Memo To The President
U.S.
Series Overview: Memo To The President()
November 9, 2008 Dear President-elect Obama: As you and the new Congress prepare to take office, we here at NPR News wanted to outline the issues you face. From a broken military to a troubled economy to a National Park Service in need of a major overhaul — we'll provide the briefing paper, the options and the obstacles.
Politics
Executive Power: Obama Urged To Use Self-Restraint()
January 19, 2009 A hallmark of President Bush's administration has been his assertion of powers that he said were his right as president, despite objections from the other two branches of the federal government. President-elect Barack Obama faces pressure to undo many of the Bush administration actions that increased presidential power.
World
Afghanistan: Sorting Out A Clear Strategy()
January 16, 2009 When Barack Obama takes office next week, he'll inherit an increasingly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. A troop increase has already begun, but some question the signals that strategy sends. In addition, analysts urge Obama to take a regional approach.
U.S.
FAA: Aging Controllers, Lax Rules Trouble Agency()
January 12, 2009 The Federal Aviation Administration faces tough challenges as the Obama administration takes control. An aging air traffic controller workforce and allegations of inspectors "cozying up" to airlines will test the agency and the new government.
Law
Guantanamo: Obama Faces Conundrum In Closing Prison()
January 5, 2009 During his campaign for the White House, President-elect Obama was unequivocal about closing the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But the issue of what to do with the prisoners still there presents numerous difficult questions for Obama's team to answer.
Education
Education: Obama's Wish List May Have To Wait()
January 4, 2009 With the economy on life support and just about every state now slashing education funding, President-elect Barack Obama is likely to focus less on immediate proposals and more on building political consensus for future action.
U.S.
Transportation: Obama's Plans Face Funding Roadblock()
December 29, 2008 President-elect Obama has big plans for the nation's crumbling roads and bridges. But with people driving less and fewer gas-tax dollars coming in, where will the money come from? That's just one of the questions looming as Obama and Congress get set to overhaul transportation policy.
World
Foreign Relations: U.S.-China Ties A Tricky Proposition()
December 26, 2008 On issues such as halting global warming to stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, President-elect Barack Obama will need China's cooperation. But in other areas, China is a competitor. Obama faces challenges in managing this complex relationship.
Politics
Presidential Pooch: What America Needs In Its First Dog()
December 26, 2008 Once they're settled into the White House, the Obamas will begin their search for America's new top dog. Experts say the family should look for an outgoing dog, but one that won't try to run the show.
Middle East
Foreign Relations: Hopes Run High In Mideast For Obama()
December 23, 2008 The Middle East will likely be a major foreign policy priority for Barack Obama. His election has generated high expectations — some say too high — that he can restore the image of the U.S. in the Arab world and that changes in Mideast policy are imminent.
