Sasha Obama, left, Malia Obama and Michelle Obama (pictured in June 2008) face their own unique White House transition, as President-elect Barack Obama works to build his administrative cabinet. Many wonder whether the Obama girls will attend public or private schools during their time in Washington.

Getty Images

William "Bill" Ayers' relationship with then-presidential candidate Barack Obama was repeatedly questioned by Obama's opponents during a tense election season.

AP

The U.S. Department of Justice recently weighed in on a growing online discussion about crime statistics based on race, centered around figures referenced last month by David Duke in a TMM interview.

AP

I think back over this week and the word that pops into my head is INTENSE.

We had conversations about public and private school, and especially what it means for middle class minority parents -- like the Obamas -- to have that choice.

We talked about the role of the auto industry in lifting minorities into the middle class.

We talked about what we expect of Michelle Obama and what we see in her and, naturally, what we see of ourselves in her.

... Intense conversations with former Weather Underground leader William "Bill" Ayers, with filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, with former civil rights attorney-turned Washington, D.C., powerbroker Vernon Jordan, as well as our panel of regulars: Leslie Morgan Steiner, Jolene Ivey, Rebecca Walker, and Anna Perez (who in her other life was former First Lady Barbara Bush's press secretary).

I found my head spinning, especially trying to keep up with all the threads our guests brought to us. I sat up until 1:00 a.m. one night finishing Bill Ayers book, and until 2:00 a.m. a couple nights later reviewing Melvin van Peebles' films.

As we close out this year and think ahead to the next. It all makes me think about that balance between the internal world and the external one, and how one influences the other.

Which matters most?

Writing it down doesn't capture how it felt; the emotion that surfaced, sometimes from surprising quarters. Real life, but concentrated. But these times are bringing out deeply felt experiences. Of course, some people don't want to hear about all that, which is fine. But as I say all the time: just because something does not interest you doesn't mean it has no reason to be heard.

And speaking of what needs to be heard, or what does not ...

Those of you who heard our conversation last month with former Ku Klux Llan leader David Duke may remember that he cited some statistics. The statistics referenced by Duke compared how many white women were raped by black men in the course of a year, versus how many black women were raped by white men. Now, you may ask (as did I) why he doesn't care about how many white women are raped by white men, and how many black women may have been raped by black men.

David Duke is a white supremacist (although he does not think he is). We thought it important to check on his facts, and so we have. We've updated the original Web page for the Duke interview with an audio statement by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Thanks for your patience.

We featured a number of stories from around the globe in today's World Roundup. But one story in particular prompted TMM producer/director Rob Sachs to share from his personal experience. I'll let Rob take it from here.

Thanks, Lee. Rob Sachs, here ...

By placing their stories side by side, its clear that they often have much more in common than they might originally have realized.

Thanks, Rob.

You really want to know how the working mommy thing goes down? Here it is:

I'm supposed to be here at 6:30 a.m. This morning was especially critical since I was asked to do a quick interview on CNN that would be aired live, just about an hour and fifteen minutes before we ourselves go to air (our first broadcast feed is at 9 a.m.).

Normally, I would never even think of stepping out of the building -- not even for a few minutes -- while we were preparing to go to air. I'd fight you over a fire alarm (but I WOULD go, I would, I swear). But through the miracle of technology (and guest scheduling) all of our guests for today's show were actually recorded yesterday or, in one case, a couple of days before (as he was on the way to London). So, we thought, yes, we can. ... Get to CNN and get back here in time to do right by our show.

Why even bother? Well, they wanted to talk to us about yesterday's special collaboration with the online publication The Root, where we talked about Michelle Obama and what it means to be, and have, the first African American First Lady. We had four great guests who published four essays on The Root, and we talked about the essays in our regular MOMS segment.

So we were excited that CNN wanted to talk to me and TMM regular Jolene Ivey about our contributions. Marie Nelson (our executive producer) and I decided it was worth it to twist ourselves into a pretzel a little bit before our own airtime to make the CNN appearance work.

I picked my outfit the night before. I got the last minute hair lecture from Marie ("put some product in there, don't play no games"). I was ready. I was pumped. I was walking out the door, and ...

Both kids came flying out of their rooms, "Waaahhh!"

