It's going to be interesting to watch this transition period.
Barack Obama sent a clear signal yesterday that he intends pressing President George Bush to take new and significant steps to counter the worsening economic conditions in the United States when the two men meet at the White House tomorrow.
"We don't have a moment to lose," Mr Obama said about the economic mess, making his first radio address to the nation just four days after his emphatic victory over John McCain. New figures released on Friday showed the jobless rate hitting a 14-year high of 6.5 per cent.
Mr Obama paid tribute to Mr Bush for his White House invitation, which will include a tour of the family quarters with his wife, Michelle. "This speaks to a fundamental recognition that here in America we can compete vigorously in elections and challenge each other's ideas, yet come together in service of a common purpose once the voting is done," he said.
But while the reins of power remain with Mr Bush until 20 January, Mr Obama is showing that he does not mean to sit silently on the sidelines until then. He met his panel of economic advisers on Friday in Chicago and afterwards made plain his desire to see the US Congress pass a second economic stimulus programme even before he becomes president.
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