An optimistic transition for global engagement

Jim Lehrer, anchor for PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, opened the Center for U.S. Global Engagement's "Impact '08" discussion. He began with the idea that the recent election sent a message from the American people that they want Washington to "run the government competently, not politically." Before beginning the discussion with Paul Begala, the senior transition advisor and counselor to President Bill Clinton, and Michael Gerson, chief speechwriter for George W. Bush, Lehrer outlined the impending influences on the new Obama administration. He said that, in order of importance, President-Elect Obama's transition period will be dominated by reality, spirituality, and ideology. Because ideology is last on this list, Lehrer said that it "was totally irrelevant to most voters."

Begala responded to Lehrer's first question about how the transition from Bush to Obama is going so far with a "so far so good". Because of Obama's "broad, methodical transition team", Begala believes the president-elect is demonstrating how his administration will be run as president. He also advocated a "bipartisan foreign policy" and diversity of ideology, background, and partisanship within Obama's Administration. Gerson agreed, and supported a strong foreign policy team that is "not ideologically the same" as each other.

Globally, both men expressed no doubts that President Obama will have "no choice but to engage internationally", unlike most presidents who focus on domestic issues during their first terms, Begala said. Gerson stated that although there will be a "tremendous conflict of priorities", America cannot afford to back off the international commitments that will ensure safety and health to countries that may harbor anti-American sentiments.

As far as America's image abroad is concerned, Gerson believes that as President, Obama will be given a "chance to start over" by supporting the promises he made during his campaign. Begala echoed these sentiments by highlighting the $2 billion educational fund that Obama spoke about for education around the globe and saying that he "must follow through."

The discussion ended on a very positive note with both men speaking about the optimism witnessed during this time of economic crisis and the two wars that America is involved in. "The great leaders in our culture are always optimistic," said Begala, who also extended that that same optimism runs "very deep in the bones of Obama." Gerson continued that "this is a moment where there's a reason for optimism," with the election of an African-American into the White House. Lehrer concluded with pride, in that these two representatives of two very different parties were using the same words of optimism and pride.

Albright: "Be patient"

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright discussed her new book "Memo to the President: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership" at Georgetown University. She said that unlike previous presidents, President-Elect Obama is going to "inherit the entire emergency room and patient #1 is the economy." Dr. Albright advised that Obama find a set of balances for all sorts of policies that the Bush administration has allowed to fall to extremes. She advised balance of credit lending in America, and of the government's involvement in other financial institutions. Albright also talked about a multilateral foreign policy that would make North Korea abandon their nuclear program, stop Iran from expanding theirs, begin to withdraw troops from Iraq, and end genocide in Darfur and the civil war in the Congo. She warned that America must "be patient," however, and that Obama has a lot more on his plate than many realize.

America is ready for progressive reform

The Campaign for America's Future held a conference call about the results from election day and what they mean for the future of the American government. Robert Borosage is the co-director of the Campaign for America's Future. He outlined the "clear message" that was made by voters about the desire for "progressive reform" in the government. Borosage spoke about the claim being made that America is a "center-right nation", which he believes people stick to because it is a "familiar old" idea. A new center is emerging, he said, and President-Elect Obama must respond to the "reality of the mandate he's been given", which means he must be a bold and transformative president.