There are 11 days left until Barack Obama takes office. We hope you enjoy your weekend and keep checking back here for official information about the Inauguration.

Commemorative merchandise, such as clothing, artwork, pins, and buttons, will be sold in the store, including items featuring Shepard Fairey’s new illustration created especially for the Inauguration of Barack Obama.  The collectibles are also available through the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s online store at http://pic2009.inauguralcollectibles.com.

The store will be open 7 days a week until January 21^st. Beginning tomorrow, the store will open at 10am and close at 8pm.  From January 17^th to Wednesday, January 21^st, the store will extend its hours from 8am to 10pm.  

Media is invited to visit the store between 1:00-2:30 PM tomorrow, Saturday, January 10^th to shoot B-roll and conduct interviews.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is not only a day off but also for the last 14 years, it has been a day on. It’s a day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need.

He encouraged everyone to visit USAservice.org to find or host a service event. Nearly 4,000 service events are registered on the site already.

Powell has lived his life in service to our country, proudly wearing the uniform for 35 years before serving as Secretary of State. In addition to his illustrious military career and government roles, Powell founded America’s Promise — The Alliance for Youth to ensure that all children develop the skills needed for success.

We’ll be posting video of the press conference later today.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is not only a day off but also as it’s been characterized for the last 14 years, it has been a day on. It’s a day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need.

He encouraged everyone to visit USAservice.org to find or host a service event. More than 4,000 service events are registered on the site already.

Powell has lived his life in service to our country, proudly wearing the uniform for 35 years before serving as Secretary of State. In addition to his illustrious military career and government roles, Powell founded America’s Promise — The Alliance for Youth to ensure that all children develop the skills needed for success.

As someone who has committed most of his adult life to service, Powell stressed the importance of Americans making a lasting commitment to give back to their communities. He hopes the Renew America Together initiative will tap into the great reservoir of “generousity that exists in the heart and spirit of the American people.“

Roxanna Garcia Marcus spoke after Powell about work at Year Up, a nonprofit founded to bridge the opportunity divide for urban youth.

If there is one common experience I wish for all Americans to know, it is the power of service.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is not only a day off but also for the last 14 years, it has been a day on. It’s a day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need.

He encouraged everyone to visit USAservice.org to find or host a service event. More than 4,000 service events are registered on the site already.

Powell has lived his life in service to our country, proudly wearing the uniform for 35 years before serving as Secretary of State. In addition to his illustrious military career and government roles, Powell founded America’s Promise — The Alliance for Youth to ensure that all children develop the skills needed for success.

We’ll be posting video of the press conference later today.

The mandated switch from analog to digital reception, originally scheduled for February 17th, 2009, has not been adequately funded, according to Mr. Podesta.

The letter notes that as many as 5 million Americans could lose their television reception if the deadline is not reconsidered.

“There is insufficient support for the problems consumers (particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans) will experience as a result of the analog signal cutoff,” Podesta wrote.

Read the full letter here.

The mandated switch from analog to digital reception, originally scheduled for February 17th, 2009, has not been adequately funded, according to Mr. Podesta.

The letter notes that as many as 5 million Americans who have applied for federal assistance with the switch could lose their television reception if the deadline is not reconsidered.

“There is insufficient support for the problems consumers (particularly low income, rural and elderly Americans) will experience as a result of the analog signal cutoff,” Podesta wrote.

Read the full letter here.

General Colin Powell formally announced today the Renew America Together initiative as part of President-elect Obama’s national call to service. Standing in the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., Powell exhorted all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to revitalize our local communities, starting on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is not only a day off but also for the last 14 years, it has been a day on. It’s a day to reach out to our fellow citizens in need.

He encouraged everyone to visit USAservice.org to find or host a service event. More than 4,000 service events are registered on the site already.

Powell has lived his life in service to our country, proudly wearing the uniform for 35 years before serving as Secretary of State. In addition to his illustrious military career and government roles, Powell founded America's Promise — The Alliance for Youth to ensure that all children develop the skills needed for success.

After reviewing hundreds of essays, we’re pleased to announce that the first students who have been selected to attend the Parade are James and Tyrone Coleman.  With the support of their mother Janine, these brothers wrote moving essays about local service.

According to Janine, James, 13, is a talkative, busy person, who stays active and “loves games.”  He shared why service is personally important to him and his family:

Community Service means more to me now after the three house fires that put my family of 10 people in a hotel three years in a row. Each time the Red Cross helped us with food and clothing. My church, family and friends took the kids shopping and checked on us a lot. I never thought people would help us like they did. My mom always volunteers us to help others and now I know why. I have witnessed how helping others will eventually come back to you because my mother always said that what goes around comes around.

Tyrone, 11, is laid back and careful, according to his mother, and he loves to read.  He listed specific ways he plans to get involved:

I can contribute to my neighborhood through community service by first writing my congressman or congresswoman to ask for more signs to be put out so young people will know not to litter.  I can help my community by reporting suspicious activities in my neighborhood to an adult or police.  I will volunteer more to help others so that it will come back to me. I will plant more trees every time a tree falls near my home or school.  I will also report vacant buildings near my school that need fixing.  I will keep helping others, in my family, at church and school.

President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden strongly believe that local action is the first step towards affecting nationwide change.  They are spearheading a national effort to Renew America Together, starting with a day of service timed to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19th, the day before the Inauguration.

