You are here: United States Wondering What Will Be 'Team Obama'?

Wondering What Will Be 'Team Obama'?

E-mail Print PDF
Biden & Obama

Wondering What Will Be 'Team Obama'? The team that President Barack Obama chooses would be crucial. He himself lacks administrative experience and might lean heavily on his team while he executes his motto - CHANGE.

Key positions include:  Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of Health, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Secretary of Commerce, National Security Advisor.

Secretary of State - The international image of the United States is in tatters. It's less respected today by its allies and less feared by its critics. President Obama's new Secretary of State would have to restore American prestige overseas. Possible Choices: Democrat heavyweight and last election Democratic Party nominee John Kerry or New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

Secretary of Defense - Obama proposes to carry out phased withdrawal from Iraq while increasing US presence in Afghanistan. Only a seasoned man can do this tricky job. Possible Choice: In a show of bi-partisanship Obama may offer the job to present Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is credited with doing a good job. If Gates refuses, he may seek former deputy defense secretary John Harme or ex-Navy secretary Richard Danzig.

Secretary of the Treasury - With the United States in the grips of a crippling financial crisis, its economy seem headed for a deep recession. Faith in the American banking system is badly shaken, while the US budget deficit is approaching $1 trillion. The job of treasury secretary was never so important. Possible Choices: Bill Clinton's treasury secretary Lawrence Summers or president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank Timothy Geither.

Secretary of Health - Healthcare and medical insurance in the US is in a state of dangerous collapse. At the same time, the sense of entitlement among American people is so high that to meet it, the government could go bankrupt. It's a critical job managing this. Possible Choice: Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who is a doctor.

National Security Advisor - A crucial and taxing job since 9/11. With the United States slated to increase its attention on Al-Qaida, national security and intel will be high priority. Possible Choices: former deputy NSA James Steinberg; ex-State Department officials Gregory Craig, Richard Danzig; ex-Middle East envoy Dennis Ross.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - The mortgage crisis makes this a key job. Possible Choice: James Clyburn, South Carolina Representative.

Secretary of Commerce - With President Obama talking of 'fair' rather than 'free' trade, he is expect to focus on WTO talks. Possible Choice: Chicago tycoon Penny Pritzker. Obama's national finance chairman.