"Commentary"-The Presidential Transition Period
Thursday, September 25, 2008SUSIE GHARIB: Tonight's commentator has a few thoughts on the transition to the next presidential administration. She's Barbara Hackman Franklin, president of Barbara Franklin Enterprises, and former U.S. secretary of commerce.
BARBARA HACKMAN FRANKLIN, PRES. & CEO, BARBARA FRANKLIN ENTERPRISES: The United States government will soon face a transition. On November 5th, the president-elect will immediately begin to assemble his team and prepare to take office in January. No matter who is elected, there will be a new White House staff, a new cabinet, and many other new appointments. Once cabinet members are selected, they must have security and ethics checks and then be confirmed by the United States Senate. Once confirmed, they must quickly become leaders of their departments, be knowledgeable about the issues, and build working relationships with their colleagues in the administration and on Capitol Hill. This can take anywhere from three months to a year, and the challenge is to keep the government working effectively all the while. Today we are in unsettling times. The financial sector is in crisis. The economy is sluggish. The U.S. government is playing an unprecedented role in maintaining stability. And we are engaged in a war on terror. While we are so preoccupied, it is the perfect time for adversaries around the world to make trouble. We cannot avoid this transition. But we should understand our potential vulnerability. Both candidates must prepare. The current administration must be vigilant, and after the election, it must help make this transition as speedy and smooth as possible. The well- being of our country depends on it. I'm Barbara Hackman Franklin