Janine embodies the spirit of this effort, as she teaches James, Tyrone and her six other children that service should not be a sporadic activity but a fixture in our lives, as we work together to restore the promise of our country.  She says:

This is what I teach them on a normal basis.  I try to instill in them a desire to give back.  I tell them, “Never tell me that you can’t do anything.  You can do anything you want to do.”  Look at Obama, and look at this Inauguration.  Everybody in the nation can come together no matter your color, beliefs, or how money you have. I’m hoping they’re taking it all in, so they can tell their kids one day.

Encourage your children to submit an essay about service in your community.   The deadline is this Sunday, and we’ll be selecting many more students in the coming days to attend the 56th Inaugural Parade.

We’ll be making 5,000 tickets for the 56th Inaugural Parade available to the public today at 1:00 p.m. EST. Tickets for the bleachers along the parade route from the Capitol to the White House will be on sale for $25. You can purchase up to four tickets through Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 202-397-SEAT(7328), 410-547-SEAT(7328) or 703-573-SEAT(7328). Hurry up and get your tickets before we run out.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau:

We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history. The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition.   

As the new President and Vice President make their way from the Capitol to the White House following the swearing-in ceremony, they’ll be accompanied by more than 13,000 parade participants hailing from all over the country. More than 90 music, cultural and community groups, along with our Armed Forces, will march, dance and mow their down the 1.7 mile parade route.

You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a bleacher seat along the parade route.  Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on January 20th.

Earlier this month we announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.  DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau:

We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history. The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition.   

As the new President and Vice President make their way from the Capitol to the White House following the swearing-in ceremony, they’ll be accompanied by more than 13,000 parade participants hailing from all over the country. More than 90 music, cultural and community groups, along with our Armed Forces, will march, dance and mow their down the 1.7 mile parade route.

You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a bleacher seat along the parade route.  Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on January 20th.

Earlier this month we announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.  DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets.

Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau:

We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history. The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition.   

As the new President and Vice President make their way from the Capitol to the White House following the swearing-in ceremony, they’ll be accompanied by more than 13,000 parade participants hailing from all over the country. More than 90 music, cultural and community groups, along with our Armed Forces, will march, dance and mow their down the 1.7 mile parade route.

You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a bleacher seat along the parade route.  Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 p.m. EST on January 20th.

Earlier this month we announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.  DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets.

“We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history,“ said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau.  “The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition.“   

Thousands of spectators will line the 1.7 mile parade route as the new President and Vice President are escorted from the Capitol to the White House by over 13,000 parade participants.  Over 90 music, cultural and community groups will join representatives from our Armed Forces in the historic parade, which concludes at the presidential reviewing stand, where the President and Vice President will watch the processional with their families.

Tickets are limited to four per person for purchase.  Tickets are not required to view the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a seated spot along the parade route.  Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 PM EST on January 20th.  Standing room will be available along Pennsylvania Avenue on a first come, first serve basis. 

Earlier this month the PIC announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.  DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

“Previously Addressed Questions”
These popular questions have been answered previously by top officials or in the prior edition of “Open for Questions.”

“Will you appoint a Special Prosecutor (ideally Patrick Fitzgerald) to independently investigate the gravest crimes of the Bush Administration, including torture and warrantless wiretapping?” -- Bob Fertik, New York City

Vice President-elect Biden, 12/21/08: “[T]he questions of whether or not a criminal act has been committed or a very, very, very bad judgment has been engaged in is -- is something the Justice Department decides. Barack Obama and I are -- President-elect Obama and I are not sitting thinking about the past. We're focusing on the future… I'm not ruling [prosecution] in and not ruling it out. I just think we should look forward. I think we should be looking forward, not backwards.”

“What will President Obama do to bring about an independent Palestinian state and bring an end to the violence in the West Bank and Gaza?” -- Katherine, Virginia

President-Elect Obama, 1/5/09: “I am not backing away at all from what I said during the campaign that starting at the beginning of the administration we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflicts that exist in the Middle East. That is something that I am committed to -- I think it is not only right for the people in that region, most importantly it is right for the national security of the American people and the stability that is so important to this country. So on January 20th you will be hearing directly from me and my opinions on this issue. Until then my job is to monitor the situation and to put together the best possible national security team to hit the ground running once we are responsible for national security.”

“I'm concerned about the banks who received tax payers money and have had no accountability. Will this be corrected after President-elect Obama is in office?” --Dorothy, Tucson Az

Open for Questions Response, 12/15/08: “President-elect Barack Obama does not believe an economic crisis is an excuse for wasteful and unnecessary spending. As our economic team works with congressional leadership to put together a plan, we will put in place reforms to ensure that your money in invested well. We will also bring Americans back into government by amending executive orders to ensure that communications about regulatory policymaking between persons outside government and all White House staff are disclosed to the public. In addition all appointees who lead the executive branch departments and rulemaking agencies will be required to conduct the significant business of the agency in public so that every citizen can see in person or watch on the Internet these debates.”

“Will you consider legalizing cannabis/marijuana/hemp so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a multi-billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?” -- DJ C, Chicago, IL

Open for Questions Response, 12/15/08: “President-elect Obama is not in favor of the legalization of marijuana.”

“Previously Addressed Questions”
These popular questions have been answered previously by top officials or in the prior edition of “Open for Questions.”

