Robert Reich: How Obama is Already Taking Charge

[flpoljunkie]

How Obama is Already Taking Charge

By Robert Reich - November 22, 2008, 5:53PM

Obama's immediate challenge is to fill the leadership vacuum created by a lame-duck president with historically-low approval ratings who seems to have lost interest in his job (at this writing, he's out of the country) and who's disappeared from the media, and a Treasury chief who has all but punted on coming up with any workable solution to the crisis. But Obama doesn't become president until 12 noon eastern standard time on January 20 -- and the national economy is imploding right now.

How does Obama manage this feat? Two ways: (1) appoint a highly-capable economic team, and (2) tell the nation what he plans to do starting the afternoon of January 20. Specifically:

(1) The members of Obama's new economic team fit the bill. They're reported (I have no inside knowledge) to include Tim Geithner at Treasury, Peter Orszag at the Office of Management and Budget, Jack Lew and Jason Furman at the National Economic Council, and Austan Goolsbee at the Council of Economic Advisors. All have several things in common. They're relatively young, in their late 30s or 40s, representing a generational change and a fresh start. Despite their youth, they're also experienced; almost all were up-and-comers in the Clinton Treasury, NEC, and OMB.

All are pragmatists. Some media have dubbed them "centrists" or "center-right," but in truth they're remarkably free of ideological preconception. All have well-earned reputations as hard workers, well-versed in the technical details of public and private finance. They are not visible veterans of the old battles over supply-side economics or deficit reduction, nor are they well-known to the public. They are not visionaries but we don't need visionaries when the economic perils are clear and immediate. We need competence. Obama could not appoint a more competent group.

(2) The President-Elect has also signaled the country what he wants to do: enact an "Economic Recovery Plan" that will mean 2.5 million more jobs by January of 2011. In his words (from Saturday's radio address), a plan "big enough to meet the challenges we face ... a two-year, nationwide effort to jumpstart job creation in America and lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy." Again, I have no inside knowledge, but I'd expect it to be about $600 to $700 billion.

more...

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/11/22/how_obama_is_already_taking_ch/

[navarth]

1. remaining cautiously optimistic

sigh....I sure hope Obama can help....

we did our part, we elected the smartest people that they would allow us to vote for.

good, luck, Mr. President. I'll help in any way I can.

[RC]

2. .

[cali]

3. Reich thinks Obama's off to a strong start

and has appointed a strong economic team. Oh, I know, I know. Reich isn't a REAL progressive, just a sellout Obama lackey.

[FrenchieCat]

4. Krugman too.

Both Clintonites though.....so their opinions don't count. :sarcasm:

[thoughtcrime1984]

5. He is a true leader.

Harp on his "inexperience", his lack of Progressives in his Cabinet thus far, his choice of pie, or whatever- this man is a born LEADER. He will be our leader in less than two months, and already is showing his ability to restore America's good standing throughout the world. I am exactly at where I was two years ago- excited by the potential of Pres.Elect Obama, and hopeful that he can be the one to reshape America's future. I KNOW he will make us proud, he will be an amazing President in a very difficult time. Now is not the time to attack him, now is the time to rally around him.

[DFW]

6. Bob Reich is one of the smartest guys you will ever meet

His intellect is as big as he is small. I'd give a LOT of weight to his judgment on this.

[stillcool]

7. uh-oh...There goes Robert Reich..

under the bus.