Don't want to miss out on the latest in politics? Start each day with The Post Politics Hour. Join in each weekday morning at 11 a.m. as a member of The Washington Post's team of White House and Congressional reporters answers questions about the latest in buzz in Washington and The Post's coverage of political news.

Ed O'Keefe, washingtonpost.com Federal Eye blogger, was online live Thursday, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the latest transition and executive branch news.

Read the latest posts on the Federal Eye blog.

A transcript follows.

Get the latest transition news live on washingtonpost.com's 44: A Transition to Power, or subscribe to the daily Post Politics Podcast.

Archive: Post Politics Hour discussion transcripts

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Ed O'Keefe: Hello Politics Hour fans! It's a real pleasure and joy to be with you today, and this is my first washingtonpost.com Live Discussion ever! So feel free to lob soft or hardballs, I'll do my best to answer.

And when you're done reading the chat, check out my new blog,

The Federal Eye

, where I'll be tracking news from the federal departments and agencies... and there's lots going on!

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Red Oak, Iowa: Since 35 percent of all "national" advertising on the TV networks is for automobile companies, do the network news programs present the bailout for the Big Three in a different light than does print media?

Ed O'Keefe: Well, I'm no Howard Kurtz, but I'd say The Post and other print outlets have covered the story just as aggressively as our broadcast colleagues.

I'd also point out that automobile dealerships do plenty of advertising, both in print and online in The Post and other newspapers. You ever seen those back-of-the-section full page color ads for cars? I have, and I know they help keep the lights on around here!

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Fairfax, Va.: There's been a lot of talk about Obama bringing in old Clinton hands to fill out his White House staff. Some liberals gripe about this because they don't want Obama's presidency to be Clinton's "third term." But how many of these former Clinton advisers are actually loyal to former President Clinton above all versus say, being the best person on the left for the job?

Ed O'Keefe: Good question. The one name that comes to mind almost immediately is Greg Craig, who will serve as Obama's White House counsel, and defended President Clinton during the impeachment trail. He attended Yale Law School at the same time as Bill and Hillary Clinton, but actively supported Obama's presidential efforts, almost from the start. (Make sure to read the opening chapter of Newsweek's "How He Did It" series that describes Craig's support in great detail.)

As for the others, the consensus thus is that Obama's selections are qualified and worthy of the post. In the case of Tom Daschle, he was a Congressional leader during the Clinton years. He's since worked on health care issues and Obama called him out for his work during the campaign.

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Arlington, Va.: I asked this question on a politics chat yesterday, but I think I submitted too late:

How do you think Obama would hold up to his own vetting questionnaire?

Ed O'Keefe: GREAT Question! Considering all the questions raised by his detractors during the campaign, I suspect much of that would be brought up during a Senate confirmation hearing.

And frankly -- I encourage my colleagues to ask the president-elect that very question should they have the opportunity.

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Reston, Va.: What do you think is behind Sen. Clinton's alleged hemming and hawing over the SoS position? Is she just trying to create drama, or do you think that she (and perhaps Bill) has reservations about accepting if offered?

Ed O'Keefe: All of the above. And of course the longer this drags out, the less likely my political reporting colleagues will be able to enjoy a completely restful Thanksgiving Week.

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Winnipeg, Canada: Can you explain to this Canadian the difference between a junior and a senior senator? I've figured out the electoral college thing, but I can't understand why some senators are called the junior senator from x and others are called the senior senator from X.

Ed O'Keefe: Very good question, and a reminder to all of us D.C.-based folks that the jargon we use here is not necessarily understood north of College Park or south of Alexandria.

A state's "senior" senator is the longer-serving senator. The "junior" senator has served less time. Using my home state of New York as an example, Charles Schumer is the "senior" senator because he was elected in 1998, while Hillary Clinton is, for now, the junior senator because she was elected in 2000. If Clinton becomes secretary of state, her replacement in the senate would not become the senior senator until Schumer retires, dies, or loses a reelection bid -- all of those unlikely scenarios anytime soon.

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Richmond, Va.: It is said that some in the Obama camp are miffed at the leaking about Clinton, but I say, what did they expect from this nomination/vetting? The Clintons are always in the spotlight. The Obama complainers seem very naive, don't you think?

