Three days after Senator Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential race, he held a press conference to answer questions about the economy and his priorities when he takes office in 72 days. Questions ranged from the economy and tax cuts, to dealing with Iran, to what kind of puppy Sasha and Malia are hoping for. Did the collegial tone of the press conference signal good relations ahead? Time will tell. Quotes "I think that a new president can do an enormous amount to restore confidence, to move an agenda forward that speaks to the needs of the economy and the needs of middle-class families all across the country." - President-elect Obama "It's only been three days since the election. Obviously, how we approach and deal with a country like Iran is not something that we should, you know, simply do in a knee-jerk fashion. I think we've got to think it through." - President-elect Obama "With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it's generated more interest on our Web site than just about anything. We have -- we have two criteria that have to be reconciled. One is that Malia is allergic, so it has to be hypoallergenic. There are a number of breeds that are hypoallergenic. On the other hand, our preference would be to get a shelter dog, but, obviously, a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. So -- so whether we're going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue on the Obama household." - President-elect Obama Warm Up Questions 1. What is a press conference? Who holds press conferences? 2. How important is Barack Obama's first press conference as president-elect? Why? 3. What do you think Barack Obama's priorities should be when he officially becomes president Jan. 20, 2009? Discussion Questions 1. How do you think Barack Obama did in his first press conference? Do you think the questions were easy or hard? 2. How do you think he will be different than George Bush? 3. What problems do you see arising in this period of transition before Barack Obama officially becomes president? 4. Are you excited to see young children in the White House? How do you think it will affect the way people view the presidency? 5. Research the relationship of the president to the press. Which presidents have had bad relations with the press? Which had good relations? Additional Resources Transcript of this report Indepth-coverage: Obama Transition