Obama’s White House Transition
EmailThere’s a tentative plan in place to have President-Elect Barack Obama announce this week his White House Chief of Staff. His top choice appears to be Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill. From Chicago, he’s a close ally of Obama’s and a veteran of the Clinton White House. Obama likes the fact that Emanuel knows policy, knows politics, knows Capitol Hill. He has told associates that he knows that Emanuel will "have his back." There have been no final decisions yet, but that’s likely to be the first announcement coming out of Obama. In addition to his likely top choices for Treasury Secretary — Tim Geithner and Larry Summers — Obama is also likely to appoint some kind of emergency economic committee. It could include heavyweights like former Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin, former head of Clinton’s council of economic advisors Laura Tyson, maybe former Federal Reserve chair Paul Volcker, and maybe even billionaire investor Warren Buffett. He is also definitely committed to having Republicans in his cabinet and he’ll likely call John McCain to find some issues where they can work together on. Perhaps a bipartisan attack on corporation earmarks? –George Stephanopoulos
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WooHooooooooo!!!! President Barack H. Obama. It has a regal sound. All you conservatives say it with me, Welcome Mr. President! Ahhhh its so rewarding. McLame and Caribou Barbie can now disappear into the woodwork. Pshhh, like they even had a chance at winning. This country will finally have good leadership, and a level head at the helm. And lets just get rid of that name “White House”, lets just call it “The House”, and Obamas in the House!! Thank you America for making the correct choice at giving us respect worldwide!
Posted by: JJ | November 5, 2008, 8:33 am 8:33 am
Obama – you have been given a mandate by the American people. More than Bush got in 2000 or 2004. Push the country towards more parity between the middle and upper classes. Get the troops out as quickly from Iraq as possible. Don’t screw around with the Republicans. They had their 8 years and they’ve totally screwed this country up. Now it is time to shove stuff down their throats. Fight the big interests and insurance and oil companies. Force healthcare insurance companies to drop their “pre-existing” clause. Make them tow the line to their insured and stop denying claims. Don’t allow any more privatization of Medicare and medicaid and Social Security. Force companies to allow unions. Hire somebody strong in the SEC and let’s get some jobs back here in America. The time is NOW!
Posted by: Bob | November 5, 2008, 8:37 am 8:37 am
I think Oonogil needs his IP address trace, which is easily done, and a visit from the secret service.
Posted by: Jo | November 5, 2008, 8:43 am 8:43 am
Its one of the greatest moments of American History, finaly Americans woke up. McCaim and your wife go take care of your uncountable number of houses.
Posted by: HH | November 5, 2008, 8:44 am 8:44 am
I’m sure more Indians will come to staff cash starved Wall Street .. enjoy the same old tired monetary policy folks.. presidents do not make monetary policy .. the House does .. and that has been democratically controlled for two eyars now.. whatever happened to the “First 100 days” promise?
FIRE THEM ALL!
BBBBWWWWAAAHHHHAAAA
Posted by: stew | November 5, 2008, 8:44 am 8:44 am
Apropos these comments, wonderful to know everyone listened to Obama’s speech about working together . . .
Posted by: Deborah | November 5, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am
Jo you are right on, ABC moderator?
Posted by: Mary | November 5, 2008, 8:49 am 8:49 am
We have fought WHITE racism, and are winning (Barack can’t win with just 13% of the american black population, so non-blacks must have supported him), now we have to fight BLACK RACIST like Oprah, FarraKKKan, rev Wright, Michelle “I hate Whiteys” Obama, Spike Lee, Malcom X, Black Panthers, black comedians, hip-hope and rap non-artists like Ludacris, etc.
I just hope Barack doesn’t have the same fate as the mother of Martin Luther King Jr, who was killed by a black racist group (which ironically was a black muslim like Malcolm X, who hated whites).
Best of luck Barack, the first black racist president.
Posted by: roberto | November 5, 2008, 8:59 am 8:59 am
We still have the Second Amendment you two.
I’m buying guns too. Do you want to check mine?
Buy them why we still can.
Oh and we also still have the First Amendment too. Remember?
Posted by: Dave | November 5, 2008, 8:59 am 8:59 am
ABC you better report OONOGIL TO THE FBI TRACE HIS IP ADDRESS!
Posted by: Angie in PA | November 5, 2008, 9:00 am 9:00 am
Now we find out if Oprah’s Parrot
can do more than just talk.
