Brookings: Projects - Presidential Transition

Transition Tracker: Renew Diplomacy in the Middle East

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:41:20 GMT

Martin Indyk lays out the difficult path to renewed diplomacy in the Middle East that President-elect Obama will face the day he takes office, while Stephen Hess discusses how past presidents have decorated the Oval Office for both ceremonial power and personal comfort.

Presidential Transition

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:11:53 GMT

Memo to President Obama: Ensure that Health Reform Finally Succeeds

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Congress quickly passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program in its opening days, but the Obama administration and congressional leaders want to do far more to extend health insurance coverage and reform the delivery of care. While obstacles that have frustrated prior reform efforts remain powerful, Henry Aaron says that the key for Obama will be to identify specific reforms that will move toward his long-term vision.

Transition Tracker: A New Presidency Begins

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:10:09 GMT

Brookings Vice President Darrell West says President Obama has to temper the optimism surrounding his new administration with caution about our dire financial straits, while Politico Senior Editor David Mark asks former presidential speechwriter Steve Hess to assess the inaugural address – all in our final “Transition Tracker” podcast.

The Scouting Report: A New Presidency Begins

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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January 21, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

On Wednesday, January 21, Darrell West, vice president and director of Governance Studies, offered his analysis of President Obama’s inaugural speech in Brookings’s weekly web chat with Politico.com. West also discussed the political situation facing the new president and answered questions from participants in a live chat.

Reform Health Care

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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January 16, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Almost 50 million Americans are uninsured, the cost of public and private health insurance is rising and the quality of care is uneven at best. On January 16, Henry Aaron offered a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations on how to deal with the challenges that will confront him in reforming health care. The memo is the twelfth of 12 Brookings memos on the most crucial public policy priorities facing the new president.

What Now? Your Inaugural Speech

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The very best a new president can hope for is a soaring inaugural speech that draws the nation together in hope and common purpose, and earns respect from a listening world. Only a few have topped that bar, as Stephen Hess explains.

Memo to the President: Reform Health Care

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Almost 50 million Americans are uninsured, the cost of public and private health insurance is rising and the quality of care is uneven at best. Henry Aaron offers a public memo to President Obama with recommendations on how to deal with the challenges that will confront him in reforming health care. The memo is the twelfth of 12 Brookings memos on the most crucial public policy priorities facing the new president.

Transition Tracker: Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:18:30 GMT

In this week's transition podcast, Carlos Pascual, vice president and director of Foreign Policy at Brookings, discusses transnational threats—terrorism, climate change, global poverty and more—that President-elect Obama will face when he takes office in less than a week. Former presidential speech writer Stephen Hess chats with Politico Senior Editor David Mark about what Obama needs to accomplish in his inaugural address.

Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:30:00 GMT

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January 15, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

A new American president must model leadership for a global era, partnering with other powers to build an international security system for the 21st Century. On January 15, Carlos Pascual presented his recommendations to President Obama on how to restore credible American leadership; galvanize cooperative action against major global challenges; and revitalize key international institutions.

What Now? The Inauguration

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Filled with symbol and ceremony, the whole world will be watching as never before. Stephen Hess discusses how former presidents have chosen music, poetry, representatives of the clergy and family bibles to set the scene.

The Scouting Report: Restore American Leadership to Address Transnational Threats

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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January 14, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The 21st century will be defined by security threats that transcend borders, from climate change, nuclear proliferation and terrorism to conflict, poverty and economic instability. The greatest test of global leadership will be building partnerships and institutions for cooperation that can meet the challenge. On January 14, Carlos Pascual, vice president and director of Foreign Policy at Brookings, and Politico's John Ward Anderson discussed how President-elect Barack Obama can restore credible American leadership.

Invest in Infrastructure for Long-Term Prosperity

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:00:00 GMT

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January 12, 2009, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

President-elect Obama is preparing plans for an immediate economic stimulus package. At the same time, his new administration must consider how to make investments that will stabilize and strengthen our economy over the long term. After opening remarks by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell, Bruce Katz and Robert Puentes presented their recommendations on bolstering infrastructure and investing in other economic drivers that can enhance long-term prosperity.

Restore Global Financial Stability

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:30:00 GMT

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January 09, 2009, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

America faces enormous challenges in restoring financial stability, reviving economic growth and dealing with the shifting balance of world economic power. On January 9, Eswar Prasad will offer a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations on how to restore global financial stability, move America's economy forward and usher in a new era of global cooperation.