“Will you appoint a Special Prosecutor (ideally Patrick Fitzgerald) to independently investigate the gravest crimes of the Bush Administration, including torture and warrantless wiretapping?”—Bob Fertik, New York City

Vice President-elect Biden, 12/21/08: “[T]he questions of whether or not a criminal act has been committed or a very, very, very bad judgment has been engaged in is—is something the Justice Department decides.  Barack Obama and I are—President-elect Obama and I are not sitting thinking about the past. We’re focusing on the future… I’m not ruling [prosecution] in and not ruling it out. I just think we should look forward. I think we should be looking forward, not backwards.”

“What will President Obama do to bring about an independent Palestinian state and bring an end to the violence in the West Bank and Gaza?”—Katherine, Virginia

President-Elect Obama, 1/5/09: “I am not backing away at all from what I said during the campaign that starting at the beginning of the administration we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflicts that exist in the Middle East. That is something that I am committed to—I think it is not only right for the people in that region, most importantly it is right for the national security of the American people and the stability that is so important to this country. So on January 20th you will be hearing directly from me and my opinions on this issue. Until then my job is to monitor the situation and to put together the best possible national security team to hit the ground running once we are responsible for national security.”

“I’m concerned about the banks who received tax payers money and have had no accountability. Will this be corrected after President-elect Obama is in office?” —Dorothy, Tucson Az

Open for Questions Response, 12/15/08: “President-elect Barack Obama does not believe an economic crisis is an excuse for wasteful and unnecessary spending. As our economic team works with congressional leadership to put together a plan, we will put in place reforms to ensure that your money in invested well. We will also bring Americans back into government by amending executive orders to ensure that communications about regulatory policymaking between persons outside government and all White House staff are disclosed to the public. In addition all appointees who lead the executive branch departments and rulemaking agencies will be required to conduct the significant business of the agency in public so that every citizen can see in person or watch on the Internet these debates.”

“Will you consider legalizing cannabis/marijuana/hemp so that the government can regulate it, tax it, put age limits on it, and create millions of new jobs and create a multi-billion dollar industry right here in the U.S.?”—DJ C, Chicago, IL

Open for Questions Response, 12/15/08: “President-elect Obama is not in favor of the legalization of marijuana.”

“Here in Washington….We have learned that to make pragmatic policy choices, we must insist on assessments grounded solely in the facts, and not seek information to suit any ideological agenda,” President-elect Obama said. “To support those who carry out our intelligence mission, we must give them the resources they need and the clear guidance they deserve. And we know that to be truly secure, we must adhere to our values as vigilantly as we protect our safety – with no exceptions. I am confident that Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta are the right leaders to advance the work of our intelligence community.”

You can read the full text of President-elect Obama’s announcement and see pictures below.

Before I discuss today’s announcement, I’d like to say a few words about the latest jobs numbers that we received this morning.

Yesterday, I spoke about the need to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan so that we can jumpstart job creation, invest in our future, and lay a foundation for long-term economic growth. This morning, we received a stark reminder of how urgently action is needed.

524,000 jobs were lost in December across nearly all major American industries. That means that our economy lost jobs in all 12 months of 2008, and that the nearly 2.6 million jobs lost last year amount to the single worst year of job loss since World War II. The unemployment rate is now over 7 percent. Clearly, the situation is dire, it is deteriorating, and it demands urgent and dramatic action.

My staff and I have been engaged in a constructive dialogue with members of Congress over the last few days and weeks about my American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan which will save or create at least 3 million jobs, and make long-term investments in the critical areas of energy, health care and education. We have made good progress in these consultations, and I look forward to working closely with Congress to shape legislation that will work for the American people.

But let me be clear: today’s jobs report only underscores the need for us to move forward with a sense of urgency and common purpose. Behind each and every one of those millions of jobs lost there are workers and families who are counting on us as they struggle to pay the bills or stay in their homes. There are American dreams that are being deferred and that risk being denied. There is a devastating economic crisis that will become more and more difficult to contain with time. For the sake of our economy and our people, this is the moment to act, and to act without delay.

Now I’d like to say a few words about today’s appointments. Over the past few weeks, Vice President-Elect Biden and I have been working with our national security appointees so that we’re ready to hit the ground running on January 20th. Today, I’m pleased to complete our team by announcing my choices to lead the intelligence community and the CIA.

It is hard to overstate the importance of good intelligence in the 21st century.  When much of our intelligence community was founded, it was focused on one overarching threat: the Soviet Union. Today, we face a world of unconventional challenges – from the spread of stateless terrorist networks and weapons of mass destruction, to the grave dangers posed by failed states and rogue regimes.

As we learned on 9/11, we are not protected by the distance of an ocean or the ability to deter an enemy. There is no margin for error. To keep our people safe, we must seamlessly collect, analyze, share, and act on information with a sense of urgency. This requires the selfless services of countless patriots, and the skillful management of our sixteen intelligence agencies. Good intelligence is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

The men and women of the intelligence community have been on the front lines in this world of new and evolving dangers. They have served in the shadows, saved American lives, advanced our interests, and earned the respect of a grateful nation. There have been sound reforms and many successes to build on over the last several years.

But here in Washington, we have also learned some tough lessons. We have learned that to make pragmatic policy choices, we must insist on assessments grounded solely in the facts, and not seek information to suit any ideological agenda. To support those who carry out our intelligence mission, we must give them the resources they need and the clear guidance they deserve. And we know that to be truly secure, we must adhere to our values as vigilantly as we protect our safety – with no exceptions.

I am confident that Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta are the right leaders to advance the work of our intelligence community. They are public servants with unquestioned integrity, broad experience, strong management skills, and the core pragmatism we need in dangerous times. Together, they will form a team that is uniquely qualified to continue the good work that is being done, while making the changes we need to stay ahead of nimble threats and sustain the trust of the American people.  