"Mommy, can you sit with me?"

"Mommy, where's my drink?" "Mommy, my dolly fell behind he bed."

"Waah."

I tried to take the practical way out. "Mommy is going to be late," I said.

Still, "Waah!!!"

I tried to be a diplomat. "Daddy is still in bed," I said. "Go get in bed with him."

Waaah!

So, yes, I caved.

I took off my shoes and went in their room cuddled with them both for a few minutes. Thankfully, my husband heard something going on, so he came stumbling out, did a quick assessment of the situation, set up the distraction, took up the cuddle position ... and I slipped out.

(Thanks, Billy!)

I raced out the door, tried to obey all laws and came careening into NPR. I dropped my bag and looked at my TMM scripts before CNN started burning up my phone to ask, why wasn't I in the car?

I said, "what do you mean?" (I pretended I already was, sorry CNN!)

But then, in a minute, I was in the car, so ...

I made it.

And that's how it really is.

I know it's not pretty, but it all worked out, right?

Wrapping up a long day, so this will be quick.

Tomorrow on the program, a name that probably needs very little introduction: William "Bill" Ayers.

Remember, during the presidential election season, an alleged relationship between Ayres and now President-elect Barack Obama was the source of much contention on the campaign trail.

Well, Ayers has something to say about that whole controversy, and how Obama chose to respond.

Finally, a shout out to the New Media Institute. The annual conference is a brainchild of the National Black Programming Consortium, and they're meeting this week here in Washington, D.C., this week. Today, I was honored to speak to the group -- along with NPR's Andy Carvin and Sarah Handel -- during their visit to our NPR studios. The focus: NPR's travels into the world of multimedia journalism.

(To learn more about NPR's "transformation", check out the recent piece in the American Journalism Review.)

Needless to say, I learned a good deal from them.

More to come, so meet us back here tomorrow.

And in the words of Marie Nelson, our executive producer, onward and upward ...

Also tomorrow, a Wisdom Watch conversation with Washington, D.C., powerbroker Vernon Jordan.

And, voices from Israel and Palestine ...

In acknowledgement and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, a new book captures 60 voices -- half Israeli, half Palestinian. The the book itself is in English, Arabic and Hebrew. Amazing to look at. Tomorrow, we will have two voices from the book and the author, editor.

And that's not all, but all I have time for now because I have to get to work.

But finally, a programming note. If you listened to our Faith Matters segment Friday, you heard us talk about faith and how it sometimes conflicts with end-of-life care. We focused on the story of Motl Brody, a 12-year-old Jewish boy who suffered a brain tumor, which left him brain dead. He was on life support after doctors concluded they'd unsuccessfully done all they could to save him. His parents opposed any decision to remove him from life support, citing religious convictions. Although without most of his faculties, their son's heart was still beating.

Motl Brody died on Saturday.

For many, this case demands such serious reflection, both religiously and ethically. Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld sent me an e-mail today, and directed me to a recent sermon of his on this subject. I think it's worth sharing ...

It's not just the McCain campaign sniper fire that seems to be directed at Sarah Palin, there's also the lingering angst over Proposition 8 in California, and news that, thank goodness, Thanksgiving is coming.

And speaking of Thanksgiving ...

We want to know, what are you thankful for?

Have you had a Thanksgiving you'll never forget?

Last year, we recorded your observations and sprinkled them throughout our Thanksgiving Day program. They were just the seasoning we needed to make that program special, so we are at it again.

Call, write or blog. We want to hear from you. We especially welcome your calls, because we may want to use these observations on the air. Connect to the TMM comment lineon 202-842-3522. And, please, do remember to leave your name and how to find you if we need to call you back.

Now, get busy (please), have a great weekend and remember that we are grateful to you!

As you probably know, we try to focus on international news on Thursdays in our international briefing. For the next couple of weeks we are going to try making rounds to the embassies to hear what representatives of a number of countries have to say about what they what they hope and expect from an Obama administration. We are plan to focus on Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean; we feel that most major news organizations go to the European capitals first, we want to round out that perspective.

And I was very happy to get that postcard from Kabul. The writer, Gayle Tzemach, has a forthcoming book about women entrepreneurs. Tzemach has been visiting Afghanistan off and on since her days as a student at Harvard Business School. Anyway, Gayle sent me an email when she arrived on her latest trip and just after Election Day she sent us her latest postcard.

