CNN

No. He has filled his administration with past Washington insiders, which means nothing will change.

No.

Human nature is immutable. Even more so when power is involved and money is at stake. The only way to change the way things get done in Washington is to apply new pressure. Politicians thrive on power. They crave re-election. The only thing that can make them more responsive to the electorate is... an engaged electorate.

The only thing they fear more that an engaged electorate... is an enraged electorate with them as our pariahs.

President Obama can change the way the executive branch does business. The congress is so much more dysfunctional that, although he can influence it, I suspect it'll take us electing new senators and representatives.

Because 80% of Washington DC belongs in prison if the president were to change things government would have to be shut down. That cannot be done so it will be business as usual.

Jack: Our new President can modify the behaviors that have slipped steadily over the past 7 years. Barack Obama has a management style that supports better behavior, but he also carries a big stick. No doubt there will be some show-downs. Guess who's going to win: the Prez!

Hopefully Jack, but until people vote out all the "old dogs" that still remain it's going to be tuff. Some people have to be dragged into the twenty first century other never get there, that's the way it is with a good many of the old Senators and Congressmen. They worry more about themselves then the people in this country.

With actions he has already taken shows he is just doing that. Shutting Gitmo down setting rules on lobbist conections. Then look today as Hillary is now in charge of the State Department that sure looks as though they had their hands tied for about 8 years. He will not be able to change everything but he has sure started at a good try.

Obama? No. However, he can lead us to do it. Changing "how Wachington does business" starts with the election of the people who hold the power. We let them get as strong as they are, and it will take a lot of work to make people realize that what they're told in campaigns and the endless rant of pro-whatever you want to hear is nothing but bull. If we work hard and elect people who actually do have ideas–intelligent men and women–we might just pull it off.

He can lead the way. What would really drive the message home is if people right to their senators and representatives demanding that they work hard to repair the country.

He's the head of an entire branch of Government, of course he can change the way business is done. Hopefully things will change for the better, but unfortunately we've recently learned that even seeing things shouldn't make us believers. It turns out all our economic progress was nothing but a bunch of Potemkin villages.

with his nomination of tim geithner and the confirmation of the senate, I would say we are in for a change.

Our system has sunken to a new low. Our media is joining the show and our citizen have hit a new level of stupidity.

This man show be serving time not managing our money.

If you know how something works then you can fix it. It comes down to character and will. If he really wants to change things he can as long as he keeps reminding the apposition how much the people are with him. The old timers haven't cared what the American people thought for a long time, he is going to make them remember why they are there and that will be half the battle.

Jack–
I hope that he can at least make a dent in it. Things seem to take so long to get accomplished in DC. If he can speed up that process at all it will be great!

Troy, Ohio

I don't think he will even try. He will only make us more dependent on Washington and it seems the people want that. Democratic Party action has driven manufacturing out of the country, stopped our drilling for oil so we are completely dependent on foreign oil, pushed for easing borrowing so that our financial institutions are bankrupt, kept nuclear power plants out of the country. They have bankrupted the country and now they plan to socialize it and our citizens are ready to follow him like a bunch of sheep and the news media is ready to help clear the way.

Not easy but yes he can. The big question is will he?

Jack , He can try , but the real change will have to come from the leaders of congress. THEY will have to be determined to change.
Otherwise, no change will occur. Perhaps every voter /citizen should
start a blitz campaign and contact, call, text , email any way their
senator , or rep. and tell them to stop the influence of big money.

President Obama can and will change everything are needed to be change for not more of the same .

Obama himself cannot change the way Washington does business, but if he uses his power correctly and well, he can force politicians to change the way they do business. I have every faith that he'll do just that.

No . . . but he will give it his best shot.

No.
Look at his appointees. We have a Treasury secretary who evaded his taxes and then lied about it to the Committee and the public. The IMF told him what he owed, the IMF advanced him the money to pay the taxesand after he was audited he didn't pay the "Non audited " years. Then he tells us it was an "innocent" mistake.

We have an Attorney General who either collaborated in the purchase of a pardon for Marc Rich or who was too stupid to know the rules- you choose.

We have Sec Clinton's ( whom I support ) husband still free to trawl for money from anywhere in the world, regardless of the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Next we have a partisan Congress which has changed the rules to prevent any type of bipartisan action in the House and which has a a porked up stimulus bill which it's own watchdog says will not stimulate.

Some change!!!

Clearly, he already has changed Washington with the issuance of lobbyist guidlines and adherance to the freedom of information act. in addition, he committed Presidential adherance to the constituiton and laws of the land. Not bad for this first day in office.

Senators and house representatives will have an option of going along with his change or face the rath of the American voters, since Obama will continually communicate directly to the American people.

I expect Obama to change Washington, change the world and be remembered as one of the greatest world leaders we've ever had.

Jack, Nobody can turn a political crook ( politician ) into and honest one. The best we can do is vote them out of office. I will give Obama credit for trying and i will give him every chance to do so. These crooks are anchored to their seats. YES WE CAN?????

I really think so, Jack .....He is already showing transparency with all of those photo ops & what he's now signing & so forth......He had to fill his cabinet with experienced people that knows government & such....You cannot just fill your cabinet with people that have no idea about anything or whats going on in government.....

Jack,

As long as lobbists are allowed in or near DC nothing will ever change. Money talks

One man alone can change nothing...but a good leader can inspire change, encourage new visions and actions, and help to eliminate the "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" way in which Washington seems to operate. Let's all hope that this one man will cause a change in many and make a difference for all!

