CQ Politics' Web Picks

New York Times: For Lobbyists, No Downturn, Just a Turnover

After eight years of the so-called K Street Project -- the effort by Republican lawmakers and operatives to pressure companies, trade associations and lobbying firms to hire their fellow Republicans -- the tasseled loafer is on the other foot. Companies and interest groups are competing to snap up Democrats. And scarcity has added to their value because so many well-connected Democrats are angling for jobs in the Obama administration and recently passed Congressional ethics rules restrict the ability of departing Congressional staff members to lobby as well.

Los Angeles Times: Obama Assigns Centrists to Make Radical Moves

The economic team that President-elect Barack Obama unveiled Monday comprises widely respected, centrist economists who until recently advocated cautious, sensible-shoe policies. But the assignment that Obama has given them is anything but cautious and sensible-shoe. "These are not moderate, centrist times, so economists who in normal times are moderate and centrist aren't going to act that way now," said J. Bradford DeLong, a UC Berkeley economic historian.

Washington Post: In Any Guise, Podesta a Smooth Master of the Transition Game

To fully understand how John Podesta is managing the complex Democratic takeover of the federal government, you have to be familiar with Skippy, the evil twin. Anyone who has worked for Podesta in the past decade knows Skippy, who first appeared during Podesta's eventful years as chief of staff in the Clinton White House. As scandal rocked the end of that presidency, staffers knew they had better come prepared to meetings. Otherwise, nurturing mentor John would be replaced by Skippy -- Podesta's quick-tempered, edgy and sarcastic alter ego.

Slate: Serving the Clintonian Interest

The last thing we need is a Clinton in charge of foreign policy.

National Review: Obama's New Clinton Administration

Barack Obama has succeeded where Hillary Clinton failed. She hoped to win a third Clinton term, but it is her vanquisher who is reconstituting the Clinton administration.

The Nation: Past and Future

William Greider writes: "A year ago, when Barack Obama said it was time to turn the page, his campaign declaration seemed to promise a fresh start for Washington. I, for one, failed to foresee Obama would turn the page backward. The president-elect's lineup for key governing positions has opted for continuity, not change. Virtually all of his leading appointments are restoring the Clinton presidency, only without Mr. Bill.

Wall Street Journal: Obama's Promise on Stem Cells Doesn't Ensure New War on Disease

Some 37 years ago, President Richard Nixon launched a massive, government-led crusade against cancer. Many U.S. scientists are hoping Barack Obama's new administration will similarly jump-start the nascent but controversial field of human-embryo research to develop treatments for deadly diseases.

Stateline.org: States Eye Their Share of the Federal Bailout

With President-elect Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress pledging quick action on a proposed multi-billion dollar fiscal package to boost the U.S. economy, states are banking they will get a cut of any federal rescue plan to help rebuild roads and bridges and cover growing health care costs as more people lose their jobs and private health insurance.