Admiral Dennis Blair has seen the diverse uses of intelligence from many different perspectives. Over several decades in uniform, he learned firsthand the necessity of good intelligence for our men and women in uniform. As Commander of US forces in the Pacific, he developed a deep understanding of the critical importance of Asia, and carried out a major offensive against violent extremists. And as a former NSC staffer and the first Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support, he is uniquely qualified to build bridges of cooperation among our national security institutions.

As DNI, Dennis will be the leader and manager of our intelligence community. He will have my full support as he develops our capabilities, strengthens information sharing, enhances cooperation with foreign governments, and provides policymakers with the information we need – even if it’s not always the information we want. As someone who has handled intelligence as a sailor at sea and strategic thinker in Washington, he will have the expertise and authority to ensure that our sixteen intelligence agencies act with unity of effort and purpose.

Admiral Blair’s experience will be exceptionally complemented by Leon Panetta, my choice to be director of the CIA. Leon is one of the finest public servants of our time, and has committed himself to his country since he put on the uniform of the US Army. As a Congressman, OMB Director, and White House Chief of Staff, he has unparalleled experience in making the institutions of government work better for the American people. He has handled intelligence daily at the very highest levels, and time and again he has demonstrated sound judgment, grace under fire, and complete integrity.

Let me be clear: in Leon Panetta, the Agency will have a director who has my complete trust and substantial clout. He will be a strong manager and a strong advocate for the CIA. He knows how to focus resources where they are needed, and he has a proven track record of building consensus and working on a bipartisan basis with Congress. I am confident that he will strengthen the CIA’s capability to protect the American people as it continues to adapt to our reformed intelligence community.

I will also rely on the talent and expertise of several distinguished public servants with substantial intelligence experience. The current DNI, Mike McConnell, will continue to offer his counsel through my Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. The National Counter-Terrorism Center – the hub of our efforts to prevent attacks and root out terrorist networks – will continue to benefit from the leadership of Michael Leiter. And I’m pleased to announce that John Brennan – a close advisor, CIA veteran and former leader of the National Counter-Terrorism Center  – will be my Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor for Counterterrorism, serving with the rank of Assistant to the President.  John has the experience, vision and integrity to advance America’s security.

The demands on the intelligence community are huge and growing. To have a successful and sustainable national security strategy, I have made it clear that we will need to deploy and balance all elements of American power – our military, diplomacy, homeland security, economic might and moral suasion. Good intelligence work is necessary to support each of these endeavors.

Right now, there are men and women working around the world to bear this burden. We may never know their names, but we will always honor their sacrifice. The task for the team that I have assembled is to guide, support, and integrate their efforts so that we protect our security and safeguard the values that all of us have pledged to uphold. Thank you.

"Here in Washington....We have learned that to make pragmatic policy choices, we must insist on assessments grounded solely in the facts, and not seek information to suit any ideological agenda," President-elect Obama said. "To support those who carry out our intelligence mission, we must give them the resources they need and the clear guidance they deserve. And we know that to be truly secure, we must adhere to our values as vigilantly as we protect our safety – with no exceptions. I am confident that Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta are the right leaders to advance the work of our intelligence community."

You can read the full text of President-elect Obama's announcement and see pictures and video below.

Before I discuss today’s announcement, I’d like to say a few words about the latest jobs numbers that we received this morning.

Yesterday, I spoke about the need to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan so that we can jumpstart job creation, invest in our future, and lay a foundation for long-term economic growth. This morning, we received a stark reminder of how urgently action is needed.

524,000 jobs were lost in December across nearly all major American industries. That means that our economy lost jobs in all 12 months of 2008, and that the nearly 2.6 million jobs lost last year amount to the single worst year of job loss since World War II. The unemployment rate is now over 7 percent. Clearly, the situation is dire, it is deteriorating, and it demands urgent and dramatic action.

My staff and I have been engaged in a constructive dialogue with members of Congress over the last few days and weeks about my American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan which will save or create at least 3 million jobs, and make long-term investments in the critical areas of energy, health care and education. We have made good progress in these consultations, and I look forward to working closely with Congress to shape legislation that will work for the American people.

But let me be clear: today’s jobs report only underscores the need for us to move forward with a sense of urgency and common purpose. Behind each and every one of those millions of jobs lost there are workers and families who are counting on us as they struggle to pay the bills or stay in their homes. There are American dreams that are being deferred and that risk being denied. There is a devastating economic crisis that will become more and more difficult to contain with time. For the sake of our economy and our people, this is the moment to act, and to act without delay.

Now I’d like to say a few words about today’s appointments. Over the past few weeks, Vice President-Elect Biden and I have been working with our national security appointees so that we’re ready to hit the ground running on January 20th. Today, I’m pleased to complete our team by announcing my choices to lead the intelligence community and the CIA.

It is hard to overstate the importance of good intelligence in the 21st century.  When much of our intelligence community was founded, it was focused on one overarching threat: the Soviet Union. Today, we face a world of unconventional challenges – from the spread of stateless terrorist networks and weapons of mass destruction, to the grave dangers posed by failed states and rogue regimes.

As we learned on 9/11, we are not protected by the distance of an ocean or the ability to deter an enemy. There is no margin for error. To keep our people safe, we must seamlessly collect, analyze, share, and act on information with a sense of urgency. This requires the selfless services of countless patriots, and the skillful management of our sixteen intelligence agencies. Good intelligence is not a luxury – it is a necessity.

