Week One and Counting

With the election of Barack Obama, Washington's favorite parlor game has gotten off to a rousing start, as rumors swirl about who the 44th president will appoint to carry out his agenda. Obama's first order of business was to name Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D.-Ill.) as his chief of staff. Incoming presidents have 11 weeks between the time they are elected and Inauguration Day to pick their Cabinet and key White House personnel. Here is a look at how transition periods have played out over the past six administrations:

SOURCE: Brookings Institution, staff research | GRAPHIC: By Karen Yourish and Laura Stanton, The Washington Post - November 8, 2008

This Story Preparing for the Obama Era Article \| Faced with one of the most important transfers of presidential power in American history -- amid wars on two fronts, the looming threat of terrorism at home and a full-blown economic crisis -- the outgoing Bush administration and the incoming Obama team have responded with exceptional cooperation on... Obama Positioned to Quickly Reverse Bush Actions Russian President Calls Obama; Kremlin Describes Upbeat Talk Mad Dash to Snag Swearing-In Tickets, Rooms Begins THE INAUGURATION: Hey! How Are You? Long Time, No See. How About a Visit? Say ..... Jan. 20? As Much of Nation Went Blue, Okla. Applied Extra Coat of Red Congressional Democrats Say Economy Will Be First Priority Transcript: Post Politics Hour Week One and Counting		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		Related The Revolving Door Speculation about possible cabinet picks in the next presidential administration.
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