We want to hear from you.

We always hoped that our listeners would keep us up to date on their travels. And, yes, we do care about the food and sightseeing, but we're more interested in those nuggets that tell us something about a place, about which we are not hearing anywhere else. It's the reporter's eye, if you want to call it that, but you don't need a title.

Let us know. Keep us in mind the next time you get on a plane somewhere interesting.

And, speaking of listening ...

James Lipton.

Are you one of the 89 million people who watch Bravo's "Inside the Actors Studio"? Do you ever find yourself wondering about the guy behind the blue cards, James Lipton? Well the 200th episode of the program just aired this week, and Lipton is also out with a new memoir, Inside Inside.

I confess, when I learned that he interviews his subjects for three and four, and even five HOURS, I felt kind of deflated. Our 20-minute visit just scratched the surface, and to be honest it does just scratch the surface.

I did my best, check it out. And do watch the anniversary show with Dave Chappelle, if you can.

And what can I say about our girl, PINK???

Thanks, Lee. Jasmine Garsd, here ...

Today's show was a discussion about how far minorities have come in the U.S., yet how much backlash there continues to be.

Our opening conversation was with Tony Asion, executive director of El Pueblo, and Kevin Johnson, Dean of Law at UC-Davis. This conversation gave us a window into how civil rights activists continue to deal with threats against their life. And it's not just activists. As we heard on the show today, hate crimes against Hispanics have been on the rise.

Why do you think this trend, confirmed by the FBI, is happening? And how should it be combated?

We also featured a discussion with John Rogers, an example of how far minorities have come in the U.S. Rogers heads Ariel Investments, the nation's first African-American owned mutual fund. His investment philosophy is grounded in patience, discipline and independent thinking and was recognized this month by the National Council on Economic Education.

Something that struck me about the conversation is what an important role Roger's parents had in making him who he is today. His father encouraged him to become involved in the world of financing. This reminded me of a conversation I had the other night, with a friend of mine who is working at an elementary school in one of Washington, D.C.'s most socio-economically depressed neighborhoods.

My friend's biggest question (she just started at this job): how to instill this type of thinking in young, talented students who come from broken homes, where basic survival trumps school work every day?

And speaking of role models, we visited with Washington Post fashion writer Robin Givhan, hairstylist Anthony Dickey, and historian Catherine Allgor, for a discussion on future First Lady Michelle Obama, her unique style (hey, don't forget to check out our fashion slideshow) and what type of role model she will be.

Overall, what type of impact do you think Michelle Obama will have as First Lady?

-- Jasmine Garsd

Most of the men in my family are veterans. In my father's generation, the generation of WWII and Korea (and in my younger uncle's case, Vietnam), that was the norm. But as we have transitioned to an all-volunteer army, that has become less common. In some communities and families, of course, military service is common. But many people no longer know anyone personally who is serving or has served in uniform.

This isn't to say that there are not other ways to serve the country--I think our diplomats, our Peace Corp volunteers, missionaries, our covert operatives, politicians are all public servants and they all have a role to play in keeping the country safe . But today is the day we set aside to recognize those who have served in this particular way, and it's fitting, I think, as we continue to fight two wars and to confront terrorism, that we acknowledge those who have worn the uniform, and their families.

I also think it's fitting that we had the stories of two very different public servants today:

Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State in the Clinton Administration and former United Nations Ambassador. She's offering her thoughts on what the next President should do, as she puts it, to restore America's reputation abroad. We talked about the new book she has out that expands on those ideas and we talked about it (hint: CLOSE Guantanamo Bay and rejoin the climate emission talks are two of her suggestions).

We also heard from "Buffalo Soldier" Joseph Stephenson (who happens to be the father of our regular parenting panel contributor Jolene Ivey), who talks about serving in the all-segregated army and coming under fire.

To all those who serve, in uniform or out, both here and abroad, we thank you.

President George W. Bush, left, First Lady Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and president-elect Barack Obama stand outside the Diplomatic entrance of the White House on November 10, 2008 in Washington.

TIM SLOAN/AFP/Getty Images

 

Lee Hill, here ...

