All the President's men (and women)

DC is already preparing itself for Barack Obama, his family and that new puppy. But there will also be a slew of fresh faces house-hunting in the capital as they prepare to take their seats in the new administration.

Expect the first round of announcements about staff appointments shortly. There's a comprehensive rumour list over at Politico. But Comment Central's pulled out a few of the names that you'll be hearing a lot more about in the weeks to come.

Rahm Emanuel: Last night, Emanuel (pictured above) was said to be agonising over whether or not to leave his senior House seat and take up the post of Obama's Chief of Staff. Most pundits think that he'll do it. Some say its destiny. After all, Emanuel inspired the character of Josh Lyman in West Wing and life has been imitating art consistently this campaign.

Samantha Power: She may have put her foot in it by calling Clinton a monster but Power remains one of the most impressive members of Obama's foreign policy team. The Irish-American genocide expert quit her job to work for Obama for free. Rumours of National Security Adviser may be far-fetched. She'd excel in a post that dealt with Africa policy.

David Axelrod: This moustachioed mastermind was the driving force behind Obama's brilliantly executed campaign. "The Ax" claims he's not heading to DC. But the fact that he delivered the Democrats this comeback ensures he's not going anywhere. Look for him to pop up in an advising capacity at least.

Reggie Love: The 6' 5'' former Duke basketball player is not your typical campaign wonk. As Barack Obama's personal aide, he juggled court-time with keeping the candidate on schedule. The New York Times described him as:

a walking dispensary of Sharpies, stationery, protein bars, throat lozenges, water, tea, Advil, Tylenol, Purell and emergency Nicorette, not to mention his ever-present iPhone, BlackBerry and Canon Rebel XT digital camera.

Many see him as indispensable. Expect Love to stay on in the new administration.

Larry Summers: One of a handful of familiar faces that may return to the Cabinet. Summers was Treasury Secretary for Bill Clinton and remains a hugely respected economist. True, he shares the new VP's penchant for gaffes (just look to his time at Harvard) but he's already informally advised Obama. Given the economic climate, the Democrats will be looking for experience. Summers just might fit the bill.

Robert Gates: Yes, he's a Bush appointment. But don't think that Robert Gates will be going anywhere for at least a year. The Secretary of Defense has overseen the change in US fortunes in Iraq and Obama won't want to move him on too soon.

Jon Favreau: Another member of the young dream team. Favreau started out writing speeches for John Kerry. Now, at just 26, he works for every speechwriter's dream boss. He has complained that the stress of the campaign prevents him from having a serious relationship. A probable move to the West Wing means he could be single for a while longer.

Caroline Kennedy: The much-coveted Kennedy clan endorsement was a boost for Obama's fortunes. As the lion of the family battles illness, Ted Kennedy's niece may well be poised to step into the foreground. A respected author and lawyer, 'Sweet Caroline' is rumoured to be under consideration as a possible ambassador to the UN or our very own Court of St James.

Robert Gibbs: The Communications Director for the Obama campaign once labelled himself 'protector of the image.' He's done a pretty good job thus far. He joined Obama back in the primary and will almost certainly follow him all the way to the White House.

Al Gore: The former VP knows his way around DC. And with a Nobel Prize and an Oscar under his belt, he's certainly got the résumé for the job. He's been out on the campaign trail for Obama. Expect to see him honored in some capacity for his work on climate change.

Susan Rice: There's no question but that Rice will play a part in the new guard. Obama's foreign policy advisor has already sat on the National Security Council and served the Clintons. Tough-talking and tenacious, she could be the second Rice in as many administrations to fill the shoes of National Security Adviser (though she like to stress the fact that she's no relation of Condoleezza).

Comments

[Frank F]

What about Zbigniew Brzezinski? The foreign policy master behind many a mistaken ventures into third world counrties. I know he's on this new world order line-up. Expect complacency and willingness to obey from sheepish Americans under their new shepherd. I hope I'm wrong, but know I'm not.

[scott]

How refreshing to see new faces at the top of the US gov't heap. I'm still not happy that there are Clinton-related connections there, but probably inevitable considering the long 8 years of democratic rule in the recent 90's, with those main players still hanging around. Sometimes change itself is good. I also favour the Chicago connections, being a lifelong Chicagoan. We ARE the city that WORKS, after all. The curious might like to research Chicago's "Hyde Park" neighborhood, named after the London one, where Obama has and continues to live for years. Hyde Park has so much history, the first nuclear reaction, and the University of Chicago for starters.....it will be very much in the news soon, as everyone wants to know all about the
place the president comes from. Plains, Geo., Hope, Ark., Crawford, Tex., and now Hyde Park, USA.....