Memo to the President: Restore Global Financial Stability

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

America faces a profoundly altered financial landscape and a rapidly shifting world economic order. To meet the challenges of maintaining strong domestic economic growth and restoring global financial stability, we need a national agenda that tackles a broad range of domestic economic policy issues and promotes constructive engagement with the global economy.

The Scouting Report: Invest in Infrastructure for Long-Term Prosperity

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:30:00 GMT

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January 07, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

To secure long-term prosperity, the United States should build on the assets of its metropolitan areas. Federal policy reforms to enhance innovation, human capital, infrastructure and quality places will ultimately help our economy to grow in more productive, inclusive and sustainable ways. On January 7, Robert Puentes answered questions in a web chat with Politico's Fred Barbash about the challenges and opportunities President-elect Barack Obama faces.

Renew Diplomacy in the Middle East

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 GMT

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January 05, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Israel's continued engagement against Hamas in Gaza, now being waged with ground forces, further complicates Barack Obama's agenda for the Middle East, which also includes withdrawing from Iraq and capping Iran’s nuclear ambitions. On January 5, Martin Indyk and Kenneth Pollack offered a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations on how to deal with the urgent challenges that will confront him across the volatile region.

Memo to President-elect Obama: Heeding the Mumbai Wake-up Call

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Growing tensions between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed countries, threaten to escalate into a direct military confrontation. Vanda Felbab-Brown notes that, especially after the Mumbai attacks, the world is looking to Obama for leadership in reversing dangerous trends and building a security framework in a vital region.

Facing the Media: The View From the White House Press Room Podium

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:00:00 GMT

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December 18, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

How do you explain the president's position on Iraq or the economic downturn to a roomful of flashing cameras and open notebooks? On December 18, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino joined Stephen Hess to talk about the role of the White House spokesman. The discussion included Clinton spokesman Mike McCurry and Ron Nessen, press secretary during Ford's presidency.

Expand the Agenda in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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December 18, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Seven years after the 9/11 attacks, the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains the front line in the war on terror. On December 18, Brookings Fellow Vanda Felbab-Brown offered a public memo to President-elect Obama with recommendations to expand an agenda of peace and stability to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Scouting Report: Expand the Agenda in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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December 17, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Seven years after the 9/11 attacks, the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains the front line in the war on terror. Pakistan is suffering from its greatest internal crises in decades, while Afghanistan remains far from stable with a resurgent Taliban. On December 17, Vanda Felbab-Brown answered questions in a live web chat with Politico about foreign policy challenges President-elect Barack Obama faces in this volatile region.

Transition Tracker: Expand the Agenda in Pakistan and Afghanistan

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:41:33 GMT

Brookings expert Vanda Felbab-Brown says Pakistan is suffering from its greatest internal crises in decades, while Afghanistan remains far from stable with a resurgent Taliban. In this podcast, she proposes recommendations to expand stability in the region, while Politico Senior Editor David Mark and author Steve Hess discusses the president-elect's press conferences.

The Obama Administration Will Be Very Cautious on Foreign Policy

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a Spiegel interview, US foreign policy expert Strobe Talbott discusses the daunting foreign policy challenges facing Obama, the next president's desire to turn Americans into global citizens and the prospects for reinvigorated trans-Atlantic relations.

What Now? Choosing Your Cabinet

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Washington world is full of talented, accomplished people whose expertise in their fields is unquestioned – yet many fail as cabinet officers at the pinnacle of power. Stephen Hess advises the new president on where to look for cabinet talent.

Beyond Iraq: A New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass argue to be successful in the Middle East, the Obama administration will need to move beyond Iraq, find ways to deal constructively with Iran, and forge a final-status Israeli-Palestinian agreement.

Reagan to Bush: Brookings and the 1988-89 Presidential Transition

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Even though the 1988 presidential transition featured a handover from a two-term president (Ronald Reagan) to his own vice president (George H.W. Bush), experts at Brookings recognized that even an intra-party transition between political allies suffered from a lack of communication between outgoing presidential aides and their counterparts in the new administration.

Rebuild Financial Institutions and Confidence

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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December 11, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On December 11, Brookings hosted the sixth of 12 events to provide timely policy recommendations and political advice to the incoming president and his transition team. Brookings Senior Fellow Martin Baily offered policy solutions and priorities for the president-elect on the financial meltdown and the struggling housing market.

