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Lois Romano, Washington Post national political reporter, was online Thursday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the latest transition and executive branch news.

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Lois Romano: Good Morning everyone. Thanks for joining us today. We'll get started in a few minutes.

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Rockville, Md.: So Obama gets upset when a member of the press asks about the appointment of someone who he attacked during the campaign? There are only so many questions about the family's new dog to go around; are we going to see more Sun Times reporters in the press pool now?

Lois Romano: Well, once there's real news, once he takes office, there will be an administration to cover and you'll see less focus on personal interactions. Yes, many more Chicago reporters will be around --from all news outlets.

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The Big Three: Why are Congress and the administration digging in their heels so much over loaning the automakers' money? I really don't want to see the economic fallout from a collapse of that industry. I'd much prefer to see the banks being forced to actually loosen the lines of credit a bit, so the Big Three could start selling cars to the people who want them.

Why can't Congress compel banks to use their bailout money to actually help the economy? Wasn't that the point?

Lois Romano: I'm not sure what you mean by digging in their heels. They have said that they will not let the industry fail. But they insist on a detailed plan on how the money will be used, what steps they are taking to convert to fuel efficiency and an over all business plan. sounds pretty reasonable.

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St. Paul, Minn.: Hi Lois -- Thanks for taking questions today. Lately we've seen the president "owning up" (or at least trying, in his own awkward roundabout way) to some of the mistakes that have occurred during his watch. As a keen political observer, what do you make of that? Given past history, I really expected him to remain stubborn and dug in to the bitter end. What's next? Cheney on Barbara Walters, giving his own series of mea culpas?

Lois Romano: President Bush, while not particularly introspective, is very sentimental. We almost saw him cry in the Rose Garden recently when he was talking to staff. I'm sure he's reflecting on the last 8 years- and with that often comes regrets and coulda, shoulda, woulda.

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Arlington, Va.: How is Hillary Clinton's fundraising effort to pay off her campaign debt going? Will she have any trouble paying it off?

Lois Romano: from USA today a good summary:

"Clinton's campaign had nearly $7.5 million in debts to consultants and vendors at the end of October, according to its latest Federal Election Commission report. Election laws require campaign committees to exist until their debts are settled, which can take years, FEC spokesman Bob Biersack said. The federal Hatch Act prohibits Cabinet members from soliciting campaign contributions, including donations to retire debts from previous political campaigns, according to a 2001 advisory opinion from the Office of Special Counsel. Clinton could raise money until she is confirmed by the Senate and takes office as secretary of State. After that, her committee can continue raising money without Clinton's involvement."

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Greenville, S.C.: Lois -- For the last 6 or 7 years, especially, I've heard the term "neocons" used, primarily derisively, by the press. It's generally used to describe people like Bill Kristol, Frank Gaffney, Newt Gingrich, et al, as "warmongers." Question: Can you name any "neolibs"?

Lois Romano: I think the neolibs call themselves progressives-- although progressive actually has a different bi-partisan meaning historically.

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Oviedo, Fla. : Why is it "having fun" to attempt to hold a politician to an oft-repeated campaign theme? The Obama talking points about Hillary Clinton's too-hawkish and 'reckless' war vote and negotiating stance were ceaseless. They made her out to be just short of Kissinger, or worse. But now -- never mind? It isn't fun to look back and know a top candidate was derailed with a wink and a nod. They smeared her. That isn't "fun" for her supporters or change I can believe in.

Lois Romano: I understand your feelings since you were a Hillary supporter. But truthfully, the Clintons went after Obama with everything they had. That is unfortunately what happens in campaigns these days.

But if Hillary can forgive him, and if it makes her happy to serve in her cabinet, perhaps her supporters need to trust her judgment once more.

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Reading, Pa.: Lois: I don't know exactly why but it bugs me that Obama would blow off going to church and play basketball instead. The president casts a large moral shadow and needs to step up to that responsibility.

Lois Romano: First of all,I don't think any of us can judge another's faith. While church-going is the most public form of worship, because someone doesn't go to church on a few Sundays doesn't mean they are not religious and/or spiritual.

Secondly, everyone should give the guy a break. he just came off a grueling campaign, and he has not a minute to himself. I am one of those people who believe a healthy body and mind feeds the soul.

Lastly, until he finds a home church, it is very disruptive for parishioners him to go to church, and the Obamas are sensitive to that. he has extraordinary security issues.

