Who's Running Our Government?
Wes Watt
Issue date: 1/24/10 Section: News and Opinion
In reality, the administration of a new president begins in the months preceding the general election. It is at this time that, in the midst of intense campaigning and debating, candidates begin to assemble future hopefuls for top members of the White House staff. The Chief of Staff, Press Secretary, Personnel Director, Counsel, Congressional Relations chief, and speechwriters are some of the first positions to be filled, often even before Election Day.
Then, on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, the masses make their voice heard. All day long, people line up at their local schools, churches, and community centers to cast a ballot for president. While the selection is not made official until the Electoral College meets in December, the "transition" period thus commences and continues until the Inauguration in January.
Transition committees are generally formed the day after the election, and serve as the president's jump-start on his agenda goals. Cabinet members are nominated, other officials are appointed. They must go through the "vetting" process, which includes an intense background check, interviews to determine compatibility with the rest of the administration, and negotiations concerning responsibilities, pay, benefits, office space, and other perks.
Agency Review Teams are also set up at this time. They look at current policies in each government department and agency to decide what they would like to change, what type of leader would be best to pursue reform, and determine the feasibility of the president's proposed agenda. This is where we really find out where the administration's priorities are. Just the people that are chosen for these review teams give us a clue as to what stances will be taken. Often, the members of these teams fill the cabinet and sub-cabinet level positions.
The president-elect also begins receiving intelligence and defense briefings, meeting with members of Congress to build rapport, and holding briefing with the press pool. Potential government officials must be selected, vetted, and announced. The president begin planning what he will do first when in office. The First Family usually invites the recent winner and his family to tour the White House.
Then, on the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, the masses make their voice heard. All day long, people line up at their local schools, churches, and community centers to cast a ballot for president. While the selection is not made official until the Electoral College meets in December, the "transition" period thus commences and continues until the Inauguration in January.
Transition committees are generally formed the day after the election, and serve as the president's jump-start on his agenda goals. Cabinet members are nominated, other officials are appointed. They must go through the "vetting" process, which includes an intense background check, interviews to determine compatibility with the rest of the administration, and negotiations concerning responsibilities, pay, benefits, office space, and other perks.
Agency Review Teams are also set up at this time. They look at current policies in each government department and agency to decide what they would like to change, what type of leader would be best to pursue reform, and determine the feasibility of the president's proposed agenda. This is where we really find out where the administration's priorities are. Just the people that are chosen for these review teams give us a clue as to what stances will be taken. Often, the members of these teams fill the cabinet and sub-cabinet level positions.
The president-elect also begins receiving intelligence and defense briefings, meeting with members of Congress to build rapport, and holding briefing with the press pool. Potential government officials must be selected, vetted, and announced. The president begin planning what he will do first when in office. The First Family usually invites the recent winner and his family to tour the White House.
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