Ed O'Keefe: I wouldn't use the word naive, instead I'd refer you to the reporting of friend, mentor and occasional traveling companion Chris "The Fix" Cillizza, who tackles this very topic today. Read it here. Among other things, The Fix notes that "leaking is a fact of life in political Washington."

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Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C.: With Jim Messina getting the deputy chief of staff spot, what can Kenny Loggins look forward to?

Ed O'Keefe: I profess I'm not a big fan or follower of Mr. Loggins with good reason (I mean, have you heard his music?) So I'll take a pass on this one...

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GREAT Question! : I think it was a terrible question. The purpose of the questionnaire is to prevent any nasty surprises turning up. Every conceivable (and some inconceivable ones) question about Obama has already been raised and debunked -- some by the Post. He is the last person in America with something to hide.

Ed O'Keefe: Just throwing this out there, and noting that former Clinton advisor Howard Wolfson suggests the Clintons are the most vetted couple ever.

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Schumer retires, dies, or loses a reelection bid : Or is appointed to the Supreme Court!

Ed O'Keefe: Good point ;-)

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Lancaster, Pa.: I know reporters are dying for any scrap of info they can get, but why all this attention on leaks? It's great that the Obama team was able to keep tight-lipped before Nov. 4, but transitioning is different from campaigning. And I for one am more interested in the NAMES being leaked than the actual leaking itself. I know why reporters care, but why should readers?

Ed O'Keefe: You're right, you may not have a good reason to care. We all care about the names, but for those of us in Media World we want to be the first with the news, and want to figure out who's leaking so we make sure to talk to them first... or maybe send flowers... or call them on their birthday, so that next time they'll leak the info to us first!

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Washington, D.C.: With the economic disaster, do you think it's possible Obama would allow all Feds to leave with 20 years as they do in military? I think most agencies would be deserted.

Ed O'Keefe: Not sure if he'd allow for that type of retirement, but if I've learned anything in my first few weeks as Federal Eye blogger (how's that for a shameless plug?) it's that Federal workers are indeed retiring at a fast clip and agencies and departments have been hard-pressed to fill the void, let along build up institutional memory to help the offices run smoothly. I think most would agree with you that yes, the bureaucracy would be deserted by many. It's an issue I'll continue to explore in the blog. (Did I mention I have a new blog?!)

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Northern Virginia: What's happening with any Latino appointments? I'm surprised not to see Bill Richardson, Patti Solis Doyle or Federico Pena in the mix so far, and perhaps there are other names. These three played substantive roles in the campaign (although I guess Biden's people must have taken over from Doyle pretty swiftly?) and I thought we would continue to hear of them, or at least some of them.

Ed O'Keefe: Northern Virginia, I'm equally curious about this, partly because I'm half Latino (The mom side, not the "O'Keefe" side.)

Richardson may not fit within the cabinet, considering Clinton's potential appointment at State. He's already served as U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary, and at this point there may not be any slots left worthy of his stature and experience. Perhaps he'll run for Senate instead?

(By the way, I once had the honor of sitting next to Richardson on a flight from Washington to Columbia, S.C. for the first Democratic presidential debate. A flight I'll never forget...)

My Post colleague Carol D. Leonnig

reports today

however that two Latinos are in the running to head up Housing and Urban Development: Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

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Indianapolis, Ind.: O'Keefe is here, he's better than beer! (Sorry, couldn't resist that old Canadian ale jingle.)

My question: Why doesn't the Senate vote on the auto bailout, even if there's not enough support? I'd like to see every senator on record so we'll know which ones are responsible for not stopping the hemorrhaging of millions of jobs.

Ed O'Keefe: Your eagerness to see a vote is exactly why they won't vote for it!

And yes, I AM better than beer :-)

(My dad, Mr. O'Keefe, was treated like a celebrity when he attended the University of Toronto in the 70s, because everyone thought he was the beer heir. Sadly, no relations.)

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A.U. grad!: Hi Ed!

What do you think the chances are of Deval Patrick (current governor of Massachusetts, first black governor of Massachusetts, 2nd elected black governor ever I think) being nominated to the Supreme Court?