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Bethesda, Md.: Dear Lois, The press often refer to the president's first 100 days in office to get a lot of work done. I'm wondering if this is still a good benchmark in modern times. I'm thinking may the first 6 months to a year would be a better benchmark? Maybe 100 days to set the tone of the administration. What say you?

Lois Romano: The first 100 days is a benchmark for the administration to quickly show they are organized, to follow up on some non-controversial campaign promises and to enact orders that the president can unilaterally and quickly execute. There will be a many benchmarks.

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Fairfax County, Va.: Whither David Plouffe?

Lois Romano: He's very much around. He has decided not to go into the government, which is why you hear less about him.

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Rendell's Comments: As a single career woman in her late 30's, I am disgusted by the outrage over Gov. Rendell's comments and not at all concerned with his actual remarks. I don't think they were sexist. I think he would have made them with either a single man or woman nominated for the position of Homeland Security Sec. I believe that by making this a sexist issue actually denigrates working women more by creating an issue where one does not exist. It is faux outrage like this that holds women back and I am curious what your take on this is.

washingtonpost.com: Rendell: Napolitano Perfect for Homeland Security Because She Has 'No Life' (Political Punch, ABC News, Dec. 3)

Lois Romano: I agree he would have said it about either a man or a woman, so in that sense it probably wasn't sexist. But there is a way to say what he meant without insulting people's personal choices. Also, a comment like this sounds worse directed at a woman. It just does.

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First Hundred Days: Didn't that come from FDR's campaign for the presidency in 1932 regarding the implementation of the New Deal?

Lois Romano: There are certainly numerous books out now on Roosevelt's first 100 days- but I couldn't tell you when the phrase was coined.

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New York City: Just curious, it seems you shoot down every questioner who raises an issue with Obama. Do you see that as your role -- to defend everything he does, says, believes, changes his mind about, etc.?

Lois Romano: Oh Puleeze.

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Boston, Mass.: How much momentum does Obama's 70 plus percent approval ratings give him going into office? Will he take advantage of that (in my memory) unprecedented backing to get his four key agenda items through in the first couple of months?

Lois Romano: I think he understands that he heads into office with good will- and a honeymoon. He can get a lot done if he moves decisively.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi, I just wanted to get your take on the Peter Baker question earlier this week. The people in the journalism profession all seem to be defending the question as valid. Non-media professionals mostly seem to think it was a complete waste of opportunity to ask an insightful question rather than simply playing gotcha yet again.

Your thoughts?

Lois Romano: I have mixed feelings about it. It was a legitimate question because it was a bruising campaign, and there was a lot of hostility between the camps. On the other hand, it wasn't asked to get revelatory response because Obama was never going to give a newsworthy response.

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100 Days?: Yes, it came from the first FDR term. He wanted to come in and really shake things up to show the country that someone was in charge and was willing to take bold, quick actions to tackle the Depression.

Lois Romano: Thank you.

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Brooklyn, N.Y.: It does seems contradictory for Obama to tap Clinton as SoS when the two were much further apart on foreign relations than on the economy or health care.

The main reason I chose Obama over Clinton was because of the Iraq war. I just hope making her SoS doesn't negate the reason I chose him over her, but it sure seems like it might.

Lois Romano: He's president. She will be enforcing his foreign policy not her own.

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David Plouffe: And he just wrote a book.

Lois Romano: There ya go. Should be interesting!

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Reston, Va.: Is there any chance David Gergen might get a roll in this administration? He worked for both Clinton and Reagan and every time I see him on TV he's the most impressive one there. He seems intelligent, thoughtful, rational and calm. I'd like it if he had Obama's ear.

Lois Romano: No there is no chance.

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washingtonpost.com: Rendell: Napolitano Perfect for Homeland Security Because She Has 'No Life' (ABC News, Dec. 3)

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Neocon label: Please don't use "progressive" as the antithesis to "neocon." There is nothing aggressively dogmatic or ideological about wanting progressive change. "Radical left" is the appropriate label. We progressives try to work within the current framework to bring about change for those who are disadvantaged. We do NOT try to steal power, misuse power, or corrupt institutions as the Neocon movement has.

Lois Romano: What I think I said is that some on the left refer to themselves as progressives.

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Lois Romano: So sorry I couldn't get to all of the questions. Please join us back here tomorrow at the same time to chat with one of my colleagues. Thank you, have a great day and see you back here in two weeks. LR

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