What Really Happens During a Presidential Transition
Pod Save America
Deep Dive
How did Dan Pfeiffer and Alyssa Mastromonaco's roles change immediately after Obama's election victory?
They transitioned from their campaign roles to becoming government employees, working on the transition. Dan was the communications director, responsible for messaging and announcing Obama's nominees. Alyssa managed the president-elect’s schedule and events, including coordinating with the inaugural committee.
What is the difference in funding sources between Obama's and Trump's transitions?
Obama's transition was funded by the government through the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, which provided office-based administrative support and required following government rules and ethics. Trump's transition is privately funded, mostly through secret money, allowing them to bypass these rules.
How did the Bush administration support the Obama transition during the financial crisis?
The Bush administration was extremely helpful, briefing Obama and his team on ongoing national security and economic issues. They provided detailed information and assistance to ensure a smooth transition, especially given the financial crisis.
What challenges did the Biden transition face in 2020?
The Trump administration stonewalled the transition, delaying access to critical information and agency briefings. This was compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which made in-person meetings and coordination more difficult.
What are some unusual or concerning aspects of Trump's current transition team and process?
Trump's team is rolling out nominees without proper vetting, picking people almost at random, and focusing on politics over qualifications. They are also drafting executive orders and planning legislative strategies, but the outcomes seem dangerous and poorly thought out.
Is it normal for a presidential transition team to ask bizarre questions like 'I require excessive admiration' or 'I don't have that much interest in having a sexual experience with another person'?
No, these are not normal questions. Typical job applications for government positions involve submitting resumes and filling out security clearance forms. The bizarre questions reported for Trump's transition are highly unusual.
Why should the Biden administration avoid stonewalling Trump's transition despite Trump's previous stonewalling?
Stonewalling the transition could backfire if something bad happens and Trump can blame the lack of information. The Biden administration is doing the right thing by offering a productive transition, ensuring Trump has no easy scapegoat for his failures and maintaining the integrity of government public service.
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