Though he has no judicial experience, he was a civil rights attorney in the Clinton administration.

Ed O'Keefe: I'd add his name to the mix for sure, but if there aren't too many high-profile Latino appointments, I suspect the Obama folks will consider a Hispanic. I leave it up to all of you to decide who that might be.

And GO EAGLES!

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Harrisburg, PA: What are your thoughts on Romney?

Do you think that Romney's letter yesterday was accurate? Or do you think bailing out the Big 3 would be beneficial?

washingtonpost.com: Mitt Romney Takes on Detroit (44, Nov. 19)

Ed O'Keefe: I won't weigh in on the second question, since I'm not enough of an auto expert to know, but you should consider Romney's op-ed and his subsequent appearances on the network television morning shows as a sign that he's keeping himself in the mix.

Especially since GOP rival Mike Huckabee launched his book tour this week and has been sitting for interviews with reporters, like he did with post.com's Emily Freifeld for a

"PostTalk" video interview

.

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Baltimore, Md.: I know this isn't The Reliable Source chat, but why was your flight next to Bill Richardson so memorable?

Ed O'Keefe: We had a great conversation! Who wouldn't remember having the chance to sit next to a presidential candidate?

And since Chris Matthews, Andrea Mitchell, Major Garett and Robert Gibbs were also on that flight, I knew that if the we crashed I'd be lucky to get a mention in the "also killed were..." section.

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Re: Obama and vetting ....: Ed,

Actually it was not a great question. President-elect Obama was just vetted by approximately 66,882,230 voters in the U.S. The questionnaire and vetting process is for appointed positions. People about whom we don't get a direct say.

Ed O'Keefe: OK maybe you're right... but still...

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Albany, N.Y.: How do non-Washington residents get considered for Plum list jobs?

Ed O'Keefe: Aha! The Plum Book! Thanks for the reference to an item I wrote about in my new blog.

Several non-Washington residents have been considered for jobs listed: Janet Napolitano will likely be the next secretary of homeland security, former Obama campaign aide David Axelrod will be a senior advisor, as will Valerie Jarrett. Notice a trend however? They're all well-connected folks. If I know anything about Washington, it's that it's not about what you know, it's who you know!

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Ann Arbor, Mich.: Ed, Welcome to your first chat! Tell me, how do you think Dingell is feeling after he just lost out on his leadership position. Signed, Another blow to Michigan.

Ed O'Keefe: There've been several questions about this breaking news, and Ann Arbor, your timing is perfect!

I'm not sure how Dingell feels about his loss (check the

Capitol Briefing blog

for continuing coverage), but I've written an item in the

Federal Eye blog

all about who might replace Waxman as chairman of Oversight and Government Reform now that he'll be heading up Energy and Commerce. It could be an equally interesting fight!

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Washington, D.C.: Does Ted Stevens think this is some honorable retirement speech? It is appalling to watch.

Ed O'Keefe: You're referring to the most senior senate Republican, who gave a farewell address to the chamber a short time ago after learning on Tuesday that he'd lost reelection to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Adding insult to injury, the final results were announced on Stevens' 85th birthday.

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"I knew that if the we crashed I'd be lucky to get a mention in the "also killed were..." section." : Wow-that was very dark!! It's official: I like you!

Ed O'Keefe: And I LOOOOOOVE You!

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Washington, D.C.: I read through the Obama questionnaire and it appears to me that they are seeking an administration devoid of bad news. I believe that it's asking for too much, but it will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Maybe the next update to the questionnaire will include the question: "Have you ever failed to read completely the answers on an appointee's disclosure report?"

Ed O'Keefe: They call him "No Drama Obama" for a reason. But you're right -- it's probably asking too much. If anything, they're hoping to keep the distractions to a minimum. Not a bad idea.

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Maple Shade, N.J.: Are there any Republican senators who Obama might tap for a role in the administration in an effort to unseat them?

Ed O'Keefe: The two I hear most often are Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine. Both are moderate Republicans. If either of them leaves the Senate for the cabinet, it would give former Rep. Tom Allen, who just lost to Collins, a better shot of finally getting himself a Senate seat.