The men and women of the intelligence community have been on the front lines in this world of new and evolving dangers. They have served in the shadows, saved American lives, advanced our interests, and earned the respect of a grateful nation. There have been sound reforms and many successes to build on over the last several years.

But here in Washington, we have also learned some tough lessons. We have learned that to make pragmatic policy choices, we must insist on assessments grounded solely in the facts, and not seek information to suit any ideological agenda. To support those who carry out our intelligence mission, we must give them the resources they need and the clear guidance they deserve. And we know that to be truly secure, we must adhere to our values as vigilantly as we protect our safety – with no exceptions.

I am confident that Dennis Blair and Leon Panetta are the right leaders to advance the work of our intelligence community. They are public servants with unquestioned integrity, broad experience, strong management skills, and the core pragmatism we need in dangerous times. Together, they will form a team that is uniquely qualified to continue the good work that is being done, while making the changes we need to stay ahead of nimble threats and sustain the trust of the American people.  

Admiral Dennis Blair has seen the diverse uses of intelligence from many different perspectives. Over several decades in uniform, he learned firsthand the necessity of good intelligence for our men and women in uniform. As Commander of US forces in the Pacific, he developed a deep understanding of the critical importance of Asia, and carried out a major offensive against violent extremists. And as a former NSC staffer and the first Associate Director of Central Intelligence for Military Support, he is uniquely qualified to build bridges of cooperation among our national security institutions.

As DNI, Dennis will be the leader and manager of our intelligence community. He will have my full support as he develops our capabilities, strengthens information sharing, enhances cooperation with foreign governments, and provides policymakers with the information we need – even if it’s not always the information we want. As someone who has handled intelligence as a sailor at sea and strategic thinker in Washington, he will have the expertise and authority to ensure that our sixteen intelligence agencies act with unity of effort and purpose.

Admiral Blair’s experience will be exceptionally complemented by Leon Panetta, my choice to be director of the CIA. Leon is one of the finest public servants of our time, and has committed himself to his country since he put on the uniform of the US Army. As a Congressman, OMB Director, and White House Chief of Staff, he has unparalleled experience in making the institutions of government work better for the American people. He has handled intelligence daily at the very highest levels, and time and again he has demonstrated sound judgment, grace under fire, and complete integrity.

Let me be clear: in Leon Panetta, the Agency will have a director who has my complete trust and substantial clout. He will be a strong manager and a strong advocate for the CIA. He knows how to focus resources where they are needed, and he has a proven track record of building consensus and working on a bipartisan basis with Congress. I am confident that he will strengthen the CIA’s capability to protect the American people as it continues to adapt to our reformed intelligence community.

I will also rely on the talent and expertise of several distinguished public servants with substantial intelligence experience. The current DNI, Mike McConnell, will continue to offer his counsel through my Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. The National Counter-Terrorism Center – the hub of our efforts to prevent attacks and root out terrorist networks – will continue to benefit from the leadership of Michael Leiter. And I'm pleased to announce that John Brennan – a close advisor, CIA veteran and former leader of the National Counter-Terrorism Center  – will be my Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor for Counterterrorism, serving with the rank of Assistant to the President.  John has the experience, vision and integrity to advance America's security.

The demands on the intelligence community are huge and growing. To have a successful and sustainable national security strategy, I have made it clear that we will need to deploy and balance all elements of American power – our military, diplomacy, homeland security, economic might and moral suasion. Good intelligence work is necessary to support each of these endeavors.

Right now, there are men and women working around the world to bear this burden. We may never know their names, but we will always honor their sacrifice. The task for the team that I have assembled is to guide, support, and integrate their efforts so that we protect our security and safeguard the values that all of us have pledged to uphold. Thank you.

The first-ever Neighborhood Ball will air live on January 20th from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET. The night before the ball, you can catch the “Kids’ Inaugural:  We Are The Future” concert on The Disney Channel. Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families will be attending the concert honoring military families at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney and streamed on Disney.com immediately following the telecast on The Disney Channel.

We’ll be releasing more details soon about the performers and the hosts for the ball and the concert.

We know the battle ahead will be long. But always remember that, no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. 

... For when we have faced down impossible odds, when we've been told we're not ready or that we shouldn't try or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

It was a message, and a moment, that millions of supporters would keep with them through the long primary to come, through the general election that followed and in the years yet to come.

If you’re not able to make it to Washington, we’ve announced several ways you can still be a part of the Inauguration. Yesterday we launched USAservice.org, a site dedicated to the President-elect’s call to service. On the site, you can find or host a community service event for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19, the day before the Inauguration. Take a look at the new site and get started in the effort to renew America’s promise.

You’ll also have the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural celebration during and after the swearing-in ceremony. We’ll be using interactive technology to link the Neighborhood Ball hosted by the President-elect in Washington D.C. with other balls taking place in communities across the country. We’ll keep you posted as more details become public about the neighborhood balls and other opportunities to get involved in the inaugural celebration.

The New York Times reported:

While there have been oddities in the past that shifted the total, the final result this time was the same as derived in the public voting on Nov. 4: 365 electoral votes for the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama of Illinois and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and 173 for John McCain of Arizona and Sarah Palin of Alaska, their Republican opponents. With the results formally entered in the journals of the House and the Senate, Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are now cleared to be sworn in on Jan. 20.

The finality of the announcement by Mr. Cheney drew a rousing round of applause from assembled lawmakers and their guests, including 26 young people active in politics who were invited by the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California.