As I'm posting this entry, President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, are meeting behind closed doors with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Although Mr. and Mrs. Bush have both called to congratulate the Obamas on winning the U.S. presidency, this afternoon's face to face meeting is a first since last week's election.

The Obamas' young daughters, Sasha and Malia, are not in attendance.

The meeting is an attempt to show that the presidency should be above partisanship but it also serves as the future commander-in-chief's first major step forward since emerging as the victor in a long and, often, tense race to the White House.

President Bush extended the invitation for today's visit at a press conference on November 5, in which he also congratulated his successor with the following remarks:

It will be a stirring sight to watch President Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their beautiful girls step through the doors of the White House. I know millions of Americans will be overcome with pride at this inspiring moment that so many have awaited so long. I know Senator Obama's beloved mother and grandparents would have been thrilled to watch the child they raised ascend the steps of the Capitol -- and take his oath to uphold the Constitution of the greatest nation on the face of the earth.

So, what are they talking about in there? Earlier today, White House press secretary Dana Perino described the agenda for the visit, during which include Laura Bush will give Michelle Obama a personal tour of the Executive Mansion, as "very private."

We may never know everything that was discussed today. We can live with that.

But, seriously. We all know that this past campaign season wasn't exactly the bipartisan love fest that today's meeting -- judging by the photo above -- might attempt to convey. Remember, Obama's "more of the same" slogan describing his Republican opponent Sen. John McCain --- the "same" being President Bush? And, President Bush, although not surprisingly, supported fellow Republican McCain's presidential bid over Obama's.

The point: the two families are not the best of friends.

Of course, the visit is part of the changing of guard, and has been a tradition for years, but one can't help but wonder if there's any awkwardness in the air during the short visit.

Would you feel awkward during such a "visit" -- as either the host or the guest?

And, what do you think they're talking about, aside from essentials explicitly related to the transition?

The weather?

It's not like they can go and meet the neighbors.

But maybe they really are laughing, hugging and singing "Kumbaya."

Politics, gotta love it.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, pictured above with wife Michelle, became the nation's first black president-elect.

EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images

 

It was an exhausting and exciting week for many people; now the real work begins.

Next week, we are going to keep taking a look at the challenges -- both political AND cultural --facing the next President and his family. We started with Gen. Wesley Clark (ret.) today and we are going to keep it moving.

For example -- the first African-American first lady -- what special challenges does she face? We have several newsmakers lined up, names whom you know.

You won't want to miss a day. Trust me.

Have a good weekend.

Watch TMM's audio slideshow from Election Day in Baltimore

Lee Hill, NPR

Lee Hill, here ..

So, in my blog post on election night, late Tuesday evening, I mentioned that we'd experienced technical challenges with NPR.org, which led to some complications on the production front. Here's even more material from TMM's virtual bag of Election Day goodies. Enjoy!

On Tuesday morning, TMM producers Jennifer Longmire, Argin Hutchins and intern Leila Taha headed north to Baltimore, about a 45-minute drive from our shop here in Washington, D.C.

Here's Jennifer with a last look back at the Election Day scene.

Hey, Lee. What struck me was how determined people were to vote in Baltimore. I saw people in wheelchairs, walkers. I saw people helping others to the polls, doing car pools -- all in an effort to get themselves there, and help others get there, too. They all said the same thing upon exiting, it's my right, and change is upon us. They told us that they take voting seriously, and want to be heard. And just about all of the voters we talked to, seemed to have one thing in common: a strong desire to see Sen. Barack Obama claim victory.

Thanks, Jennifer.

See for yourself. Check out the audio slideshow.

The difference this year is that just about EVERYBODY was into it. It wasn't something you had to apologize for or explain; you didn't have to promise to get back to real life when it was all over because, it was EVERYBODY'S real life ... just about.

And that's not the only thing that different. I received this email from a friend:

All the stories from my family's experiences that became my personal constitution began playing across my mind ... I lost it. All the personal feelings I compartmentalized for months, to do my job -- even burden I was taught to carry as a member of the black educated class -- poured out. I felt the vindication for all the humiliation, insanity, personal destruction, death that people bore -- sometimes willingly -- on my behalf, and I felt it in my bones.

