Obama-Biden transition team co-chair Valerie Jarrett on "Meet the Press." Jarrett spoke on President-elect Barack Obama's presidential transition. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images for Meet the Press)
by Christi Parsons
Michelle Obama has no interest in being a "co-president."
Barack Obama will consider Republicans and current members of the Cabinet for top positions in his administration.
And as soon as the president-elect makes decisions about those jobs, he'll announce them.
Those are the predictions of Valerie Jarrett, who probably knows more about the inner workings of the Obama transition operation than anybody other than the Obamas themselves.
The trusted family friend and co-chair of the transition team talked to Tom Brokaw on "Meet the Press" this morning, where she was - as always - fiercely discreet about details.
But she also offered some clues from the closest possible vantage point.
Jarrett said that the economy and national security are top priorities as Obama puts together a team that can be ready to go from day one.
Other presidents have waited until December to announce personnel and appointment decisions, she said, but Obama has made top priorities of efficiency, transparency and bi-partisanship.
He'll make announcements as he makes choices, she said.
Still, one of Obama's key traits is that he doesn't like to "telecast" what he's going to do until he's ready to make a decision, she said.
That said, Obama is open to considering Republicans and current members of the administration, she suggested, noting that Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Team of Rivals," about the Lincoln Cabinet, is one of Obama's favorite books.
"He really believes in having people around the table who have differences of opinions," she said. "It's important to him to have that kind of breadth at the table."
The Cabinet is a "jigsaw puzzle," she said, and Obama wants to make sure it represents the diversity of the country in terms of personal perspective, race and geography.
"He's looking for talent wherever he can find it," she said. "He wants to put together the best team he can find."
Brokaw asked about the irony of making Rahm Emanuel - the scrappy Illinois congressman with the acid tongue - the chief of staff in an administration that's supposed to be about civility and bi-partisanship.
"That's part of the change we're talking about," she said, laughing.
"The tone starts at the top," she said. "President-elect Obama has made it clear he wants an administration that reaches out, is bi-partisan."
Emanuel, she said, "embraces President-elect Obama's philosophy."
In addition, Jarrett said that Obama is consulting former president Bill Clinton as he makes his plans, and that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has spoken with Michelle Obama about being first lady.
So will Hillary Clinton, who took a strong interest in policy and politics in the early days of her husband's administration, be a model for Michelle Obama in this new role? Or will she be more like Laura Bush?
"Her model will be Michelle Obama," Jarrett said of her longtime friend. "She will be her own first lady."
She'll focus on work-life balance, on volunteerism and on the plight of military wives, Jarrett speculated. First and foremost, she said, the transition on Michelle Obama's mind will be the one her two daughters are going through.
She won't be focused on being part of a "two-for-one" deal, like the one the Clintons proposed at first.
"Michelle is really not interested in doing that," Jarrett said. "Having a seat at the table and being a co-president is not something she's interested in."
Comments
Obama's a quick study, and I'd be shocked if he were dumb enough to give us his wife as a co-president.
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Indeed, after Clinton stepped in it with his "two-for the-price-of-one" gaffe, I doubt if we'll ever see a spouse touted as "co-president" again. At least I hope not.
Posted by: MJ | November 9, 2008 12:19 PM
"Obama ran on a one-word slogan - change - and it is change his supporters want. Some activists see a chance to transform America in the way Franklin Roosevelt did. By controlling all the levers of government... It seems a beguiling vision. But is it real?"
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/09/barack-obama-change-liberal-radical
Posted by: It's Raining On the Parade! | November 9, 2008 12:52 PM
Wise move. You know there won't be any respite and the attacks on Obama will begin at 12:01 p.m. Jan 20.
She's young. She's beautiful.
Why would any one trade that in for a Hillary persona?
Posted by: ornery | November 9, 2008 12:58 PM
ONLY IN AMERICA
With Barack Obama's election as President, United States of America has once again taken a great leap forward and regenerated itself as a nation that changes with time and adapts to new conditions. A nation despite all its faults and checkered history is ready to stand up and correct itself again- a sign of a great nation.
Another great moment in history was when Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. Despite all opposition, he abolished slavery through Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th constitutional amendment. This caused the pro slavery South to rebel, forming the 'Confederate States of America' which led to a bloody civil war. Ultimately, Lincoln and the American people succeeded and that was a historic time when America regenerated itself.
November 4, 2008 was another historic day. Who could have imagined a mere sixty years ago that America where African Americans were not allowed to share the same bench, the same seat on a bus or a drink from the same fountain with their white country men and women, would elect an African American as their President.
Only in America is it possible for any citizen to rise to such heights. Europe steeped in its history of class system and Asia with its dynastic history can only marvel and admire America for its leap forward. No wonder the whole world celebrates Barack Obama's victory, which in fact is America's victory. This is possible ONLY IN AMERICA.
Posted by: Ajaz | November 9, 2008 2:17 PM
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Her CHANGE was from hating America to loving it-
No co President for sure-
Posted by: Inky | November 9, 2008 3:25 PM
Inky, you should not be so quick to criticize someone that can do cartwheels around your intellect. I think the ideals of America are wonderful, but in practice, I find this country far from perfect too.
Posted by: Xcellentform | November 10, 2008 12:14 AM
Well, Gee, thanks, Michelle for putting us back to June Cleaver beads while you vacuum days.
I am offended by the "Michelle's just focusing on the kids" theme put forth by the PR around Obama. Generations of women have WORKED and raised kids.
Hillary did it, and was pillaried for no good reason. Don't run for cover already, MIchelle. Use that law degree. Use that administrative experience. Don't put on the beads of June Cleaver---think Norma Rae!
The couple is meeting with GENOCIDAL CRIMINALS today.
Where is the work ethic in this? Where is the ethic in this?
I did not realize I was electing a centrist candidate.
http://www.janrainwater.com/
htdocs/Beatty.htm
Posted by: Remember the Dixie Chick Cd--I'm not ready to make nice? | November 10, 2008 6:22 AM
Hi, Americans; My love goes to you people for practicing what you preach
Posted by: Tumusiime Enock | November 10, 2008 7:09 AM
Ajaz,
you might want to go back and study your civil war history again. Lincoln didnt sign the Emancipation Proclomation till well after the civil war started.. so you are incorrect to say that it caused the proslavery south to rebel.
not to in any way take away from how historic the election of barack obama as president is.
Posted by: ben | November 10, 2008 9:12 PM
Ajaz, I wish you were right about your Civil War history. Unfortunately, your story is sweet, but wrong. Wikipedia will give you the story.
Posted by: Jason_M | November 10, 2008 10:38 PM
Every once in a while, the world is blessed in an extra-ordinary fashion and the one blessed receipe at this time and moment is the election of Barak Obama, a unifying force and an enigma to savour. I am currently too busy still basking in this once in a lifetime joy ,awash with the great leadership style oozing from the man himself. Go bro, do what you know how to do best-splashing solace on the mind of humanity!
Posted by: Jacob Omajajah | November 11, 2008 10:43 AM