The New York Times reported:

While there have been oddities in the past that shifted the total, the final result this time was the same as derived in the public voting on Nov. 4: 365 electoral votes for the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama of Illinois and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and 173 for John McCain of Arizona and Sarah Palin of Alaska, their Republican opponents. With the results formally entered in the journals of the House and the Senate, Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden are now cleared to be sworn in on Jan. 20.

The finality of the announcement by Mr. Cheney drew a rousing round of applause from assembled lawmakers and their guests, including 26 young people active in politics who were invited by the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi of California.

And the final electoral map, which you all worked so hard for:

We’re flying Cynthia and her guest to Washington, DC, putting them up in a hotel, and providing them with tickets to the welcome ceremony, the swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Ball.

But we’re still looking for nine more people. Make a donation by 11:59pm tonight, and you could be selected to witness one of the seminal events of our time. History will be made on January 20th – do you want to be there to see it?

Contribute now – the deadline is 11:59pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance to have a front row seat to history.

We’re flying Cynthia and her guest to Washington, DC, putting them up in a hotel, and providing them with tickets to the welcome ceremony, the swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Ball.

But we’re still looking for nine more people. Make a donation by 11:59pm tonight, and you could be selected to witness one of the seminal events of our time. History will be made on January 20th – do you want to be there to see it?

Contribute now – the deadline is 11:59pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance to have a front row seat to history.

We’re flying Cynthia and her guest to Washington, DC, putting them up in a hotel, and providing them with tickets to the welcome ceremony, the swearing-in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Ball.

But we’re still looking for nine more people. Make a donation by 11:59pm tonight, and you could be selected to witness one of the seminal events of our time. History will be made on January 20th – do you want to be there to see it?

Contribute now – the deadline is 11:59pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance to have a front row seat to history.

There’s been a flurry of excitement and announcements as we close in on the Inauguration. In case you missed it, we’ll be flying ten people and their guests to Washington to watch President-elect Barack Obama sworn in on the steps of the Capitol (shown below). We’ve already chosen one lucky person and now we’re looking for nine more. You have until midnight tonight to make a donation for the opportunity to witness history in the making.

If you’re not able to make it to Washington, we’ve announced several ways you can still be a part of the Inauguration. Yesterday we launched USAservice.org, a site dedicated to the President-elect’s call to service. On the site, you can find or host a community service event for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19, the day before the Inauguration. Take a look at the new site and get started in the effort to renew America’s promise.

You’ll also have the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural celebration during and after the swearing-in ceremony. We’ll be using interactive technology to link the Neighborhood Ball hosted by the President-elect in Washington D.C. with other balls taking place in communities across the country. We’ll keep you posted as more details become public about the neighborhood balls and other opportunities to get involved in the inaugural celebration.

Earlier this week, Cynthia Russell became the first supporter chosen as a special guest to attend the swearing in, after after she donated to help make this inauguration a success. 

Nine additional supporters and their guests will be selected to come to Washington, D.C., and attend the welcome ceremony, the swearing in, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Contribute now – the deadline is 11:59pm tonight. Don’t miss your chance for a ticket to history.

The first-ever Neighborhood Ball will air live on January 20th from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET. The night before the ball, you can catch the “Kids’ Inaugural:  We Are The Future” concert on The Disney Channel. Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families will be attending the concert honoring military families at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney and streamed on Disney.com immediately following the telecast on The Disney Channel.

We’ll be releasing more details soon about the performers and the hosts for the ball and the concert.

See pictures and video from the announcement below.

See pictures from the announcement below.

In celebration of President-elect Obama’s Inauguration, the Smithsonian will feature exhibitions and public programs related to the presidency from Saturday, Jan. 17, through Tuesday, Jan. 20. The museums and programs are free and open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including Inauguration Day.  On Jan. 20, the National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Castle will open early at 8 a.m.

The Smithsonian has participated in inaugurations since the 1800s—President Abraham Lincoln held his second inaugural ball in what is now the Smithsonian American Art Museum in March 1865, and President James Garfield’s ball was held in 1881 in the U.S. National Museum (now the Arts and Industries Building, which is closed to prepare for renovations). In recent times, the Smithsonian has produced cultural programs and concerts for the Carter, Reagan and Clinton inaugurals.

This year, the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009 has contributed $700,000 to support the Smithsonian’s free exhibitions, programs and additional security for the expected crowds.

For a complete list of Smithsonian Institution programs related to the Inauguration, take a look at this page.

Here are a few photographs from the Smithsonian archives:

There is no doubt that the cost of this plan will be considerable. It will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term. But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy. It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe. Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.

That is why we need to act boldly and act now to reverse these cycles. That’s why we need to put money in the pockets of the American people, create new jobs, and invest in our future.  That’s why we need to re-start the flow of credit and restore the rules of the road that will ensure a crisis like this never happens again.

That work begins with this plan – a plan I am confident will save or create at least three million jobs over the next few years.  It is not just another public works program. It’s a plan that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment – the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work, even as, all around the country, there is so much work to be done. That’s why we’ll invest in priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century. That’s why the overwhelming majority of the jobs created will be in the private sector, while our plan will save the public sector jobs of teachers, cops, firefighters and others who provide vital services.

Some of the initiatives outlined include:

• Modernizing more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills.
• Making the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized.
• Equipping tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.
• Expanding broadband across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
• Investing in the science, research, and technology that will lead to new medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and entire new industries.

Read President-elect Obama's full remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .

There is no doubt that the cost of this plan will be considerable. It will certainly add to the budget deficit in the short-term. But equally certain are the consequences of doing too little or nothing at all, for that will lead to an even greater deficit of jobs, incomes, and confidence in our economy. It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe. Only government can break the vicious cycles that are crippling our economy – where a lack of spending leads to lost jobs which leads to even less spending; where an inability to lend and borrow stops growth and leads to even less credit.

That is why we need to act boldly and act now to reverse these cycles. That’s why we need to put money in the pockets of the American people, create new jobs, and invest in our future.  That’s why we need to re-start the flow of credit and restore the rules of the road that will ensure a crisis like this never happens again.

That work begins with this plan – a plan I am confident will save or create at least three million jobs over the next few years.  It is not just another public works program. It’s a plan that recognizes both the paradox and the promise of this moment – the fact that there are millions of Americans trying to find work, even as, all around the country, there is so much work to be done. That’s why we’ll invest in priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century. That’s why the overwhelming majority of the jobs created will be in the private sector, while our plan will save the public sector jobs of teachers, cops, firefighters and others who provide vital services.

Some of the initiatives outlined include:

• Modernizing more than 75% of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of two million American homes, saving consumers and taxpayers billions on our energy bills.
• Making the immediate investments necessary to ensure that within five years, all of America’s medical records are computerized.
• Equipping tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.
• Expanding broadband across America, so that a small business in a rural town can connect and compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.
• Investing in the science, research, and technology that will lead to new medical breakthroughs, new discoveries, and entire new industries.

Read President-elect Obama's full remarks, as prepared for delivery . . .

President-elect Obama said, “I am confident that these distinguished individuals have the expertise and commitment needed to help me implement a sustainable national security strategy that combats 21st century threats and keeps the American people safe.  They share with me the utmost respect for our brave men and women in uniform, and will work day and night to support our troops, strengthen our military, and advance our capacity to carry out 21st century missions.  Together with Secretary Gates and our military, we will work to responsibly end the war in Iraq, defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban, and renew America’s strength and standing in the world. I am honored that they have joined me in this mission, and I trust that they will serve the American people well.”

The announcements made today are below:

William J. Lynn III, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Lynn brings decades of experience and expertise in reforming government spending and making the tough choices necessary to ensure that American tax dollars are spent wisely. Lynn served as the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) from 1997 to 2001. In that position, he was the chief financial officer for the Department of Defense and the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for all budgetary and fiscal matters. From 1993 to 1997, Lynn was the director of program analysis and evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he oversaw all aspects of the DoD’s strategic planning process.  Lynn was awarded three DoD medals for distinguished public service, the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and awards from the Army, Navy and Air Force. He also received the 2000 Distinguished Federal Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants for his efforts to improve defense accounting practices. Lynn currently serves as senior vice president of Government Operations and Strategy at Raytheon Company.  Before entering the DoD in 1993, Lynn served for six years on the staff of Senator Edward Kennedy as liaison to the Senate Armed Services Committee. He has also been a Senior Fellow at the National Defense University, on the professional staff at the Institute for Defense Analyses and served as the executive director of the Defense Organization Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Lynn has a law degree from Cornell Law School and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. He is married with a daughter.

Robert F. Hale, Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
Hale currently serves as the Executive Director of the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC).  From 1994 to 2001 Mr. Hale was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management and Comptroller).  He was responsible for the Air Force budget and all aspects of Air Force financial management.  He also spearheaded creation of the first-ever certification program for defense financial managers.  Hale served for twelve years as head of the defense unit of the Congressional Budget Office.  Early in his career, Hale served on active duty as a Navy officer and worked for the Center for Naval Analyses. Robert Hale holds a BS with honors from Stanford University as well as an MS from Stanford and an MBA from George Washington University.  He is also a Fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration.  Mr. Hale has served on the Defense Business Board and recently completed service on a Congressionally-mandated Task Force on the Future of Military Health Care.  He is a former National President of the American Society of Military Comptrollers and is a Certified Defense Financial Manager with acquisition specialty.

Michèle Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)
In January 2007, Flournoy cofounded and was named president of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a venture dedicated to advancing a strong, centrist national security strategy. Prior to joining CNAS, she was a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she worked on a broad range of defense policy and international security issues. Previously, she was a distinguished research professor at the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University (NDU), where she founded and led the university’s Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) working group, which was chartered by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop intellectual capital in preparation for the Department of Defense’s 2001 QDR. Prior to joining NDU, she was dual-hatted as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and threat reduction and deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy. In that capacity, she oversaw three policy offices in the Office of the Secretary of Defense: Strategy; Requirements, Plans, and Counterproliferation; and Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasian Affairs. Flournoy was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service in 1996, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 1998, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award in 2000. In addition to several edited volumes and reports, she has authored dozens of articles on international security issues. Flournoy holds a B.A. in social studies from Harvard University and an M.Litt. in international relations from Balliol College, Oxford University, where she was a Newton-Tatum scholar.

Jeh Charles Johnson, General Counsel
Johnson is a partner in the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, based in New York City.    Johnson’s career has been a mixture of successful private law practice (as an experienced trial lawyer) and distinguished public service (as a federal prosecutor and presidential appointee). At age 47, he was elected a Fellow in the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.   Johnson’s career as a trial lawyer began in 1989-91, as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted public corruption cases. He served three years as a federal prosecutor. In 1998, Johnson left Paul, Weiss for 27 months when President Clinton appointed him General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, following nomination and confirmation by the United States Senate. While in that position, Johnson was awarded the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service.  In 2007-08, Johnson served as a foreign policy advisor to President-elect Obama’s campaign. Johnson is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a graduate of Morehouse College and Columbia Law School.

