What Happens Next?

President Bush explains transition in White House address

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The transfer of power from the 43rd to the 44th President will go smoothly and peacefully, President George W. Bush said on Thursday. The 43rd President will move back to Texas on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009. That is the day President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States. It is also the day his family of four will move into the White House.

"This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy," Bush said. "Ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency."

The address was made to hundreds of Executive Mansion and White House employees gathered on the South Lawn. The purpose of his remarks was to set the stage for the next 75 days, when their jobs will focus on the transfer of power.

"We must keep our attention on the task at hand because the American people expect no less," he said. "I ask you to remain focused on the goals ahead."

Obama's staff, which is still being appointed, is already receiving security clearances, working space, and policy briefings. Obama began receiving security briefings the day after the election. He and his family will visit the Bushes in the White House on Monday.

Reactions Across America

While government officials prepare for new leadership, people across America are reacting to this historic election. Scholastic Kid Reporters turned to their teachers and principals on Wednesday for comments.

Alison Nero, who teaches accelerated English in the sixth grade in Laguna Niguel, California, told Kid Reporter Mariam El Hasan that she hopes Obama can keep his campaign promises.

"There's a big financial crisis right now, so we need to get [work on] that under way and also start making some headway on the war in Iraq," she said.

Mike Marzilli, the assistant principal of Aliso Viejo Middle School in California, said his excitement at the election results stems from the excitement he sees in his students.

"To see so many kids take an interest and know what's going on and investigate the different propositions and candidates and have opinions was just great to see," he said. "Either person would have done a great job. The key that we have is putting the economy back together, but more so than that, bringing the American people back together and doing what's right for everyone."

Anita Leeders, a teacher at Lehman Middle School in Canton, Ohio, agreed that who won didn't matter so much as unifying the nation.

"Regardless of the results, we must now come together as a nation and support Obama for a better America," she told Kid Reporter Kayleigh Bondor. "[I hope to see him] bring our nation together to be one whole for a common good instead of separate individuals."

Another Ohio teacher says she hopes the new President will push for changes in the "No Child Left Behind Act.

"I am pleased with the election results," said science teacher Stefany Palomba. "My hope is for a new approach to teacher and student accountability." I hope that the new President offers funding to help underachieving schools, rather than the current plans that take money away."

At Udall Road Middle School in West Islip, New York, teachers talked to Kid Reporter Michael Carboni about positive change.

"The people of the country have spoken" said guidance counselor Richard Zeitler.

Assistant principal Sal Alaimo said he hopes the new President will make the economic crisis his first priority.

"I think it is going to help change the country," he said. "It is an important time for our country. Now, only time will tell."

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Read today’s story and answer the following question.

What do you think should be President-elect Barack Obama’s first priority when he becomes President on January 20, 2009? Tell us what you think on the Scholastic News Online Blog!

Scholastic Kid Reporters covered Election Day from their home states across the country. Check out their coverage of Election 2008 at here.

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