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Obama Plans Direction Of Reordered Nation

The New York Times

Published: November 6, 2008

President-elect Barack Obama began moving Wednesday to build his administration and make good on his ambitious promises to point the United States in a different direction, as his commanding victory reordered the American political landscape and transfixed much of the nation and the world.

A day after becoming the first African-American to capture the presidency, Obama announced a transition team and prepared to name an ally as his White House chief of staff.

President Bush vowed to work closely with Obama to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, the fourth-ranking House Democrat and a close friend of Obama's from Chicago, has been offered the job of chief of staff, and although he was said to be concerned about the effects on his family and giving up his influential role on Capitol Hill, many Democrats said they expected him to accept it.

Obama named John Podesta, the former Clinton White House chief of staff, to lead his transition team along with Valerie Jarrett, a longtime adviser, and Pete Rouse, his Senate chief of staff.

In turning to Emanuel and Podesta, Obama sought out two of the hardest-hitting veterans of President Clinton's administration, known for their Washington experience, savvy and no-holds-barred approach to politics.

The departing Bush team recognized the power of the moment. "It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House," Bush said. "I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited for so long."

And Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, "As an African-American, I am especially proud because this is a country that's been through a long journey in terms of overcoming wounds and making race not the factor in our lives."

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