[Frances Wear]

Thank goodness it finally happened - - it is about time. He will bring the country together and fix things right - - I have faith that he will. He is a very smart man--compassionate, and a leader. We should all be thankful we have him in our lives. I pray he and his family will be safe.

[Candadai Tirumalai]

Barack Obama's victory speech in Grant Park suggested to me that he is aware that while millions of whites voted for him, they chose McCain by a small majority. I think he will try to heal the divisions of the campaign by placing in important positions some men and women who are good at reconciliation. General Ulysses Grant understood the reconciling spirit of Lincoln during and after the Civil War.

[Citizen of Arizona, USA]

Mr. Obama will need to take a hard look at who is pulling his puppet strings. All of these people listed above are pure socialists extreme left wing. He should look at not the person's party of choice, but what is best for the USA. Or he will only repeat the history of the Carter, Bush and Clinton Administrations. He didn't win by a landslide, so the message to him is clear. No more politics in Washington! Best wish to you Mr. Obama, the next President of the Greatest country on Earth.

[Mary Linda]

Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern is well poised to take an important cabinet position. He declared support long before most. He also personally went on the trail for the President Elect, bringing thousands of his own supporters from Central Mass on the trail from Florida to NH and west.

[Anna]

Thinking that Obama is going to bring the country together is ignorant. The only thing that he's going to do is dismantle it from the inside out. Instead of praying that his family be safe you should be praying for your own.

[Lili]

Rahm Emanuel is one tough SOB, and someone I would definitely want on my side. A shrewd pick. Scott, I live in Hyde Park, Chicago myself. I'm very fond of the place, but PLEASE don't send us any tourists!

[Paul JC]

He'll do alright but plus ca change ... Frank, the large number of folks from Chicago, the 'city that works' ought to scare us, though. The city that works wonders, such as making the dead come back to life and vote. Special prosecutor Mr. Fitzgerald is currently on a mission to show us JUST HOW the current Mayor Daley has made it the city that works and the presence of the likes of Rahm Emanuel this high up in the Obama machinery is frankly frightening.

[gc]

Daniel, who do you think for secretary of state? People here in New Mexico are touting Gov. Bill Richardson.
But Josh Lyman as chief of staff! Ace.
And the fates of David Pioffle, John Kerry, Colin Powell and the Clintons?

[Peter Jezeph]

The final sentence from Frances's comment sent a shiver down my spine.
Please God keep this "special one", who has generated an historic world-wide celebration, safe from harm! He is now a prime target for many from outside and within.

[Roshana - Sri Lanka]

I'm not American, but i can proudly say, i wish i were today. Best of luck Obama. Do us proud.

[Yelojacquet]

I prayed for the best man to win. Now I have to sit back and see if my prayers were answered or if God stepped aside and allowed the majority of the American people slit their own throats!

[Cllr Ken Tiwari (ndependent)]

Barak Obama said himelf, it's the
united team support tat gave him the
victory, over John McCain and the
Republican party!

We all live in hope, for tomorrow
is a better day, I am glad Sen obama
picked the best V/P Joe Biden is the
champion of working people, and so
are the others, like HillaryClinton
and Ms Pelosi & many other, in the
interest of all community, united-
tehy will stand I hope?
God Bless us all:Cllr Ken Tiwari(UK)

[Heavnairport]

Hilary Clinton will be Secretary of State. Also,nice to be proved right, that the usual lot of ignorant, bitter graceless and rac...(no, no need to go there anymore) still persist in their belief that because he is different from them he wishes to "dismantle the country form the inside out". they say this without irony even after George Bush's universally regreted tenure... but lucky this is how democracy works, the rough with the smooth, and we are all a little prouder for it today.

By the way if he is a socialist (which, he ain't) and he won by a landslide(?), does that mean that the clear will of the electorate is prepared to try a bit of honest interventionism?

[Bev]

Where are the conservatives he talked about last night? Sure hope he keeps at least that promise! As far as Chicago as a working city--lets hope we as a country do not follow Chicago's taxing policies (or murder rate)!

