Balancing Change with Effectiveness

As the picture becomes clearer about who President-Elect Barack Obama will have advising him in his first term in office it is becoming evident that soon-to-be President Obama is making efforts to balance change with experience in his inner circle. From Robert Gates being offered the opportunity to remain in the Secretary of Defense position to the likely naming of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State it is not hard to see that there is a desire to have people in the cabinet that are well versed in the ways of Washington. In addition to some of the household names are people like Robert Gibbs who will be serving in the Press Secretary role after working closely with President-Elect Obama from his 2004 Senate campaign through the most recent election.

So the question that some are raising has been “Where is the change?” While a logical question on the surface it doesn’t take into account the need for the team to hit the ground running to fend off the economic crisis facing the United States. One aspect of real change in the transition team thus far has been focus. The historic norm for a transition team is to focus first on foreign policy positions and then turn to domestic policy. The Obama camp recognizing the urgency of action has all but completed its economic team and is already unveiling plans to stimulate the economy and protect jobs on January 20th.

Another aspect of change in this transition team is the direct addressing of issues that might cause an adjustment of plans to adapt to a fluid situation. Instead of trying to sidestep the possibility of having to delay planned taxation changes the incoming President has directly addressed that tax rates for the upper income citizens may be allowed to remain at current levels until their current rate expires in 2011. Some have termed this a reversal while others see it as fiscal responsibility. One thing that neither side can say is that President-Elect Obama is trying to hide his plans or shy away from the realities that may cause him to rethink his previously stated plans.

Whether you see the cabinet selections as positive or negative and regardless of your opinions on specific policies it is hard to deny that this transition from one administration to another is very much different than any in recent memory. It is clear that the Obama team is focused and already working to address pressing issues facing America. With some balance between change and experience it is likely to find at least some level of success in carrying out the will of the people. As was pointed out by Obama himself, there are still divides that need to be healed as nearly half the nation voted against him. What is important now is that the next administration work to serve 100% of the American people and thus far the evidence is pointing to a group of people that will do just that.

Troy Wilson-Ripsom - Staff Writer | Give your feedback on this article. | Click icon to Digg this article

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