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Blog: Is Obama the techiest President ever?
Catching or killing Osama bin Laden will be one of the key targets of Barack Obama's administration as it is "critical" to American national security, the US president-elect confirmed last night.
In his first televised interview since his historic election, Mr Obama made good on his rhetoric from the campaign trail that the hunt for bin Laden would remain top priority for the US.
He told CBS that "it is a top priority for us to stamp out Al-Qaeda once and for all" and that killing or capturing the group’s mastermind Osama bin Laden was "critical" to the US.
"Particularly in light of the problems that we’re having in Afghanistan, which has continued to worsen. We’ve got to shore up those efforts," the President-elect said.
Mr Obama also revealed that he is taking very seriously the threat of a major terrorist attack on America in the next few weeks, after warnings from both sides of the Atlantic that terrorists would step up the activity during the transition period during and after the dying days of the Bush presidency.
"I think it’s important to get a national security team in place because transition periods are potentially times of vulnerability to a terrorist attack. We want to make sure that there is as seamless a transition on national security as possible," he said.
The Bush Administration has been defined largely by the 9/11 attacks, which came within a year of his taking office, and President Bush has repeatedly described the acute vulnerability of the US during a transition.
Mr Bush's aides point out that al-Qaeda’s first assault on the World Trade Centre occurred little more than a month after Bill Clinton became President in 1993. There was an alleged attempt to bomb Glasgow Airport in Gordon Brown’s first days in Downing Street and a London nightclub attack was narrowly thwarted.
Mr Obama said that, as soon as he takes office, he will take other measures to minimise the terrorist threat, working with his security team and the military to reduce US troop numbers in Iraq, shore up Afghanistan and to eradicate al-Qaeda.
"I will call in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, my national security apparatus, and we will start executing a plan that draws down our troops (from Iraq)," he said.
On the campaign trail, Mr Obama vowed to pull one or two combat brigades out of Iraq every month until after 16 months, only a residual security force of unspecified size remains. Some of those brigades would head to Afghanistan.
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The past two administrations failed in their lack of trying to reach across the political aisle. It took Clinton 6 years before he named Cohen to Defense. Shame on him. Shame on Bush for the same. Partisanship at its worst. There`s incredible talent both sides of the political divide-use it.
geoffrey ellis aronson, mexico city, mexico
Schwarzenegger a 'B' movie star? There was no bigger action star in the 80s and 90s. And maybe he got lucky the first time, but he won reelection with a landslide as a Republican in a mostly Democratic state.
Russ, Greenville, USA
I think if he's going to be considering republicans he should try out Rice, and even though he'd never take the job Powell. As for democrats Marcy Kaptur and Edwards would be my first choices.
RJ, Vermilion, United States
Just to let you know that neither Kissinger or Schwarzenegger are "prominent" Republicans. Henry is a disgraced Nickson-ear war criminal and the other is a Hollywood 'B' star who got lucky. Really, no one cares what this pair thinks. So, please, a little reality would be great.
stuart, vancouver, canada
Since nothing else has worked, maybe he should ask Morgan Spurlock. Sorry, I know, cheap shot. But then again anything could help at this point.
T, Kansas City, US
Chuck Hagel and John McCain, neither conservatives, hence their uselessness to our party. McCain is said to be willing " to work " with Obama. As they have the same views on almost everything, where is the news ? Obama's team does not contain one businessman. Command economy anyone ?
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX
President-elect Barack Obama has been proving himself to be of strong character over and over again. I am a Democrat and a citizen of the United States. I know I have no say in this matter, but I hope Obama chooses a man like R-Arkansas Governor Mike Hukabee for his cabinet. Huckabee or Romney!
Zenzi, Chicago, United States
Obama's embracing a one party system and one world government should be an alarming developement for everyone, including those not in the U.S.! He ran as a centrist, but now his liberal side is coming out. I wonder how long it will be before Obama supporters concede they really screwed up!
D B, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
He also needs to get the former indestructable bankers named and shamed - with details of all their payouts, bonuses etc etc and to help me with my mortgage payments because they were so incompetent.
Paul Munro, London, UK
I am more likely to be eaten by a shark than need to fear Bin Laden...
Bush didn't understand it so you can't blame him, he was only trying to read the speaches he was given.
A war is when one army fights another. Occupation is when an army camps out in a country and shoots anyone that objects.
Joseph Speck, Monmouth, Wales
Oh dear,
His body language is telling a different story to what his mouth is uttering.
How many people actually believe Bin Laden is still alive, in reality, not in our minds?
The scaremongering has began.
Brace yourself world, for a change we're going to have to believe in.
Leah, London, uk
Next thing you know, he'll want his face added to Mt.Rushmore.
JB, Mpls, USA
Mr Obama got 52% of the votes by promising Utopia. Now even left-wing intellectuals, admittedly only those of superior calibre, understand this lesson of history: Utopian plans are never implementable. And the main victims of this undeliverable promise: poor blacks and idealist whites.
Awake!
Germaine Botterell, London,
You are so right on ~ Luke in Australia!!!
Glad to see someone else out there is paying attention!!
Lynn, Minneapolis, USA
I think our President-elect will do a fine job. Red, or yellow, or black or white...I think he stands for a breath of fresh air for all of us in this great country of ours...the USA.
John, Pennsylvania, USA
Hillary Clinton, once enters into the State Department Building, would have her own agenda and pursue them vigorously even without the President's backing.. Team Obama please take note of the Reagan-Haig fiasco.
James Wong , Macau,
Weekly radio broadcasts? Bipartisan Cabinet?
Can you say FDR and Lincoln? I love this man! I know he'll make mistakes, and I know he'll have some hard times, and I know he won't be perfect, but the fact that he really is trying to unite us is so heartening. Yay!
Jess, Chicago,
Just warming Americans to a one party system, and a one world government
Luke, Port Macquarie, Australia
While the bipartisan cabinet may seem backwards to some, I personally think it is a great idea. I think that the ability for the president-elect to think outside the box will be a great asset to the world at large.
Jason, Columbus, USA
He needs Ron Paul on board. That man is personifies all the republican wisdom that Obama needs, with none of the lobbyist-funded baggage currently weighing down the Republican party.
Andrei Gonzales, Muntinlupa City, PH
Barrack
You are too clever mate for the people of today and your views are too smart for the politicians and media of today
Being like you dude man I know and agree with your views on Lincoln
Roy, london,
I wouldn't be surprised if Colin Powell is asked to step in for the defense secretary position or at least as a senior advisor. He was a vocal supporter of Obama, and has impeccable credentials. I am confident, given the freedom, and values that Mr. Obama represents, Mr. Powell would shine.
Sam, Santa Ana, USA
Besides Mr. Powell, Hillary Clinton would make an excellent Secretary of State, and would in many ways help bring in her supporters on board, thereby uniting the Democrats further.
Bottom-line, Obama is acting out on his premise of 'Change' & maintaining the momentum.
Sam, Santa Ana, USA
Glad to see Obama getting the exposure he deserves.
Cottonwood, Denver, US