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Highlights of the steps toward Barack Obama's swearing-in road to the inauguration

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama this week coped with an unwelcome distraction in accusations against Illinois' governor but continued to make key appointments and make inauguration plans.

'Appalled' By Allegations

Obama attempted to clear himself and his staff of any taint connected with charges the Illinois governor put Obama's Senate seat up for sale, saying Thursday he was "absolutely certain" there was no involvement with the alleged deal-making. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, accused of trying to sell Obama's Senate seat for campaign cash or a lucrative job inside or outside government. The governor has ignored calls for his resignation and retains the power to appoint Obama's replacement.

Obama said he was "as appalled and disappointed as anybody" by the allegations. And he said that neither he nor his transition team have been a part of the continuing federal investigation.

"I have not been contacted by any federal officials and we have not been interviewed by them," the president-elect said.

Daschle To Oversee Health Care

Obama chose former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to lead his effort to shape an overhaul of the nation's health care system and push it through Congress. Announcing his choice Thursday, Obama stressed the link between restoring the nation's dismal economy and making health coverage more affordable and accessible to Americans.

"If we want to overcome our economic challenges, we must also finally address our health care challenge. I can think of no one better suited to lead this effort," Obama said of Daschle.

He said Daschle also will oversee a new White House Office of Health Reform.

Obama said that Jeanne Lambrew will serve as deputy director of that White House office.

In coming weeks, Democratic officials say, Obama plans to name a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and three former Environmental Protection Agency officials from the Clinton administration to his environmental and natural resources team.

They are:

•Physicist Steven Chu for energy secretary

•Lisa Jackson for EPA administrator

•Carol Browner as energy "czar"

•Nancy Sutley to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality

New Tux, Proper Tone

Obama has ordered his first new tuxedo in 15 years for his inaugural celebration. And he has invited the two bands from Punahou School, his high school in Hawaii, to march in the Inauguration Day parade, along with groups from across the country. After Obama is sworn in as the nation's 44th president, the Punahou School Marching Band and the Junior ROTC Marching Unit from Honolulu will join at least 47 other bands and organizations for a parade in the nation's capital.

Plans for Obama's inauguration Jan. 20 are taking shape. But with increasing numbers of people out of work and U.S. soldiers enmeshed in two wars, inaugural planners face the task of keeping the tone respectful while celebrating Obama's achievement.

Obama's inauguration committee has yet to establish a schedule for the day or reveal what events it may be planning after the noon swearing-in ceremony on the West Front of the Capitol.

The swearing-in of the first black president will be a historic occasion, and Washington is expecting the largest attendance ever for an inaugural, way beyond the record of 1.2 million who reportedly showed up for Lyndon Johnson in 1965.

Stars will descend on Washington, automatically ratcheting up the glamour. Oprah Winfrey is planning to conduct at least one show from the Kennedy Center during inaugural week and give a gala party.

Most inaugurals showcase musical acts, and several major artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Will.i.am, Beyonce and Alicia Keyes, have been mentioned for possible concerts.

Obama's new tuxedo is from Hart Schaffner Marx, a menswear firm based in Chicago that uses union labor, according to Bruce Raynor, president of Unite Here, which represents apparel workers.

A wire report

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