[Jenni in Virginia]

I see Colin Powell somewhere - Sec'y of State? Hopefully in some capacity. Would love to see a true blend of real patriots. Obama is smart enough to surround himself with intelligent people and actually listen to them.

[Kekepania]

Change? You want change? Well, you're gonna get it! And in two-three years when the ramifications of this "change" start becoming evident, you'll wonder who did this. Remember, we have found the Enemy, and the Enemy is US!

[Amanda South Africa]

Great leaders makes history, Mr. Obama this is your oppertunity to make a differance. Treasure this but mostly treasure those who made this possible for you. There is hope for your country. God bless you, your family and your country.

[Amanda South Africa]

Great leaders makes history, Mr. Obama this is your oppertunity to make a differance. Treasure this but mostly treasure those who made this possible for you. There is hope for your country. God bless you, your family and your country.

[Liane]

Being German I am 100% happy and fired up for Barack Obama, the president elect of the US. I am confident he will make the right (not easy) decisions to secure future economic growth, freedom and peace around the world.

However, Americans have a strange understanding of the Democrats. It appears, like some previous comments indicate, a Democrate equals being liberal and hence being a socialist. Socialism per definition is a system that will nationalize (or sozialize) the individual income and property.. Now really – this is definitely not what Democrats do.

Barack Obama is the most talented politician presently on OUR EARTH who will be able to solve global problems with “win-win” concepts.
There is nothing socialistic or distributional if a healthcare scheme for all is launched and to help finance this a justifiable increase of income tax for persons earning in addition to 250,000.00 per year is launched. Those in a higher income braket have a responsibility to help out so that everyone can get on to a new level. Long term this will guarantee freedom and individual wealth for everyone.

[Gail]

I would suggest Thabo Mbeki he isnt busy just now.

[A.J]

Frank F. -
I don't believe that Zbigniew Brzezinski will be getting a seat at the table.
Because, he did not excel as Jimmy Carter's adviser, plus he is a known anti semite and there is that thing about him being old enough to make McCain look young.

[Barb]

Did I vote for Obama? No, but I believe that this is the time now to see what he can do, he now has the chance,I will now support him because he is the new president. I will not only pray for him, but
I will also pray for this nation as we enter a new time. Remember God is in control!!.

i

[Jonathan T. Jefferson]

I'd like to interview for Secretary of Education or a similar capacity. There's so much we can do to help today's visual, virtual, and digital learners reach their fullest potential.

[Rich]

I'm wondering if there's a place for the *old* McCain in there somewhere? Not McCain the angry ex-PoW with a chip on his shoulder, but McCain the statesman.

[Venkat Devarajan]

The way the cabinet is picked in the US points to a serious problem in the system. Whereas, cabinet members in a Parliamentary system must be elected representatives, which suggests some level of vetting has taken place, in the US Presidential system, the President can select almost anyone. This is especially problematic in foreign affairs since most Americans (and the Congress) do not care what the US President does outside the country most of the time, a small coterie of unknown people end "running the world", causing the kind of havoc that the Bush people have caused. It does not help that most Americans are somewhat ignorant of the rest of the world too. Oh well...

[Rupert]

Attempts of reconciliation by the Obama administration will fail. He will not be able to serve his ultra liberal masters and at the same time make any concessions to the half of the country that voted against him.

[DP from Tn]

I just wanted to say that I am so relieved that the Republican nightmare is over...and I am not a Democrat...no just me no political party claimed...I have watched this election thouroughly from the beggining and I am a proud supporter of Barack Obama he has inspired me and given me hope...I am a white female too...so, don't think I voted bc of his race...I voted bc I believe he is the best man for the job...I know change doesnt happen overnight...it took years for the Bush administration to get us here it will take my guess is even more to fix it...I am proud to say that in Jan I will be saying thats MY President...and proudly saying it!!!

[Doug from the great state of Washington]

We all must remember the un-American, liberty hating,freedom hating, constitution hating ringwing neonazis still control everything in the United States and they have gained vast amounts of wealth since bush usurped his first presidency in 2000...all we have is a few internet sites and the vast majority of the peolpe on our side....the battle has yet to come....

We Must never forget the crimes and atrocities committed by the Bush administration

[savo]

I only hope that he will stay far, far away from Clintons and their staff. They would only ruin the idea of change.

[LonghornMama]

President Elect Obama, it would mean the world to many like myself if you would please appoint Hillary Rodham Clinton to the Supreme Court.