Change? Cheney bought one, now Oprah’s
bought one, so what, pray tell, has
changed? We just traded an unqualified,
money grubbing Euro-American for an
unqualified, money grubbing African-
American. I seriously doubt the change
will be much more than skin deep.
We never did find out if Cheney’s Parrot
could do more than just talk.
Posted by: Jerry | November 5, 2008, 9:06 am 9:06 am
I have witnessed many revolutions in my life time but last night American people had succeeded their greatest revolution by peace through exercising of their most sacred votes! Congratulation President Elect Barack Obama! This is the end of the eight years of tyranny and misrule, but the beginning of the restoration of the prosperity & glory of our country; as well as peace and harmony of our world where our existence relies
Posted by: Sutter197 | November 5, 2008, 9:10 am 9:10 am
it is a good day for all americans. its just a shame no one can see that. this country has been in dire need of a change. we have dealt with a president who has no intentions to bringing our troops home, who put this country into debt, who is raising taxes on middle and lower class, and who just simply don’t care. we have a president-elect who wants to bring our troops home, have affordable college tuition, have affordable healthcare, have people to keep their homes, and do for this country want the bush administration couldn’t, and care about the american people. i am reading the comments and the one comment disturb me is from oonogil. yes we have the first amendment and the second amendment, but it works for everyone, so while you are out there waiting for your .45, someones out there waiting for theirs.
Posted by: theram | November 5, 2008, 9:17 am 9:17 am
I TOTALLY AGREE THAT Oonogil should be investigated for making that very obvious sick remark about firearms and what it implies. It isn’t funny and has nothing to do with freedom of speech, it’s just a violent disgraceful comment, and God willing, it is just a stupid comment!
Posted by: Cynthia | November 5, 2008, 9:24 am 9:24 am
Hi George,
Just wanted to know as a former Clinton staff member if you think that Barack Obama will use H. Clinton knowledge on his team or as part of the next US Gov.
Thanks from England
Posted by: Patrice | November 5, 2008, 9:31 am 9:31 am
Oonogil deserves a trace and repercussions for such a tacky comment.
Posted by: seoul | November 5, 2008, 9:35 am 9:35 am
The initial comments are most illuminating. One of the most liberal members of the Senate has just been elected President running as a centrist, defeating another member of the Senate who was a centrist running as a conservative. The United States has just seen what happens when a president governs from one extreme of the political spectrum. It is obvious that the heart of the Democratic Party is liberal, just as it’s obvious that the heart of the Republican Party is conservative. All of the moderates have been weaned from both parties, by the parties – problem being that the American electorate is moderate. The Democratic-Republican Party of Jefferson and Madison would not recognize the modern party that the helped found; nor would Lincoln recognize the GOP of today. Both political parties have swapped platforms and positions over the centuries in favor of expediency, that neither resembles their founding principals and tenants. The liberal platforms of the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader are in extreme conflict with many of the positions taken with our new President-Elect. I do wish Mr. Obama well and sincerely hope that he does not follow in the footsteps of either Jimmy Carter or George W Bush.
Posted by: chiefkent | November 5, 2008, 9:39 am 9:39 am
I have to admit that I consider Jesse Jackson a caricature of a leader these days and when I saw Jesse crying yesterday I joked about it and then remembered that he at Martin Luther King, Jr.’s side when he was killed and now he is able to see Obama win. Jesse made it to the mountain top.
Posted by: Mr. Coffee | November 5, 2008, 9:43 am 9:43 am
Greetings from Canada
First of all I would like to congratulate the people of the United States for electing an outstanding person of character and integrety to the ” People’s House”! As a Canadian I hope that our country will follow and eventually have men like President Barok Obaham and Vice President Bidon elected to our Parliament. We could use more men and women in our governments like this new leadership-unfortunately many politicians forget that they are elected by the people for the people and once in office they change that to elected by the people for myself. Again as a Canadian I am happy to see the hope that this new leadership has brought to the USA and look forward to a positive future for everyone. Congratulations President Obama and Vice President Bidon
Posted by: Canadian | November 5, 2008, 10:22 am 10:22 am
Oognil did nothing wrong with purchasing said firearms. There is something in place called the constitution, and there are things called Amendments which make it legal to do things.
He is exercising his 2nd Amendment rights, which is the right to keep and bear arms. Frankly himself and a lot of pro 2nd Amendment-ers will probably be “stocking” up if you will so we don’t lose one our basic constitutional rights.
Like I said, he has legally done nothing wrong, too bad you guys fail to see that with your liberal media and thinking guns are the worst thing that could ever happen.
