What Comes Next?

After an election cycle dominated by strong personalities and charismatic individuals, it is time to recognize the complexities of politics and the unsung heroes of government. No one person, however skilled at inspiring people he or she may be, can tend to all of the aspects of government sufficiently. The people Obama chooses to surround himself with will have as great an impact on the future of the country as the president himself. The recent appointment of Valerie Jarrett as White House Senior Advisor and Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liasion, as reported by the New York Times (http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/obama-taps-jarrett-for-senior-role/) exemplifies the skilled judgment we hope to see Obama display throughout his presidency. Jarrett's expertise in housing, transportation, health care, conflict resolution and diplomacy make her more than qualified for the position. Furthermore, the fact that she is an African American woman shows the many ways in which Obama will be defying the traditionally white male power structure. Her appointment is certainly a step in the right direction for the Obama administration, and it is an inspiration for black people and women around the country.

As Obama continues to make key appointments, the media should pay close attention to ensure that the selected people are qualified and reflect the promises Obama set forth in his campaign. The cabinet members and senior advisors will play a prominent role in the direction of the new government, especially considering Obama's relative lack of experience in such a high-profile role. He should try to appoint people who are also committed to changing the government, past policies, and the negative reputation of the U.S. in the international community. The long and arduous campaign trail has ended, but the journey has just begun for Obama. The decisions he makes in the upcoming months and the beginning of his presidency will set the tone for the next four years. His successes and failures are even more important than those of his predecessors, because his race itself makes him historically unique. The eyes of the country and the world are on Obama. This election has resulted in the making of history; time will tell whether Obama can live up to the incredible expectations of all who support him.