[Al from ohio]

Be bold Barak and ask McCain to be sec of defense

[Rod Miller]

How about Bill Ayers for Secretary of Defense? Sounds like a winner to me ... LOL.

[rob]

Axelrod doesn't have to stick around, Rahm Emanuel will keep an eye on Obama and make sure that Chicago's City Hall is well represented

[Gunther Steinberg]

Unlike Bush, Obama will appoint people with intelligence and on merit.
It is almost certain there will be no incompetents in a job, no "well done Brownies". I am certain that Obama does not tolerate fools very long, unlike Bush II.
We can expect a first class cabinet, and hopefully a rapid replacement of the Bush ideologues that Bush-Cheney put in place. Obama will listen to dissent and alternate ideas.

[rick]

COUNTRY JUST TOOK TEN STEPS BACKWARD

[Hussain]

Congratulations, but he will not able to and may not want to sort out the foreign policy; just like all other past presidents. they do not touch the foreign policy specially middle east the isreal palestine conflict for the first term! and they are not quite bothered in the second term!
- Foreign policy will not be fixed by this president next president or any presidents.

[Nate]

AM I the only person that saw Jeremiah Wright in the beginning of Obama's Victory Rally giving prayer? What other radical relationships will he be bringing with him to DC?

[Lt Col T. Saibaba (Retd), Indian Army]

Congratulations Mr. Obama. I was overwhelmed with joy,you won after a long struggle, but you inherit a number of knotted problems. Please trod carefully and see that these are dealt with not only for America, but for other countries as well. The entire world is hopefully looking forward for the results.

[Greg Lendo]

GOD bless President-Elect Obama, his family, his administration and GOD bless the United States Of America !!!
Greg, B. R., La.

[FRANCES - SRI LANKA]

Exactly my sentiments Roshana. Me and my daughter were discussing the same. As much as we are proud to be Sri Lankans, with all the non-demoacratic ways of this beautiful Island, we wished we were part of the real feelings of the USA. I could immagine the pride of majority of US citizens! Well done USA. You have chosen wisely. Today is the day of the budget presentation in Sri Lanka which is the much awaited 'would have been head line news' but the daily papers carry full front page news of the Barak Obama victory. Speaks volumes of the mood of this tiny Island on the news of Obama win. There is much to be learn by other nations on real democracy that the USA has shown by electing Mr. Obama to the white house.

I have no doubt that he will choose his team wisely.

[Sindisiwe Makamure]

I am thrilled by Obama's win.Congratulations USA. I like democratic champions. What happened in USA is clear testimony of democracy. I hope and pray that many leaders with conflicts in their countries follow these good exmples.

[Sindisiwe Makamure]

I am thrilled by Obama's win.Congratulations USA. I like democratic champions. What happened in USA is clear testimony of democracy. I hope and pray that many leaders with conflicts in their countries follow these good exmples.

[Prem, London]

I sincerely hope and pray to God that Barak Obama's victory could bring everlasting world peace!

[PROMISE IFEMADU]

I AM VERY HAPPY AND IMPRESSED THAT OBAMA A BLACK MAN HAS BEEN GIVEN THE CHANCE TO SET THE ENTIER WORLD IN PEACE.

SENATOR OBAMA AND HIS ADMINISTRATION WILL FINISH THE GOOD WORK THEY HAVE STARTED. OBAMA F0R PEACE JUSTICES FOR ALL.

BY PROMISE IFEMADU
NIGERIA

[karim]

who edited this? "This moustachioed mastermind was the driving force behind Obama's brilliantly executed campaign for Obama"
"There's no question but that Rice will play a part in the new guard"

c'mon peeps.

[PROMISE IFEMADU]

GOD BLESS SENATOR OBAMA AND HIS ENTIRE ADMINISTRATION. GOD BLESS AMERICA THE MOST GREAT FULL COUNTRY IN THE EARTH.

PROMISE IFEMADU
NIGERIA.

Congratulations President Obama and VP Biden. May your story go down in American History as one of great success!

[k. arvind, Sri Lanka]

Though Hillary Clinton may be ideal for Secy of State she might like less
travelling and perhaps pretty comfortable staying with a job within the US giving her sufficient time to work towards the job she almost succeeded in getting - in 4 - 8 years time. Health may do fine. Hillary in a suitable Obama Cabinet will go a long way to assure the US and the world all's forgotten.
That's how it should be in an ideal
democracy.

