World | USA
Obama begins forming cabinet
The US President-elect began establishing his cabinet on Thursday and is expected to name key posts.
- Agencies
- Published: 12:52 November 6, 2008
- A daunting task awaits President-elect Barack Obama
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
Chicago: US President-elect Barack Obama moved quickly to establish his cabinet, asking Illinois congressman and former Clinton adviser Rahm Emanuel to head his White House staff.
Emanuel, a Washington insider who also hails from Chicago, is expected to accept the position of chief of staff, which is the highest-ranking position in the White House staff.
Obama, who made history on Wednesday by becoming the first African-American to be elected US president, has until January 20, 2009 to put together his cabinet.
He may announce Emanuel's appointment and possibly other key posts, such as Treasury secretary, on Thursday.
A transition team is already in place and aides were "working fast to fill Obama's economic and homeland security teams," a Democratic source said.
The daunting task awaiting the new president includes two wars, a worsening economic crisis and tough social issues.
Current President George W Bush has said he will do everything possible to make the transition as smooth as possible.
What are the biggest challenges that Obama will face? How will Joe Biden be able to contribute to America's relationship with the rest of the world?
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Mohammad launches H1N1 campaign
Shaikh Mohammad was the first one to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
-
Focus on best methods of crime investigation
International conference to also focus on anti-corruption measures
-
Muslims happy to live in the US
Warm welcome awaits visitors of any nationality despite political differences
