Mission: Transition

Oct. 9, 2008

By Samantha Hayes, for NEWS 9

WASHINGTON -- Think about this: Before you even head to the polls to vote for the President of the United States, preparations for the transition of power have already begun. It may seem presumptuous on the part of the campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain, but both candidates want to be as prepared as possible before one of them walks into the Oval Office on Jan. 20. Senior Bush administration officials have been working with a bipartisan Transition Coordinating Council for several months. Members include the current President's Chief of Staff, the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and others.  

Presidential transition is a formal matter, and required an Executive Order. Today White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a statement, "The EO will help to coordinate efforts already underway to ensure a seamless presidential transition. This is especially important as our nation is fighting a war, dealing with a financial crises, and working to protect ourselves from future terrorist attacks."

It almost makes you feel sorry for the next guy. While transitions of power at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been going on since before the White House was built, Perino added that the level of preparation this time is unprecedented.