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New York: In all the coverage of Hillary Clinton's possible choice as secretary of state, I was struck at how her Senate colleagues have effectively shut the door on her as a major player in health care reform. Kennedy has returned to assume leadership on this issue, Dodd has expressed serious interest, and Baucus just made a proposal. Is this a calculated and deliberate effort to marginalize her on this issue, or just the way the Senate works?

Ed O'Keefe: Actually, hate to say it, but you're wrong:

"Senator Edward Kennedy named fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton to lead a working group on insurance coverage in the effort to write health-care legislation."

Read more

here

.

Kennedy has asked Clinton to

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washingtonpost.com: Video: Sen. Stevens Says Goodbye (AP, Nov. 20)

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RE: Endangered Species Act changes: Thanks for chatting today. So, the new Bush rules for the ESA would allow federal agencies to decide on ESA issues without the Fish and Wildlife Service. Couldn't Obama's appointees then just institute rules saying that their agency policy would be to go through the FWA anyway?

Ed O'Keefe: I asked The Post's environmental reporter for an answer. Here's what she says:

"While Obama's Interior Secretary could initiate such a rules change, which would reinstate the independent reviews by the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, depending on the species, this would be a somewhat laborious process. Clearly, it would be simpler if the old rules stayed in place, but it could be accomplished, without question."

Thanks Juliet!

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For Ann Arbor: Sorry your fair-haired boy Dingell got unseated, but those of us non- Michiganers are kinda happy that the guy in charge of energy doesn't have a huge polluting industry as a constituent, that's for sure. Maybe we really will start to see cleaner air in the coming years with Waxman at the helm!

Ed O'Keefe: Just putting this out there...

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Harrisburg, Pa.: So Ed -- I hear that you have a new blog coming out? And more importantly I hear that you plan to be blogging on your trip this weekend -- dedicated to this new blog huh?

Perhaps you should put down the laptop and grab a fruity drink -- one with an umbrella in it please!

Ed O'Keefe: Hmm... I think I know this person... I shall not be blogging on my four-day-weekend to Puerto Rico, but will instead enjoy several drinks... of the fruity and non-fruity variety.

But now back to politics...

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Ellicott City, Md.: Why would Obama consider unseating either senator from Maine? As moderate Republicans, wouldn't he want to keep them in the Senate?

Ed O'Keefe: He might, but he might also want to ensure himself a true Democratic filibuster-proof majority that doesn't require Reid & Co. to rely on two independent senators and moderate Republicans that don't necessarily line up with the party on most/many issues.

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New York: Ed, just a comment. I hope that your new blog focuses on issues inside the government agencies -- not just personnel issues, but things that concern the career people, who have institutional memory and aren't carrying the water for anybody. I spent 10 years in D.C., and realized that most of the 'scandal' stories resulted in something at the agency level that was overlooked or not covered in depth by the press. I hope you use your blog to ferret out this kind of stuff, and forego the usual congressional and White House coverage. Thanks.

Ed O'Keefe: Dear New York,

Please bookmark

Federal Eye

, because that's exactly what I'll be doing. As you'll see when you visit the blog, I've already reported a few items on issues of importance to the workforce, and will continue to do so.

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San Clemente, Calif.: It's really too bad Congressman Waxman is leaving the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. So far it has been the only committee in Congress with much stomach for well...oversight.

Ed O'Keefe: Well, not only the stomach but the mission/expectation/mandate.

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Just asking...: So if an average Joe who supported Obama was interested in serving, is there any chance of getting a job in the Obama administration, whether EPA or whatever?

Ed O'Keefe: The easiest way for anyone to get a job in the Obama Administration is to fill out the online application form at the Transition Web site, www.Change.gov.

You can fill out the form here: http://www.change.gov/page/s/application

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Ed O'Keefe: That's all the time we have for today! It's been an honor to spend some time with you, and thanks to the chat folks for finally inviting me on!

And don't forget... I have a new blog! (What? You hadn't heard?) Check out the

Federal Eye

early and often!

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Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions. washingtonpost.com is not responsible for any content posted by third parties.