Transition Tracker: Rebuild Financial Institutions and Confidence

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:55:34 GMT

Brookings expert Martin Baily says there is plenty of blame to go around for the financial crisis, and President-elect Obama will have his hands full. In this transition podcast, Baily proposes long-term efforts to restore confidence in the financial system, while author Steve Hess discusses the critical role of the White House speechwriters.

Memo to the President: Rebuild Financial Institutions and Confidence

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The economy is the number one concern in the minds of main street Americans. The $700 billion bailout package was aimed at rebuilding financial institutions, but it is now up to the new president to restore confidence in consumers and workers.

Memo to the President: Redefine America's Global Development Cooperation

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

America cannot afford to retreat from the fight against global poverty in a world where remote challenges can rapidly metastasize into global threats. Instead the United States must demonstrate renewed leadership and showcase its national spirit by investing wisely through more effective global development cooperation.

Redefine America's Global Development Cooperation

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

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December 10, 2008, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The fight against global poverty has become a fight for global security. But after an awkward entrance into the 21st century, America must redefine its role in the world, including its relations with developing countries. Colin Bradford offered a public memo to the president-elect with recommendations how to modernize U.S. aid efforts and address the global development challenges of the new century effectively and with accountability.

The Scouting Report: Rebuild Financial Institutions and Confidence

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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December 10, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

A new administration is an opportunity for restoring confidence in the U.S. economy through greater transparency in how the financial system works and through new regulations that assure that such a crisis will not happen again. On December 10, Martin Baily answered questions in a live web chat with Politico about fixing our troubled economy.

Transition Tracker: Lead with Confidence

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:34:31 GMT

On the Transition Tracker, Senior Fellow Darrell West explains what steps President-elect Obama can take to lead with confidence, while Senior Fellow Stephen Hess looks at ways to effectively staff the White House.

Transition Tracker: Guantanamo Bay and Detainees

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:30:23 GMT

On the Transition Tracker, Brookings expert Benjamin Wittes answers questions about how President-elect Obama can put a legal framework in place to end the clash over detainee rights, while Senior Fellow Stephen Hess discusses the process of selecting the cabinet.

Transition Tracker: Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:26:58 GMT

The financial crisis is sure to push more Americans into poverty. Senior fellow Rebecca Blank discusses what the new administration can do to combat poverty and increase opportunity for millions, and the man on the street reacts. Also, former presidential press secretary Ron Nessen interviews Stephen Hess on the qualities a new President needs in his congressional relations chief.

Transition Tracker: Previewing the Transition

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:36:31 GMT

In this Transition Tracker preview, Senior Fellow Stephen Hess explains what the president-elect needs to do first to ensure a smooth transition from the Senate to the White House.

Serving People in Need, Safeguarding Religious Freedom

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our nation has a long and productive history of government partnerships with religious and secular groups that serve people in need. President George W. Bush’s administration raised the visibility of these partnerships and introduced certain innovations into this system. E.J. Dionne and Melissa Rogers offer the incoming administration 16 recommendations on how to retain as well as reform these partnerships.

What Now? Your Speechwriters

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Will the soaring rhetoric of President-elect Obama's campaign speeches translate to the White House, where he has named 26-year-old wordsmith Jon Favreau to head his speechwriting staff? Former Eisenhower speechwriter and longtime presidential aide Stephen Hess discusses the role of the speechwriter in delivering the chief executive's vision to the people.

Tax Reform’s Challenges and Opportunities

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:45:00 GMT

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December 05, 2008, 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM

A new administration presents an ideal opportunity to reshape the nation’s tax code. Improving the equity, simplicity and efficiency of the tax system will help to better prepare taxpayers, businesses and the economy for the challenges that lay ahead. Brookings, the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center and Tax Analysts co-hosted a forum to explore timely policy recommendations for the incoming president and his transition team.

Transition Tracker: Fix the Tax System

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:58:33 GMT

Brookings Vice President for Economic Studies Bill Gale says that in the midst of the continuing financial crisis, President-elect Obama still has enormous opportunities to reform the tax code – and he should start with energy and health care. Also, author Steve Hess on how presidents get their cabinet picks confirmed by Congress in this week’s Transition Tracker podcast.

