Go to Transition of power

Transition of power

Barack Obama takes the oath of office for president on Jan. 20, 2009. The weeks leading up to that date provide some insight into how he will govern.
  • Sen. Klobuchar looks ahead
    U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins Midday to answer questions about the economy and other big issues facing Congress.Midday, November 26, 2008
  • A new era for stem cell research?
    President-elect Barack Obama has suggested that he'll be doing an about face on many of President Bush's policies, including the restrictions on stem cell research. Bioethicists, researchers, and the Vatican alike are watching this move closely.Midmorning, November 26, 2008
  • Obama names budget director, promotes restraint
    President-elect Barack Obama named Peter Orszag as his budget director on Tuesday, saying his job will be to conduct a thorough review of federal spending programs, "eliminating those programs we don't need and insisting that those we do need operate in a cost-effective way."November 25, 2008
  • Obama news conference on the economy
    President-elect Barack Obama will outline steps to trim the federal budget in a news conference this morning as he simultaneously plans a costly stimulus package to jolt the ailing U.S. economy.Midday, November 25, 2008
  • Obama's attention to urban policy
    Top aides say President-elect Barack Obama plans to institute a new office of urban policy. The goal is to help cities that are dealing with dwindling finances and growing infrastructure and housing needs, with the current economic crisis adding to the problem.Midmorning, November 19, 2008
  • Officials: Daschle accepts HHS Cabinet post
    Democratic officials say former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota has accepted President-elect Barack Obama's offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services.November 19, 2008
  • Holder is Obama's top choice for AG
    Washington attorney Eric Holder is President-elect Barack Obama's top choice to be the next attorney general, an Obama official and people close to the matter said Tuesday.November 18, 2008
  • President-elect Obama calls for sacrifice, service
    President-elect Barack Obama called for a new spirit of service and responsibility in his election night victory speech, and made national service a component of his campaign. Are Americans ready to answer the call?Midmorning, November 18, 2008
  • President-elect Obama, McCain vow to work closely
    President-elect Barack Obama says he and Republican Sen. John McCain plan to work together to "fix up the country."November 17, 2008
  • High hopes for the environment
    After eight years of an administration seen as hostile to the environment, environmental advocacy groups are anticipating quick action on issues like climate change from the Obama administration. But will the new president live up to these high expectations?Midmorning, November 17, 2008
  • Wis. Gov. Jim Doyle contacted by Obama transition team
    Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, an early supporter of Barack Obama, has been contacted by the president-elect's transition team, Doyle's spokesman said Friday.November 14, 2008
  • Obama meets Bush at White House for 2 hours
    The Bushes welcomed the Obamas to the White House on Monday, visiting for nearly two hours and offering the nation a glimpse of a new first family at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.November 10, 2008
  • Passing the presidency along
    The peaceful transition between presidents is a marvel of American democracy. President Bush has promised to make the transition from his administration to that of President-elect Barack Obama as smooth as possible.Midmorning, November 10, 2008
  • New challenges for a new president
    Former Minnesota Sen. Dave Durenberger joins Midday in studio to discuss the domestic and foreign policy challenges facing President-elect Obama and the new Congress.Midday, November 10, 2008
  • As churches mark election, Obama skips services
    His name was invoked at church services nationwide on Sunday, but President-elect Obama didn't attend any of them. He went to the gym instead.November 9, 2008
Photo by AFP/Getty Images

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