On Wednesday November 5th 2008 Obama’s day started in his Personal Residence in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, in circumstances as close to an average citizens as his day could start. Considering that last night, just a few hours before he had been elected to serve as the 44th President of the United States of America. After night of celebrations and victory rally which encompassed an estimated 125,000 people in Chicago’s Grant Park.
This morning the President Elect ate breakfast with his family and saw his two young daughters off to school, one of lifes simple pleasure that he has not been able to enjoy for nearly two years while he has been on the campaign trail. After seeing his daughters off to school he left in a motorcade to spend some time working out at a Chicago gym.
During the morning he accepted cangratulatory phone call from the current President Bush promised Obama his “complete cooperation” during the transition period. President Bush pledged to keep President Elect Obama informed on all of his decisions between now and Jan. 20th. He also said he looked forward to the day that Obama and his family would take him up on his offer of a pre-inauguration visit to the White House.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a congratulatory telegram to Obama saying that there is “solid positive potential” for this election to improve strained relations between Washington and Moscow, if Obama engages in constructive dialogue. Yet hours after the election Medvedev had sharp criticism of the U.S. and announced that Russia will deploy missiles near NATO member Poland in response to the current U.S. missile defense plans in the region.
Obama announced this afternoon that his White House transition team would be headed by John Podesta, Pete Rouse, and Valerie Jarrett. John Podesta had previously served as chief of staff under Clinton. Pete Rouse who was Obama’s chief of staff in the Senate. Valerie Jarrett who is a friend of the President Elect and his campaign adviser.
Additional co-chairs were also named: Carol Browner, William Daley, Christopher Edley, Michael Froman, Julius Genachowski, Donald Gips, Governor Janet Napolitano, Federico Peña, Susan Rice and Sonal Shah.
Vice President Elect Joe biden’s White House transition team co-chairs were also named: Mark Gitenstein and Ted Kaufman.
Aides said that the Barack Obama planned on keeping a low profile on his first full day as President Elect. Obama had previously told reporters this past weekend that he would be holding a press conference on Wednesday however the campaign staff pushed the press conference back and stated that it would held by the end of the week.
Pope Benedict XVI reportedly sent Obama a personal note Wednesdaystating that he would pray for God’s blessings on the American people and on the new President Elect. Benedict’s spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, told journalists today ”The pope expresses the wish that the blessing of God will support him (Obama) and the American people so that with all people of good will, a world of peace, solidarity and justice can be built.”
It has been reported that Obama will begin receiving highly classified briefings from top intelligence officials this Thursday. The briefings will typically last from 45 minutes to an hour, but Obama’s initial briefing is expected to take longer. Joe Biden, the Vice President Elect, also will begin receiving briefings this week.
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