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President-elect Barack Obama is looking very presidential these days. When he makes an announcement, he is ringed by American flags and stands behind a lectern that has a very presidential-looking placard announcing "The Office of the President-Elect."
Despite its lack of formal power, some argue that the "Office of the President-Elect" must maintain an official and authoritative front -- even if just for show. This transition comes at a particularly vulnerable time for the U.S. government in protecting against terrorism -- as evidenced in 1993 when terrorists bombed the World Trade Center as former President Bill Clinton prepared to take office.
"President Bush and President-Elect Obama have stressed together that the times of transition are particularly perilous in terms of terrorist strikes," said Hull. "The President-Elect and his team must appear to maintain confidence."
Again, as I mentioned in another thread - both the incoming and outgoing Presidents are working very hard to make sure that the transition is as seamless as possible.
Thankfully, somebody is attempting to lead the nation. That empty suit currently occupying the White House has been retired for about 6 months and out to lunch for about 8 years.
President-elect Barack Obama is looking very presidential these days. When he makes an announcement, he is ringed by American flags and stands behind a lectern that has a very presidential-looking placard announcing "The Office of the President-Elect."
Authority can come from fear, from position, and from person.
Most of Obama's authority at the moment come from his person - people grant him authority because he seems authoritative. He cannot order changes in the current government, but by his actions, he can change how the world feels, not just this country.
The OFFICE may have no authority (though I think it, too, has some), but Barack Obama does.
Authority can come from fear, from position, and from person.
Most of Obama's authority at the moment come from his person - people grant him authority because he seems authoritative. He cannot order changes in the current government, but by his actions, he can change how the world feels, not just this country.
The OFFICE may have no authority (though I think it, too, has some), but Barack Obama does.
Actually the article DOES say something to that effect:
"Obama has no formal power as far as the existing government is concerned, but he has a lot of informal influence, which President Bush has encouraged,"
It's a fair article I think.
Ken
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