CQ Politics' Web Picks

Washington Post: GOP Looks to Jindal

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is, above all else, a political meteor, sharing Obama's precocious skills for reaching the firmament in a hurry. It was just four years ago, after losing a gubernatorial election, that he won election to Congress, and only this year that he became Louisiana's governor, the first nonwhite to hold the office since Reconstruction. And now, 10 months into his first term, the talk of a presidential bid is getting louder among his boosters.

New York Times: Never Let Them See You Sweat

The economy jolts and stumbles, wars slog on in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the horrors of a new terrorist attack blanket the news. Perhaps it is no coincidence, then, that to lead us in crisis, Americans elected a man repeatedly recognized for his uncommon calmness. We even elevate such equilibrium to the superhuman: calm, as applied to No Drama Obama, often comes linked to the modifier "preternatural."

Salon: In Barack We Trust?

Judging by the proliferation of capital letters in the e-mail correspondence I receive, many seem worried that Barack Obama may not deliver the promised "change we can believe in." First, I counsel not fretting too much yet. Second, I tell e-mailers they are right to be somewhat distressed, right to ignore Obama loyalists who want them to shut up, and right to speak out. Finally, I ask my pen pals if they really are shocked.

American Conservative: Planet Obama

Like it or not, the election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States has done an immense amount to restore American prestige in the world. Not since the destruction of the Twin Towers has there been dancing in the streets anywhere on the planet to celebrate events in America. It is to be hoped, of course, that it is not the same people doing the dancing.

Newsweek: Wanted - A New Grand Global Strategy

We must hope that as president, Obama does more than select a good team, delegate well and react intelligently to the problems that he will confront. He must have his administration build a broader framework through which to view the world and America's relations with it-- a grand strategy. At this moment, the United States has a unique opportunity to push forward a vision that aligns its interests and ideals. But it is a fleeting opportunity.

Los Angeles Times: Obama's Strong-Willed National Security Team

President-elect Barack Obama says he wants to lead an administration where strong-willed senior officials are ready to argue forcefully for differing points of view. It appears that in two months, he'll get his wish, and then some. Obama's new national security team is led by three veteran officials who have differed with each other -- and with the president-elect -- on the full menu of security issues.

Salon: In Barack We Trust?

Judging by the proliferation of capital letters in the e-mail correspondence I receive, many seem worried that Barack Obama may not deliver the promised "change we can believe in." First, I counsel not fretting too much yet. Second, I tell e-mailers they are right to be somewhat distressed, right to ignore Obama loyalists who want them to shut up, and right to speak out. Finally, I ask my pen pals if they really are shocked.

Chicago Tribune: Scenes from Obamas' Love Story

The Obamas' unabashed affection for each other suggests they could become the one of the most engaging sets of lovebirds in White House history. Though the home has known many deeply committed couples (as well as some infamously uncommitted), few were as young, attractive or willing to put their passion on public display.

Boston Globe: For Obama, A Chance to Push Big Changes

Amid the almost surreal numbers that describe the nation's financial crisis, President-elect Barack Obama and his incoming team are positioned to take advantage of a changed political environment and push for programs and reforms that only a few months ago might have been unimaginable.

The Daily Beast: How Scientists Thwarted Bush On Stem Cell Research

The president did everything he could to stop embryonic stem cell research, but the states, the universities, and the global scientific community worked tirelessly to render Bush's prohibitions all but moot.