The Scouting Report: Fix the Tax System

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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December 03, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The U.S. tax code is too complex, often supports misguided incentives, and raises inadequate revenue to support government spending. William Gale, vice president and director of Economic Studies, answered questions in a live web chat with Politico's Jeanne Cummings, chief lobbying and influence writer, about strengthening and improving our nation’s tax code.

The Time for Fiscal Stimulus is Now

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It’s official: the U.S. economy is in a recession, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recognized arbiter of the nation’s business cycles. Jeffrey Kling and William Congdon argue that President-elect Obama needs to come up with an economic recovery plan to remedy the impending economic slump, with emphasis on spending on infrastructure maintenance and repair, which can both stimulate the economy and serve valuable public needs.

How Obama Should Confront Climate Change

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Writing as the UN Conference on Climate Change occured in Poland, William Antholis and Bryan Mignone argued that over the past decade, the evidence for human-induced climate change has become one of the most widely accepted scientific findings of our time. They offer four recommendations for President Barack Obama to carry out a comprehensive and economically sensible approach to the issue.

A Time for Diplomatic Renewal: Toward a New U.S. Strategy in the Middle East

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk and Richard Haass note that President-elect Obama will face a series of critical, complex, and interrelated challenges in the Middle East that will demand his immediate attention: an Iran apparently intent on approaching or crossing the nuclear threshold as quickly as possible; a fragile situation in Iraq that is straining the U.S. military; weak governments in Lebanon and Palestine under challenge from stronger Hezbollah and Hamas militant organizations; a faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace process; and American influence diluted by a severely damaged reputation.

A New American Realism

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual writes that President-elect Obama’s choice of a national security team reflects seriousness, pragmatism and bipartisanship. Pascual believes the selections indicate Obama will take a twenty-first-century view toward national security: energy, power, economics, human rights, terrorism and poverty must be part of the agenda.

The Scouting Report: Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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November 26, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Too many Americans leave school with inadequate skills, and too many working families struggle to make ends meet. Greater investments in economic opportunity are needed to reduce poverty and increase future economic mobility for today’s poor children. On Wednesday, November 26, Brookings Senior Fellow Rebecca Blank answered questions during a web chat with Politico about poverty in the United States and creating opportunities for American families.

Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:00 GMT

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November 24, 2008, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

A major economic slowdown adds to the problems of lower-income Americans, who have not shared in the economic growth of the last decade. On November 24, Brookings senior fellow Rebecca Blank offered policy solutions and priorities for the president-elect to make greater investments in economic mobility and opportunity.

Memo to the President: Decrease Poverty and Increase Opportunity

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A major economic slowdown adds to the problems of lower-income Americans, who have not shared in the economic growth of the last decade. Greater investments in economic mobility and opportunity are needed. Rebecca Blank offers policy solutions and priorities for the president-elect to make greater investments in economic mobility and opportunity.

Paths to Economic Recovery

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Congress has punted to next year the prospects for a stimulus package with an infrastructure investment that could provide more jobs, a stronger transportation network and a better-running economy. Bruce Katz and William Gale say the clock stopped on legislative action, but President-elect Obama is directing his team to come up with an economic recovery plan that addresses critical infrastructure issues while creating more jobs and stimulating the economy.

What Now? Your Congressional Relations Chief

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Obama has chosen Phil Schiliro, a veteran of the Senate and House of Representatives, to be his liaison to Capitol Hill. Stephen Hess, author of What Do We Do Now?, says that Schiliro’s long congressional experience and low profile have been hallmarks of success for his predecessors.

The Scouting Report: Guantanamo Bay and Detainees

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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November 19, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

The incoming administration has indicated that one of its first priorities will be to close Guantanamo Bay. The Scouting Report continued its weekly web chat with Brookings expert Benjamin Wittes, who answered questions about how President Obama can put a legal framework in place to end the clash over detainee rights. Politico's David Mark moderated.

Carter to Ford: Brookings and the 1976-77 Presidential Transition

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When President-elect Jimmy Carter took office in the 1976-77 transition, he reached out to Brookings scholars for help on both domestic and foreign affairs, as well as advice on how to structure his White House staff.

What Now? Picking Your Press Secretary

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many new presidents pick their campaign spokesperson to handle the White House press corps. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, as Stephen Hess advises in this installment of What Do We Do Now?.

