10 November 2008
I started my Sunday morning with “Week With George Stephanopoulos”. His first interview was with Ron Emanule, Senator from N.Y. and Obama’s first appointee, Chief of Staff. I was very encouraged by Emanule’s reiteration of Obama’s plans for the economy and dedication to bipartisanship to get the U.S. back on it’s feet. I think that we will see members of both parties in his cabinet, as Obama picks people for their strengths and ablilities. I do see a glimmer of hope with this new president but it will not happen overnight. The “round table” group were positive and upbeat with their comments about Obama and his plans. They also commented on the feeling that Obama will also engage McCain for his expertise.
A lot of time was spent discussing Obama’s plans to try to get a stimulus package O.K’d before Bush leaves office but it doesn’t seem likely as Bush wants to add a trade package to it. They also discussed the need to help the auto industry retool and develop cars that are more energy efficient and less dependent on oil. I think that the auto industry is one key to getting the economy started again by providing jobs. The panel seemed to feel that the best idea is to start several plans all at once and at some later time put restrictions on them. Lower taxes for the middle class, help homeowners stay in their homes, overhaul the healthcare system, cutting out waste and making it more equitable, get a stimulus package that will create more jobs while repairing our infrastructure and give assistance to unemployment insurance. What a big job!
My next program was ‘Meet The Press”, hosted by Tom Brokaw. Once again the discussions were mainly upbeat and positive. There was a difference of opinion whether Obama should tackle health care right away. After listening to pros and cons I decided that it may be better to get started with several areas that need addressing, then later on, start putting on the brakes in some areas and programs. There is an overwhelming amount of work to be done to get our economy on an even keel and with the right people in key positions and both parties working together, we can as a nation move forward. Obama has given the country hope, now let’s hope that he is up to the huge task ahead of him. I also say once again, this will take time and also the help of the nation so we all can move forward. We have given the financial institutions enormous amounts of money now it’s the time to give even more, to help middle income people stay in their homes and up taxes for the richest in our country.
President-elect Barack Obama seems to have things well in hand with a transition team that already has a list of about 200 Bush administration executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse White House policies on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues. As I’ve said before, Obama sure has his job cut out for him starting on day one of his presidency, in January. His transition team will have many problems to be addressed and ready to go. Behind the scenes about four dozen advisors have been working for several months, highlighting regulatory and policy changes most onerous or ideologically offensive that need priority attention. Their list may well grow as Bush’s appointees rush to enact a number of last-minute policies. Some legacy Bush will leave.
Obama will pick the rest of his cabinet positions this week and plans on a very diverse group, not all who will walk in lock step with him, but those with whom he can engage and discuss ideas.
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