Here's another from another friend, saying how she generally goes numb at big moments. That it's kind of her way of protecting her equanimity. And then:

And so, by 8:45 p.m. Tuesday night, when it became clear that by beating John McCain in both Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, Barack Obama was poised to become the first African-American president of the United States, my mind went blank. And then the tears came.

The tears were not only for my father, who died years too early to see this day. My tears were for Fannie Lou Hamer, the great grassroots activist, who endured a brutal beating by a white sheriff in Mississippi in 1963 because she tried to register to vote. For Shirley Chisolm, the black congressman from New York with the gap-toothed smile, who ran for president in 1972. For Jesse Jackson, whose path-breaking runs for the White House first galvanized millions of white voters in support of a black presidential candidate.

My tears were tears of absolute joy -- pride at this amazing accomplishment.

I think I know as well anybody that Barack Obama was not everyone's first, second or third choice for the presidency. Some of that is racist ... let's just get real shall we? Because why else would people be talking about him planting a watermelon patch in the Rose Garden and all that other nonsense. (If you don't believe me, check out Maureen Dowd's column today in The New York Times)

But let's just say that's just a few ignoramuses and that some people just didn't like him, trust him, or think he has what it takes to lead this country at this critical time. That is their perfect right, and we need to respect the right to make critical judgments about such an important position.

But can you let this fireman's daughter, this black girl from Brooklyn have just a minute? Just a minute to acknowledge all those who did give him, and people like him and people like me, a chance? All those who said, yeah, I don't know anybody like you, but I like what you say and stand for, and I'm going to give you a chance?

Can I have just a minute to think about the people who wouldn't rent to my mother and father -- a WWII veteran and a firefighter for the city -- when they first brought my sister home from the hospital and needed more space than they had in their cramped newlywed apartment. Or the little girls who turned their noses up at us when my parents went looking for a house to buy and ran away screaming, "Ewww niggers..."

And can I take just a minute to think of the people who gave me, a little girl from inner-city Brooklyn with a lopsided 'fro and cheap platform shoes, scholarships and opportunities and respect and chances to shine? Can I take a minute to think of the teachers and the scholarship donors and the people from all races and religions and backgrounds who sacrificed and marched or just silently prayed and did the right thing to bring us to this day and time?

It's so hard to take it all in ... because it's all part of it, isn't it?

Can I have a minute?

More as we know it ...

Yesterday was a big day, here in the U.S. and around the world. Here's a snapshot of how it all began, and how TMM witnessed a celebration of history.

Heading to the Polls

It's hard to believe that less than 24 hours ago, folks across the nation were still heading casting their ballots at the polls. Earlier in the day, we did hear reports of people waiting for hours in line, but we're not hearing anything to suggest that it deterred likely voters from participating. In fact, yesterday the country saw a record voter turnout (although voter participation in the Atlanta area reportedly dipped from 2004).

TMM Producers Jennifer Longmire, Argin Hutchins and our intrepid intern Leila Taha headed to Baltimore to scope out the scene there.

Here's Jennifer with her observation:

What struck me, after my own experience, was how people were determined to vote. I saw people in wheelchairs, walkers. I saw people helping others to the polls, doing car pools...all sure that they would get there, and that they would help others do it too. They all said the same thing upon exiting -- 'it's my right, and change is upon us... we take this seriously, and we want to be heard.' Parents brought their kids... and even the kids had their own opinions, and were not shy in telling us about them! Everyone is involved, in some way, and that was wonderful to see.

Baltimore resident Donell Draper, 23, said one of his main concerns is health care. He said ready to see some things done differently.

Donnell Draper

Jennifer Longmire, NPR

 

A Slow but Bustling Start

Meanwhile -- even as the polls were still open here in Washington, DC -- producer Douglas Hopper and I headed to one of DC's social hot spots Busboys and Poets. We knew the place would fill up fast, and that it did! We snagged one of the last tables and settled in for a long night.

Its no secret the crowd at Busboys was all about Obama. And you could sense that camaraderie in the crowd. Douglas went off to capture some images from the night and mingle with the crowd.

What's up, Douglas?

Thanks, Lee. I've been up and around, talking with people in the crowd. You don't have to go far to understand what this night means. Marcus Hedgepeth, 27, one of the servers here at Busboys (by day, he attends the Art Institute of Washington), said he's been inspired by the campaign. Not just as a voter but as an artist. It's his second presidential election.