"All four of these indivuduals will bring a wealth of experience and a tireless work ethic to the Obama-Biden Administration," said Vice President-elect Biden. "They will be tremendous assets and additions to the team we are building."

 The Vice President-elect’s Staff Announcements are below:

Elisabeth Hire, Director of Scheduling
Elisabeth Hire most recently served as director of scheduling to Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden on the Obama-Biden campaign.  A veteran of the past three Presidential election cycles, Hire served as the deputy director of scheduling for Hillary Clinton's 2008 primary campaign; scheduled for Kerry/Edwards 2004; and served on the advance staff of Kerry/Edwards 2004 and Gore/Lieberman 2000.  When not working in politics, Hire has worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on a variety of projects including the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the Festival of China, the Millennium Stage, and in its nationally recognized Education Department.

A Bexley, Ohio native, Hire is a classically trained ballet dancer and has performed with BalletMet Columbus.  She graduated with an A.B. in English from Kenyon College.

Pete Selfridge, Director of Advance
Pete Selfridge served as deputy director of advance, heading up Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden's advance operation during the Obama-Biden campaign, a position he has retained during the transition process.  Selfridge has worked in city government, public affairs and communications throughout his professional career.  Prior to joining the Obama-Biden campaign, he served as the City Director in Los Angeles for the Clinton Foundation's Climate Initiative.  Selfridge lived in Washington D.C. from 1994 through 1997, where he worked in the office of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) as well as in the scheduling office of President Bill Clinton at the White House.

Selfridge is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Iowa. He also received a management of information systems certificate from Columbia University in New York.

Anthony Bernal, Director of Scheduling for Dr. Jill Biden
Anthony Bernal serves as director of scheduling to Dr. Jill Biden on the transition team, a position he held during the Obama-Biden campaign. Bernal began his professional experience at the White House serving both President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore in their respective offices of scheduling and advance. Following the 2000 election, Bernal joined the Coca-Cola Company’s office of international affairs in Washington, DC and then AARP. In 2004, Bernal served as Director of Financial Administration of the Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. Following the 2004 DNC Convention, Bernal was chief of staff at the ALS Therapy Development Foundation, a Cambridge-based non-profit biotechnology company.

Bernal, a native of Tucson, Arizona, earned his Bachelor's Degree in History and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and studied at Carleton College in Northfield, MN.

Sam Myers Sr., Trip Director for the Vice President
Sam Myers, Sr. is a veteran of eight presidential campaigns and has worked closely with presidents and presidential candidates for the past thirty-five years. Most recently, Myers worked as a key press aide for the Obama-Biden campaign, serving as a press logistics liaison aboard Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign plane. Before joining the Obama-Biden campaign, Myers worked with the media covering Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's primary campaign, traveling with Senator Clinton through June of 2008; and he had previously served as Trip Director for Senator John Edwards during his 2008 primary campaign. During the 2004 presidential election, Myers worked for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, traveling aboard the vice presidential candidate's airplane. Myers traveled with Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential campaign serving as the press logistics liaison and worked at the White House for President Bill Clinton, traveling around the world, managing press logistics for presidential events.

Born in Quincy, Illinois and raised in Edina, Missouri, Myers is a graduate of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. He is married to Dr. Vicki Myers and has four children.

They may not be the biggest and they may not be the oldest, but the twelve marching drummers of the Bonnie Brae Knights may certainly be the loudest of the groups selected to perform in the 56th Inaugural Parade following the swearing-in of President-elect Obama on January 20th.

Hailing from northern New Jersey, the Knights have been able to drum up enough money to pay for both their trip to Washington and brand new uniforms through donations that follow their performances and local media coverage. The Knights are excited to be marching in the Inaugural Parade, having previously played at conferences for non-profits and been annual performers at a hospital fundraiser.

The drummers attend Bonnie Brae treatment center that takes in and teaches troubled youth who are abused, neglected or abandoned.  The center works to help them assert their potential and maximize the skills necessary to move ahead in the world. One component of the kids’ education is music, specifically drumming.

In the words of Bill Powers, one of the Knights’ staff advisors,

The Knights deliver a powerful message of hope and dreams come true to all children in foster care, group homes, or residential programs. Our drummers arrive with a long laundry list of negative labels and leave with a positive sense of their self-worth.

The Knights are a living testament to the power of hard work and community service to change the course of our fellow Americans’ lives for the better.  As they march down Pennsylvania Avenue, from the Capitol to the White House, these drumming young New Jerseyans will remind President-elect Obama and the millions of viewers on television why we must continue to invest in those children that have the least.

Check back on our official inauguration blog as we spotlight more groups that will be marching in the parade or take a look now at the initial list of selected groups.  For more photos of the Knights, take a look at our Flickr page.

"I think we need to change the paradigm in this country on health," Secretary-designate Daschle said. "It starts with that big picture belief. The paradigm needs be changed from illness to wellness."

Sen. Daschle advocated new approaches to the problems facing American families, noting that his charge in leading HHS will require working across governmental lines to fix ailing health care systems.

He noted the importance of "breaking down stovepipes so that the inter-relationship between these agencies can do a better job of coordinating this effort."

When rural health care issues were raised, Sen. Daschle spoke passionately about solutions to the unique problems many com