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A New Team In Town

Spanish Translation

By Nelida Gonzalez Cutler

Bush with Colin Powell, left.

For five weeks at the end of 2000, Americans wondered who would lead their nation into the new century. Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush were battling out the election in the courts. Finally, on December 12, a U.S. Supreme Court decision stopped the recount of votes in Florida and ended the confusion. Gore conceded to Bush: "I'm with you, Mr. President, and God bless you."

In a speech, Bush, who won in the Electoral College but lost the popular vote, said it was time to put aside bitterness and heal the nation. "I will work to earn your respect," he told Americans.

A Diverse Cabinet
Bush moved quickly to assemble a team to help him govern after he takes office on January 20. Last week he finished selecting his official advisers, called a Cabinet. Bush has named one Democrat, three women, two African Americans and two Hispanics to Cabinet posts. Some critics argue that although the nominees are ethnically diverse, they do not have a broad range of views. Bush disagrees and says his Cabinet is "one of the strongest" ever.

Cabinet members must be approved, or "confirmed," by the U.S. Senate. Bush wants his choices to "sail through" the process.

Smooth sailing seems likely for many of the nominees, but the waters will be rougher for others. Right now the Senate is evenly split, with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans. Bush's choices must be approved by more than half the Senators. As Vice President, Dick Cheney will be in the powerful position of casting a tie-breaking vote if necessary.

Quick approval is expected for retired Army General Colin Powell. As Secretary of State, the respected African American will oversee foreign policy. Donald Rumsfeld is another popular choice. When Gerald Ford was President 26 years ago, Rumsfeld became the youngest Defense Secretary in history. Now 68, he will return to the job, and it's a big one. He'll handle the military's huge budget.

Named to another key post is Paul O'Neill. As Treasury Secretary, he will have the difficult task of trying to keep the U.S. economy strong. The economy is showing signs of weakness: investors in the stock market are nervous, and some big companies have laid off workers to cut costs. Bush promised voters a big, $1.3 trillion tax cut, and he believes his plan will help the economy. Not everyone in Congress agrees.

One of Bush's most controversial choices is John Ashcroft for Attorney General. Ashcroft, who just lost his Missouri Senate seat, has come under attack for his views on civil rights. Bush's choice for Labor Secretary, Linda Chavez, may face the toughest confirmation battle. Many workers' organizations oppose her.

The President-elect is keeping one member of the Clinton Cabinet. Norman Mineta, a Democrat, will move from head of the Commerce Department to the Department of Transportation. Says Mineta: "There are no Democratic or Republican highways."

Seize The Day
Traditionally, every new President experiences a "honeymoon" period, when he can coast along on the nation's good wishes. But Bush's honeymoon period may be brief. Two weeks after he takes office, he must present his budget and agenda to Congress. "Educating our children, taking care of our seniors, protecting the peace" are key issues for the nation, says Bush. But will the politically divided Congress agree to support his programs?

"There is an opportunity here for both Republicans and Democrats to show the country that we can come together," Bush told Time magazine. "It is a unique moment, and I intend to seize it."

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All The President's Men and Women
The U.S. Constitution does not provide for a Cabinet, but George Washington asked his closest advisers to help him lead the nation. By 1793, the group, which included Secretaries of State, Treasury and War, and the Attorney General, was known as the Cabinet. Each new President appoints Cabinet members. The Senate must approve the choices. Here are Bush's nominees:

Ann Veneman, 51, of California will handle activities related to farming and food, including animal health, food inspection and the school-lunch program.
Spencer Abraham, 48, of Michigan will oversee production, supply and conservation of such fuels as oil and gas.
John Ashcroft, 58, of Missouri will act as the Administration's top lawyer and law enforcer.
Linda Chavez, 53, of Virginia will advise on working conditions, wages, employment statisticsand other workplace issues.
Gale Norton, 46, of Colorado will advise on environmental issues and use of natural resources.
Colin Powell, 63, of Virginia will direct U.S. relations with other nations.
Donald Evans, 54, of Texas will be in charge of the Census, promoting U.S. businesses, patents, trademarks and other business issues.
Rod Paige, 67, of Texas will advise the Administration on school reform, testing and other programs.
Donald Rumsfeld, 68, of Illinois will coordinate plans and budgets for the armed forces and weapons.
Norman Mineta, 69, of Maryland will handle rules, safety and operation of highways, airports, waterways and mass transportation.
Thommy Thompson, 59, of Wisconsin will coordinate public health research and rules, welfare, Social Security and other programs.
Melquiades Martinez, 54, of Florida will help Americans find affordable housing and improve troubled neighborhoods.
Anthony Principi, 56, of California will handle programs for those who have served in the U.S. military.
Paul O'Neill, 65, of Pennsylvania will oversee federal money matters, including taxes and the U.S. Mint.

Next: Does Peace Have a Chance?