Posted by: JW | November 5, 2008, 10:24 am 10:24 am
i find it interesting that nobody in the campaign talked of gun control…so why do you, JW and this alien Oonogil feel so threatened? you obviously get your joys with shooting guns (and i presume you aren’t hunters) and it probably boosts your selfesteem to a level that you yourself cannot feel unless equipped with a firearm…
that’s ok.
most of us out here do not feel that type of desperation or helplessness.
so keep your guns, enjoy them (of course not at the expense of others but just your own expense) and hopefully
you can just fondle them and never use them towards others.
now get a life.
Posted by: hemnebob in the midwest | November 5, 2008, 10:44 am 10:44 am
I think the Secret Service needs to check out JJ’s comments? Like big time?
Posted by: ram11 | November 5, 2008, 10:49 am 10:49 am
There is a legitimate position for all sides here. Remember that both sides are “usually” right to some degree, depending on your ability to think. All of the comments here have merit. What we need is a President that knows we are all in this together, we all need an income and a home, and a save environment for our children. Liberals are OK, Conservatives are OK, and we must understand that even abortions are OK, as well as guns, tax raising or lowering (or a new tax system), better health care system, more politicians that actually do their jobs, etc. etc.
Yes, this President will need us all to get this country moving in the direction he was elected to move it in!
Make no mistake; President Obama was elected to make changes and change directions and trends. He will need Republicans to be Americans first in order to do this. The US will need to make sure Congressional Republicans are up to the task of keeping the few rotten members of the “system” from continuing the corruption and partisanship that has all but killed our respect for our elected fellow citizens!
And please keep religion out of politics. It is fine for a religious person to be equal to any other, however, as soon as the group or religious leaders get involved, we find ourselves (and history will back me up) hopelessly divided. So if you belong to a religion please represent your own thoughts and faith, not those of the organization. This is also what is needed from Political Parties, we are not gangs taking over turf to control. We all live in America, a state, a town, a neighborhood, etc. We are Free to make associations and local laws, but we need to keep it that way.
I hope President Obama is up to the job!
Posted by: washmon | November 5, 2008, 11:43 am 11:43 am
We need to get a rain on the Wall Street gang and the bankers, first off!
Credit Default Swaps will end up costing us soooooooooo much more that the subprime market fiasco ever did!
Its nothing more than Naked Gambling with the tax payers hard earned cash!
Make them pay for their dirty deeds!
Posted by: TexasPeach | November 5, 2008, 11:49 am 11:49 am
Sadly no I am not a hunter, not because I don’t want to be, however I do do competitive target shooting, and for those of you that want to laugh at this it is in fact an Olympic sport. I have seen Obama’s voting record (or lack there of) in favor of my second amendment rights and his other positions, and it scares the living crap out of me what this man could possibly try to do.
I’m an American, I’ll keep an open mind like we’re supposed to do, I’m allowed to have my fears and my beliefs to “cling” to, but don’t question what one person said and make it seem like he’s doing something unlawful, would I have willingly posted something like that on the internet… most likely not however he has done nothing wrong.
I would not criticize something someone else says so quickly before I know who that person is, its very easy to hide behind a computer screen and lob attacks to someone (or group of people). As far the “boosting my self esteem” I can’t even legally own a handgun, however it was top on my list to get done once I am of age. Its not a matter of esteem its a matter of self defense.
When seconds count, the police are minutes away.
Posted by: JW | November 5, 2008, 11:53 am 11:53 am
It’s a new day! A new president, a new direction. A cool breeze has cleared away the static stink in the White House. There will be laughter of children there, smiles, serious discussions, and optimism in the golden rooms of Washington’s home. The world is happy today. The old wounds are beginning to heal. Patients are leaving their sickbeds, kings throw open their sashes, Scrooge has sent the boy for the goose, the sun is rising, the sun is rising.
Posted by: Charles Garvin | November 5, 2008, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
Moderation…
Oonogil was simply expressing a very standard republican belief – all democrats want to take away his right to purchase firearms. The same sentiment went around when Clinton was elected, so it isn’t new or threatening.
We need to understand each other, and start learning to communicate without knee-jerk reactions and unfounded acquisitions. Obama brings with him the promise of a united country, but it won’t happen as long as the right wing remains terrified of us. We need to take the high ground, and talk them all down off the tower. Now is not the time to “shove things down their throats” as one poster commented, the end result of that will be another flip flop like the Clinton/Bush transition.