Marcus Hedgepeth

Douglas Hopper, NPR

 

But there aren't just young students in the crowd. Brenda Finkel, 55, also came out to witness the historic moment. I asked her if she'd ever been so excited about an election. She said the 1972 presidential race -- McGovern v Nixon -- was hot, but this is a different story altogether. Yesterday, she took her 19-year-old son with her to vote. Fighting back tears, she reflected on her own first time voting, and how much has changed. It's safe to say Brenda might not have thought it possible that an African American would have been on the ticket back when she was 19. ...

Brenda Finkel

Douglas Hopper, NPR

 

How did Obama get where to he is in this race? Brenda said its because he made himself an "everyman." Marcus told me it's because people want a sense of community. He doesn't think people saw that desire in Sen. John McCain.

A very enthusiastic crowd here at Busboys. But only one man has the stage. No cheers for McCain here.

A Cautious Crowd

Thanks, Douglas. We also heard throughout the night from fellow TMM producers Jasmine Garsd and Rob Sachs. They spent the evening with GOP supporters in northern Virginia.

As election results poured in, the crowd there wasn't so enthusiastic.

Jasmine, what was the scene?

Hi, Lee. Although billed as a "victory party," the crowd in Dulles, Va., seems more concerned than anything. The majority of the audience is looking silently at the screen as election results come in, some chit chat amongst friends and family members, but its a mostly hesitant mood at this GOP gathering. The apprehension is cut only by a round of applause and cheering when the screen shows leading numbers for McCain in West Virginia.

John Yu, of Silver Spring, Md., showed up to show his support for the Arizona senator. He said he voted for McCain because he believes he has good character.

John Yu

Jasmine Garsd, NPR

 

Another person I met was Alexander Nathan, originally from India. He was on the scene volunteering at a polling booth earlier in the day ... but he's not a citizen. Even though he can't vote, Alexander says he's passionate about the McCain ticket.

Alexander Nathan

Jasmine Garsd, NPR

 

State-By-State Suspense

Thanks, Jasmine.

Back at Busboys the energy was building fast throughout the night. Interestingly, Pennsylvania was one of the first states to be called for Obama. Sen. John McCain spent a lot of time and resources there. No doubt, he was counting on voters there to swing his way. So, Obama supporters gleefully accepted the Pennsylvania win, heavily influenced by a strong showing in Philadelphia.

D.C. voters react to projections that Sen. Barack Obama had won Pennsylvania.

Douglas Hopper, NPR

 

As the night went on and the electoral count seemed to increasingly favor an Obama presidency. Well, as that number went up, crowds began to amass outside where Douglas and I were posted.

Obama Surges to Apparent Victory

Then, a moment that will be forever be etched my mind. As I reported yesterday evening here on the blog, the crowd was filled with emotion as CNN announced it was projecting that Sen. Barack Obama would now become "President-elect Barack Obama," and emerge as winner in the presidential race. A wave of emotion captured everyone in its path.

It was just the beginning of what would become a massive celebration. The night was still young, and for hours to come, people here in D.C., and across the world, moved their celebrations to the streets.

Obama supporters spilled into the streets of Washington, D.C., when they learned that Sen. Barack Obama was approaching victory in the presidential elections.

Douglas Hopper, NPR

 

As the clock ticked well past midnight, the number of folks taking to the streets of D.C. to celebrate -- or merely spectate -- did anything but dwindle.

Lee Hill, NPR

 

... And later in Paris:

Obama supporters in the Champs-Elysees, in Paris, joined in celebrations.

BORIS HORVAT/AFP/Getty Images

 

In India ...

Indian Siddi Tribals hold posters, along with Indian National Flags, in support of Barack Obama's victory as they gather in front of Hazarat Mubarak Nobi (Baba Gaur) Dargah in Ahmedabad.

SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images

 

Don't forget to tell us how you spent election night ... and how you feel about the outcome.

And, as the celebrations eventually fade -- although they still seem to be going strong -- we're also following the latest news on Bush-Obama transition talks. We hear the President-elect is close to announcing who will serve as his Chief of Staff, a position that's reportedly been offered to Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois.

More as we know it ...