[Bart Groen]

CITIZEN of ARIZONA: You have obviously never left the USA. There are countries in this world where freedom is actually in place ad not just a hollow slogan! The death penalty, out-of-control guns and discrimination of gays continue in your 'greatest country on earth'.

[Rachel]

To say that the Democrats are liberal is, frankly, ridiculous. The Democratic party is far from liberal. Many Dems support the death penalty, are opposed to gay marriage (both Obama and Biden are), and favor conservative trade agreements like NAFTA. (Many true liberals felt shocked when Bill Clinton pushed this through back in 1994.)

San Francisco, the most 'liberal' of US cities has just voted in favor of banning gay marriage, against legalizing prostitution, and against a measure for affordable housing. The US is not a liberal country; the Supreme Court spent Election Day over whether one can use the 'F' word or 'S' word in print or on TV for heaven's sake!

Though I mostly liked President Clinton, I don't know that I want a rehash of his admin. Having said that, however, I would love to see Al Gore head the Environmental Protection Agency and Hillary Clinton as Health and Human Resources Secretary. But that's all! Bring in some fresh faces!!! We voted for CHANGE, we want CHANGE, we crave CHANGE!!

[Dave J]

Obama should be very cautious about making drastic changes which endanger the engine of production and the motivation to produce. Redestribution of the wealth and over-regulation are both old ideas which have failed miserably. Otherwise, I doubt he will avoid the ignominious fate of the incompetent Jimmy Carter.

[Kristen Marie Wanderlich]

Error in Rice bit:

*She's could*

[Sarah In Dayton, OH]

I can honestly say that, for the first time in my adult life, I am PROUD to be an American. The best man won, and by a large margin.

The people have spoken, loud and clear. Just because the conservatives don't agree doesn't make us wrong.

McCain/Palin were a ridiculous pair to even CONSIDER for the White House. And now the truth is coming out.

So damn proud.

Can't say it enough!

[MJ]

On behalf of women everywhere, thank you - NOT - for the acknowledgement (in parenthesis).

[JPG]

Hi
As Mr.Obama promised he should work from gound up.It gives me a great shame when I see half million homeless people in USA.How can you sleep at night as a president when this many sleep on the street in the so called richest and smartest country in the world.

[Eudora]

I did not vote for Barack Obama as the one I would want for my President, but I will be praying for him, and his family and his cabinet and the Congress and the Senate. I will pray for his safety as he leads this country and that he will stay in line with the protection of Israel and keep her as our ally for who ever blesses her will be blessed and who ever curses her will be cursed and I do not want our nation cursed. Genesis (12:3) I will be praying that the Holy Spirit lead him and that God holds up his goings in His path and that Barak’s footsteps slip not. It is God’s desire that none perish and that includes Barack Obama.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; “ 2 Timothy 2: 1-3

[Jay]

Obviously from the comments on just this one blog, there is both elation and distress in people the world over regarding the election of Senator Barack Obama to the White House. Elation (and similar euphoric emotions) because of the strong historic, symbolic, and hopeful implications of his presidential bid. Distress (and similar doubtful emotions) because of the many unanswered questions swirling around him personally and the questionable policies he has promised. Time will tell which response was more accurate.

But as for me, it's time to pray...and harder than ever. The Lord is the only hope to bring true peace and lasting prosperity to our war-torn, impoverished planet. HIS hope and HIS change is what President-elect Obama--and America--needs at this crucial juncture of history.

[S Choudry]

Wonderful news about the Obama win. What an intelligent and charismatic leader- a stark contrast to the dim Bush.
However I think Bush will make as much trouble for Obama in the next couple of weeks. Bush is still bombing north east Pakistan, there are ongoing problems in Iraq & Afghanistan and relations with Russia are frosty- not to mention the economic problems. I don't think he will try and smooth the transition in January like he claims. Bush has annihilated his country and several others and now will step down and live in his luxury ranch, while poor Obama must try and reorganise this nation.
Sincere prayers are for Obama and his family- there are evil unseen forces in US politics, who operate secretly. Sadly look at the fate of Abraham Lincoln and JFK- both decent and charismatic men.

[CT Barbarian]

Carolyn Kennedy's future depends on when her uncle dies. Deval Patrick, the Governor of Massachusettes, is shortlisted for the Obama cabinet. If Sen. Kennedy dies while Gov. Patrick is still in office look for him to appoint Carolyn senator to fill out the term.