In the end, we are all going to have to live together. I am a militant socialist, and I believe that government should work for everyone. Except Wal-Mart. And Exxon. And – well, that’s another argument.
Posted by: Sabazio | November 5, 2008, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
Accusations even – stupid spell checker!
Posted by: Sabazio | November 5, 2008, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
Emanuel as Chief of Staff? Here we go!! This politician is so one race focused he is a laugh. He is also a political robot. During interviews I have never seen him express common sense, believable answers – all party politics!!! At least Biden uses common sense to his positions. NOT EMANUEL. A VERY POOR CHOICE!!!! – BOB17
Posted by: B. Burgess | November 5, 2008, 12:55 pm 12:55 pm
Oonogil deserves a trace?? You’re being ignorant. He’s saying he’s buying guns while he still can before Obama pushes on national gun bans as he did in IL.
Posted by: Matt | November 5, 2008, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
Excuse me, but doesn’t someone want to investigate what Rahm Emanuel was doing to prevent the problems when he was sitting on the boards of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. Is this selection of someone used to payoffs and pocket lining on the taxpayer dole something we can expect from Obama. The chief of staff sets the standard for the rest. This is an abysmal start. He is heading directly down the tunnel of corruption and cronyism that he and Emanuel are so skilled at.
Posted by: MNM | November 5, 2008, 1:47 pm 1:47 pm
Has anyone asked him the question yet,”What do you hope to accomplish in your first 100 days in office?” I haven’t heard any news agency ask that yet.
Posted by: Jim | November 5, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
MNM, litte bitter, are you?
Posted by: William J. LePetomaine | November 5, 2008, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
George: Maybe he will put you in his cabinet. After all you were with Clinton and from the very beginning of this campaign – you were like a little kid when you mentioned Obama’s name = I really believe you should get out of the News Business and go back to politics – You simply cannot be unbiased – and that is okay – just keep it to yourself. Some of us just don’t appreciate it – whether we voted Obama or not.
Posted by: Janice | November 5, 2008, 4:13 pm 4:13 pm
The people have spoken and what the want is a political hack with corrupt Chicago connections as President.
Everyone had better brace themselves for some rocky years. Notice that the market has dropped substantially on the news of who the prez elect is. The market knows that the economy is not going to improve anytime soon because, although the news media didn’t tell you: This jerk can’t fix an economy because he was a big part of making the Fannie/Freddie problem. The only thing Obama’s interested in now is finding jobs for his fellow-corrupt Chicago pals like Emanuel (google him for a real treat). It’s the Chicago way.
So brace yourselves.
The good news:
1.At least there will be no one to blame except dem.s when the bottom drops out.
2.Affirmative action program can now be discontinued. They’re obviously not needed any more.
Posted by: Chicago-insider | November 5, 2008, 4:21 pm 4:21 pm
First, George, you’re the only high level Democrat I trust (as I do Sam Nun). Keep up the good work. You belong on Fox, but it’s good to see some good sense on the Big Three. Just be careful how much you dig on Democrats or your bosses might hit you with a newspaper again.
Now, as to oognil. I wish I could buy more guns. If the American “Reign of Terror” begins, I want to be able to shoot my way clear to the Plains (or Alaska), and hunt and gather for food; I’m not sure that turning this country into France is going to do much for this poor Republican/Christian other than get me persecuted..
Well, all we can do is wait and see….and Hope Biden never becomes President….I’d take a bullet for Obama to keep Biden (or Hillary) from getting close to that office.
Well, off to a Brave New World. (once again,..how did a racist country elect Obama?)
Posted by: steve | November 5, 2008, 4:57 pm 4:57 pm
why oh whya re they digging up the rose garden and putting in a watermelon patch? That is just wrong. What happened to tradition? this just in abc news
Posted by: GS | November 5, 2008, 5:03 pm 5:03 pm
Congratulations to all US Citizen who make this change happend for first time. I am so happy that all Latinos put all their thoughts together and support this candidate. Latinos vote were very important in Florida, without our support that it could not happend here in Florida state.
Felicidades!!
Posted by: Mari | November 5, 2008, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
THIS IS CAMELOT! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIVE TO SEE IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RHonda Young | November 5, 2008, 7:44 pm 7:44 pm
THIS IS CAMELOT! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIVE TO SEE IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RHonda Young | November 5, 2008, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
The only thing oognil is guilty of is stupidity. The NRA has brainwashed him into thinking that a criminal background check is “trying to take his guns away”.