Memo to President-elect Barack Obama: Building a Secure Energy Future

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Building a secure energy future for the United States would be a fine cornerstone of a first term in the White House, William Antholis and Charles Ebinger write. Barack Obama's campaign pledge to reduce our dependence on oil and to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 is an exciting new approach to energy security and climate change, but a more detailed work plan is needed.

Transition Tracker: Build a Secure Energy Future

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:03:50 GMT

On the Transition Tracker, Managing Director William Antholis says President-elect Obama should take quick action on energy security, while Senior Fellow Stephen Hess discusses the traits an effective White House press secretary needs.

Johnson to Nixon: Brookings and the 1968-69 Presidential Transition

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In 1968, the nation was devastated by the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr., and a divisive three-way battle for the presidency raged. Brookings scholars trained their sights on solving contentious domestic issues.

The Scouting Report: Build Energy Security

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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November 12, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Energy security and climate change are top priorities for the next president—second only perhaps to addressing the economic crisis. The Scouting Report continued its weekly web chat with Brookings Managing Director William Antholis, who discussed the energy security and climate change issues facing President-elect Obama. Politico Senior Editor Fred Barbash moderated.

Build a Secure Energy Future

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:30:00 GMT

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November 11, 2008, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

On November 11, Brookings held the second of 12 events to provide policy recommendations and political advice to the incoming president. William Antholis and Charles Ebinger presented their recommendations to President-elect Obama, including “cap-and-trade” legislation, a reshuffling of the federal bureaucracy, cooperation with state and local governments and diplomacy with a range of nations.

What Now? Staffing the White House

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this second installment of What Do We Do Now?, his new workbook for the president-elect, Stephen Hess advises the winner to start staffing the White House right away, from the chief of staff, counsel, press secretary and speech writers.

Lead With Confidence

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:00:00 GMT

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November 07, 2008, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Brookings held the first of 12 events to provide timely policy recommendations and advice to the incoming president and his transition team. Darrell West offered a public memo to the president-elect with advice on bringing a polarized electorate together, the first of 12 Brookings memos on the most crucial public policy priorities. He was joined by former White House chiefs of staff Ken Duberstein and Leon Panetta; Brooking Senior Fellow Stephen Hess; and other experts.

Memo to the President: Lead With Confidence

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The president-elect faces enormous challenges, but comes into office buoyed by an electorate hungry for change. Effective leadership, both at home and abroad, will require mobilizing grass-roots support and repositioning government as a solution rather than as a problem.

Obama's White House Transition Strategy Begins to Emerge

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Hess joined Norman Ornstein and Judy Woodruff on the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer to provide insight on President-elect Obama’s transition process.

Transition Memo to the President-Elect

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

President-elect Barack Obama will be besieged by proposals to reorganize government. Stephen Hess offers five tips for avoiding political minefields on the way to inauguration day.

Where Obama Should Find Cabinet Members

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Hess offers suggestions to the new president-elect on how to best fill his cabinet. Hess cautions Obama, who will need to fill twice as many jobs than John F. Kennedy did, to factor in diversity as well as political and managerial talent.

What Now? Getting Started

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The new president has just 77 days between the election and the inauguration to prepare for taking over the highest office in the land. This excerpt from Stephen Hess’s book offers tips on where he should start.

Eisenhower to Kennedy: Brookings and the 1960-61 Presidential Transition

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Nearly 50 years ago, the country weathered a historical presidential transition in turbulent times, as John F. Kennedy bested Richard Nixon in a close race to replace Eisenhower. Brookings played a behind-the-scenes role to help ease the transition.

The Scouting Report: Lead With Confidence

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

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November 04, 2008, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Winning an election in a polarized nation is one thing—governing it is quite another. The Scouting Report chat launched with a special Election Day edition. Brookings Vice President of Governance Studies Darrell West and Politico Senior Editor David Mark discussed the advertising, the candidates and the status of the race on election day.

The Presidential Transition

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After a long campaign, American voters will elect a new Congress and a new commander-in-chief. Brookings President Strobe Talbott discusses the agenda for the president-elect, and announces a new effort to re-examine the top challenges he’ll face in the wake of a historic campaign and an unprecedented global financial crisis.

America's Next President Must Master the Tyranny of the Urgent

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change, nuclear proliferation, global trade and poverty, pandemics and terrorism will top the next president's agenda. The biggest job for the new U.S. administration, says Strobe Talbott, is to find better methods of governing an interdependent world. That is the only way to ensure the upside of globalization prevails over the downside.