal and have all ranchers remove them as well. Another inside info….
Posted by: 55Mariposa | November 12, 2008, 8:43 pm 8:43 pm
From what I’ve read, Clinton ran into problems in the early part of his presidency by trying to institute too many changes without having experienced government hands on board to guide those changes through.
This resulted in the failing of some of Clinton’s early change initiatives.
President-elect Obama is smart enough to bring some very experienced players on side to help ensure his initiatives for change really do work.
And surely we all have to admit – given the extraordinary economic meltdown currently being experienced – President-elect Obama is going to need every bit of hard work, luck and supreme blessings in order to make any sense out of the financial mess left by Bush, Cheney and the others.
Thanks to Bush, Cheney and the business world for creating such a sound economic foundation.
Posted by: pefros | November 12, 2008, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
There are plenty of people that would like some answers.
Posted by: Wow | November 12, 2008, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
WOW,
yes, there are plenty of people who want answers, but bush is not going to give us any? is he?
he is sitting there trying to speed up the running out of the clock on his time.
the american people have been asking, and waiting for answers from bush for a long time
answer to the american people from
bush….keep waiting…
Posted by: What? | November 12, 2008, 11:03 pm 11:03 pm
Americans should have elected Hilary Clinton. Obama is using all Bill Clinton advisors anyway. So were is the change? Looks about the same old process to me. Samd old recycled people.
Posted by: Sandy | November 12, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
RL in Illinois,
Good question.
I also still receive many e mails from Hillary and Clinton but there are no their signatures and they block some of the paragraph.
Posted by: catleya | November 12, 2008, 11:05 pm 11:05 pm
actually, bill and hill behind the scenes helping will be a good thing after all.
I voted for obama, but i was a staunch hillary supporter, but when she went for him, because of her i did too.
hillary behind the scenes getting things done is good for the country.
you had to know he was going to use dem.
people. and just about every dem in in the dnc, has been a clinton person. because they have been the leaders of the party for so long,
the trouble would have been, if all those smart people from the clinton years. were not consulted. would have said we have possibly another bush on our hand.
like i said i am for him all the way now because of hillary, but wouldn’t it be strange after all of that in the primary, about obama not wanting bill around the white house, he ends up being there as an advisor anyway.
at least as vp’ husband he would have had his other duties.
now bill could just end up being a close advisor.
and with this country in the shape it is in right now.
bill as a close advisor to obama.,will look pretty good.
Posted by: What? | November 12, 2008, 11:17 pm 11:17 pm
So let me see if I get this right: Obama won the election on a mantra of change and hope. So far all snipers from his “change team” are coming from former Clinton team, the same team he mercilessly bashed throughout the primary. And yet now the same faces are coming back all again. Is this the “change” the Messiah is (was?) promising to us???
Still no trace about “hope team”. But I suspect it might show itself in a form of 60 seats for Democrats in the Congress. God helps us.
Posted by: Frederik | November 13, 2008, 1:36 am 1:36 am
I made more money in the clinton admimistration than the bush administration by a long shot. Whats sad is that i have a better resume now. Polital partylines are worse than streetgangs and the KKK. Grow up please…
Posted by: runnaway | November 13, 2008, 2:58 am 2:58 am
Fredrik,
God has been helping us all along,
how do you think we are all still here and have any hope of life being better at all. after the job bush and co. have tried to do to us.
look how this country has come down over the last eight years. we are on our knees because of bush and friends.
mccain would have put us on our backs.
and you must not be very religious,
because obama is not the messiah,
he is just the POTUS-elect, who in time will help this country out of the hole george bush has got us in.
and obama is going to need all the help he can get.from the former clinton people and any other smart people.
but bush can take all the people he brought to washington back where they came from.
we can see what kind of work they do.
they are the demo crew. we don’t need their services anymore.
heyheyhey, GOOD-BYE
Posted by: What? | November 13, 2008, 8:42 am 8:42 am
Jimmy Carter is jumping up and down in smiling because he knows he will no longer be known as the worst President in the History of the United States. Obama will take that honor with in the first 2 years of his presidency.
Posted by: Carter | November 13, 2008, 8:47 am 8:47 am
What? Yea you better feel lucky that Bush kept us safe for the last 8 years because Obama is going to reduce the Military by 25%. This is not helping our national security. Russia is already pushing Obama around and he can not just tell Russia he is present!!!
Posted by: Carter | November 13, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am
Carter…our military will still have guns but no amo.
Posted by: LOL | November 13, 2008, 8:50 am 8:50 am
russia, is pushing BUSH around,
not obama,
BUSH is still the president.
Posted by: What? | November 13, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am
Welcome back to the Clinton era again. The circle repeats itself again. Okay, lets be real now. Wake up and smell the roses, our country is in trouble. Not because of one man, but of millions of people who are engage in life styles that feed on greed and corruption. When will we stop listening to the rich who talk about helping the poor folks, you know the middle class. Notice they are so happy about giving bail outs to big corps. Stand by America, there will be nothing left for the middle class, except for taxes to go up for everyone…Dont put your faith in Government…you will be disappointed every time.
Posted by: Charlie | November 13, 2008, 10:32 am 10:32 am
It’s the smart thing to do.
The White House isn’t a business one tries to run without experience. Like any business, if you have the authority to hire but not the experience to administrate, you hire the best you can find and listen to them.
Posted by: len | November 13, 2008, 11:21 am 11:21 am
To effect change in any environment, it makes sense to me that you would lean on those well-versed in said environment.
Ergo: to lead a transition from one very LARGE organization to another very LARGE organization, it requires administration familiar with the myriad facets of the organizational schema.
In the last 28 years, we have had ONE Presidential administration copacetic to the direction Obama most likely wishes to move. ONE : Clinton, in 28 years.
Anyone still active in politics who was active in a Democratic White House would have worked for Bill Clinton. It logically follows that the pool of ex-Clinton staffers would be the prime source of talent for effecting a transition without requiring wheelchair ramps installed throughout the White House. (Though, they may be there from FDR)
Also, very few of those surrounding Obama now have actual jobs withIN the administration. They are a transitory phenomena.
Were I Obama, and did not want to cull talent from the Clinton White House, who do I get?
Those involved in the debacles of the first, second, or third Bush terms? No.
Some of Reagan’s octogenarian friends? No.
Go back to the 70′s and get some of Carter’s people who have not been involved in Washington in some 28 years? No.
It’s really quite a simple concept, even for you McCain-Palin voters.
Posted by: Jim E. | November 13, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
You can take people from of proven hard work to go in a different direction. I think this is what Obama wants to do. He can take policies that are profitable during the Clinton years and use it and all he said was he is taking the country away from Bush policies.
Posted by: isaiahcalif | November 13, 2008, 1:08 pm 1:08 pm