Posted by: Karl | November 5, 2008, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
Rahm Emmanuel is responsible for finding centrist democrats to run in 2006 and gain control of the House and Senate. He’s not simply a partisan hack, but a man that sees the issues that Americans are concerned with and what issues need to be handled.
Posted by: Karl | November 5, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
You better get guns soon, Obama doesn’t think the 2nd Amendment should be around…of course, he doesn’t like the bill of rights in general.
Posted by: chattyway | November 5, 2008, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
Obama has dropped the gun issue to respect the 2nd amendment.
Most Dems now realize you have to pick your battles so to speak, we have more important things to worry about anyway.
And now the Repubs have to finally start focusing on the country instead of abortion and gay marriage, both issues that WILL NEVER GO AWAY.
You will never “vote out” abortion, but you can improve jobs, education, healthcare all 3 which will help lower abortions.
More jobs means people feel more secure, less likely to abort.
Lower cost healthcare, more accessible healthcare, means less chance of abortion due to expensive medical costs. Knowing your child would be safe means a lot.
Education helps too, smarter kids have more hope, become better adults in general and smarter people make better choices. All the time? No. But it is a start.
Abortion will forever exist, why not focus on curbing the amount of them.
Posted by: mrh | November 5, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
It is funny how people believe everything that is told to them or what they read. RESEARCH what you read and hear. Children are not borned with hate, they are taught by those with hate in their own hearts. Did the Whites forget this land did not belong to them in the beginning.Ask any Indian you see who was here first. Please grow up and read what you are all saying. Most of you sound like a bunch of little high school kids who live in some backwards country. STOP IT!! LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. JOIN TOGETHER NOW!!
Posted by: Tammy | November 5, 2008, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
In the famous words of Rodney King,”Can we all just get along and count our blessing”, that we findly get to see Mr.Bush leave office.
Posted by: Jerry L. | November 6, 2008, 1:30 am 1:30 am
Hey, Oonogil. That could be interpreted as a threat upon the Pres-elect’s life. Hope you don’t get a visit from S.S.
Posted by: RJ | November 6, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
Amazing how much hatred there is out there. This is a time to come together, a time to look back on the last eight years and celebrate a new beginning. I beleive we can do better than we have in this country. It’s time to rebuild foreign relationships, rebuild our economy, bring back family values and bring back jobs. It’s the reason so many want to come here, it’s what we are all about. Enough anger and finger pointing… we have a mess to clean up! Let’s get to work!!!
Posted by: colleenm100 | November 6, 2008, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
This is a Dawn of a new Era people!!! Stop hating and get on with your lives. All across AMERICA, our citizens voted and swept the board completely of who they want President. Wether you like it or not, Obama is the President now!!! He is as American as you and I and as human too. If everyone will stop judging people by their color and their background, this country would be paradise after all, and that is where Obama was raised, in our great state of HAWAII (paradise). Stop hating and start praying for a change of heart on your end. As Jerry said from Rodney King, “let’s all get along….” LOVE CONQUERS ALL!!!!!!! Aloha to you all & Mahalo Plenty.
Posted by: XMEN | November 6, 2008, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
XMen,
His upbringing in Hawaii may have been lovely, but after he got to Chicago he became a political hack. You don’t know him the same way we insiders do.
It is the dawning of a new age: It’s the dawning of the age of the Chicago Machine in the White House. You naive souls living “in paradise” should find it quite eye-opening.
(PS: If he’s an American, he should have been able to prove it. Because he refused to prove it by providing certified documents, we have every right to doubt his nationality And every right to doubt his right to the presidency, even if he did manage to buy and lie his way into the job.)
Posted by: Chicago Insider | November 6, 2008, 5:10 pm 5:10 pm
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
MEDIA INDUCED PRESIDENT
Posted by: Truth | November 7, 2008, 2:52 pm 2:52 pm
There is so much talk about the hypoallergenic dog that will be coming to the White House. The last dog there dirtied the oval office and “Clinton was his name-o”. The 2012 exit speech of Obama will read “I did not have relations with Russia” (he doesn’t kiss and tell). Jo-bama the president will leave a global sized mess to clean-up in our national security office. He will entangle himself with the world, dragging our national security thru the mud. And, his hypoallergenic dog will be the one licking the envelopes to Russia and Iraq. The White House needs a watch dog who can not be wagged by socialist tails that are allergic to republicans.
Posted by: Dogmatic | November 7, 2008, 5:55 pm 5:55 pm