Sandy
Texarkana, Arkansas

Change? He can change it for the betterment of all people, just like Bush/Cheney changed it for their own benefit.

Yes, he can. After all he received his political education and gained experience in Illinois (sarcasm intended).

His immediate circle of people, yes. The rest of the idiots no. They have no common sense.

It hasn't been a week and Congress is already acting a fool with nominations upheld and Pelosi having a tough stance. They're going to bicker and do underhanded things to get back at him again not getting anything done unless we hold their feet to the fire with our emails and frequent communications.

Why didn't they show this much backbone and get Bush impeached in 2007 in the first place? Makes you wonder....

President Obama can and will change Washington...for those Senators and Congressmen/women...if you don't believe so, get out of the way by resigning as you are the elephant in the room..

Jack,
No need for long drawn out ramblings. The answer is so simple that even a liberal can grasp it. NO

It is possible if the Obama administration publishes the names of the people who oppose progressive legislation and their inane reasons for doing so the public will eventually assist him in changing the status quo.

Even the dumbest and most ornary of people can usually see the writing on the wall if their actions run contrary to sound judgement and public opinion.

Then of course of the most crucial step to change would be the total elimination of lobbyists but that would just be too good to be true and will likely never happen.

Jack

I requst Mr President Barack Hussein Obama. Bailout all those highly skilled, qualified, inteligent captains of industry in Banking, Wall Street and Auto Companies with the following essentials..
1. Work Boots ( made in USA)
2. Overalls ( USA)
3. Lunchbox (USA)
These are the new jobs of the 21st century. Join the working poor today..

Hi Jack,
I expect Obama to be very transparent with his dealings-the way business is done in Washington, D.C.
This means 'of the people, by the people,and for the people' is going to take on a new and more complete meaning.
Legislators [representatives & senators] better be watching their P's & Q's- cause Obama is going to 'tell'. From earmarks to pork bellies we're all going to know. It's definitely going to be a different administration.

Jack: President Obama would have to spend every waking hour of everyday working on it, but if there were a man to do it, President Obama and Vice President Biden are ones to make it happen. But, Jack, the mere mentioning that Washington is going to have to do business in a more honest and open way might change Washington D.C. To change the way business is done must change in peoples hearts, souls, and minds. I pray that Obama an company work this miracle in next 4 or 8 years.

John from Alabama

Without fail absolutely he will be able to change some things and if given a second term even more.

By Obama keeping his house in order at least we are way ahead of where we were a few days ago!

Yes, he already has made a start. Perfection may not be possible, but the word has gotten out and the old foul corrupt dinosaurs should be taking note–change or die. It is up to us to throw them out, when necessary. The lesson we have learned from Obama is that change actually is possible.

Hi Jack:

YES!!! He is very driven and motivated. It is in his heart to fix this broken country. He may not be able to get everything running smoothly overnight. I applaud the man's effort and his determination. Seeing that has already inspired hope in many distressed Americans.

God Bless Him, I think he will do a wonderful job!!

Ron Kepics San Diego, CA

While I give our President credit for all his efforts, I fear there is a segment of the right that will oppose anything just for the sake of saying they did. Take Senator David Vitter for example. Despite having been embroiled in a smarmy, sex scandal during the last session of Congress, he has the chutzpah to vote against Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State because of donations that might be made to her husband's charitable foundation after an agreement had been forged to divulge said donations. Obama could propose a bill to feed all starving children and some Republicans will oppose it.

Jack, he can't do it alone – but I hope he and voter pressure can start the ball rolling. It will be hard for established Washington to cut off the Lobby's gravy train – I liken it to a Drug Addict kicking a heroine habit – tough – but doable.

YES. When Obama make a nation to woke up from the deep sleep and fight for their rights why not Washington DC?

This is the best chance for the president to change how Washington does business. He has the people behind him. President Bush also had the people behind him especially right after 911 and blew it. This is the best I felt about my gov't for eight years. I hope and pray they don't leave me down. I know there aren't bad days ahead, but I am willing to try and suffer through them as long as I feel we're being led in the right direction.

Some things can change fairly easily–others less so. There can be very significant improvements even if the change isn't 180 degrees.

One of his first executive orders cleans up how the White House deals with lobbyists. That is a good first step and an excellent moral example for all government officials. Unfortunately, it does not do the same for congress and that is where all of the money and a lot of power remains. Congress should follow his example for the good of the country but just can't seem to wean themselves from the free meals and fact finding missions to famous golf courses.

Rush revealed that he realizes he is losing his relevance with his comment that he hoped Obama fails. That is the kind of thing an immature, weak and impotent person would say.

Yes Obama can change the Washington culture. He just has to be diligent, consistent in regulating and making sure those who break the rules are punished. Soon, others who are intent on scamming the government and American people, will get the message that the door is closed.

Dear Jack,

I think he can! In my opinion, he has more support from the people of this country, than any other President in recent history.

If he implements the needed changes while he has this tremendous support, the "GOOD OLD BOYS" will have no choice - they will have to go along with him if they want to keep their jobs - and believe me, jobs are pretty scarce.

Wouldn't it be great if our politicians had their "PAY FOR LIFE" program revoked. Then, if the lost their jobs, they would find out exactly what it feels to be jobless and broke!!!!

Obama will change Washington the same day hell freezes over.

Only if the majority of the politicians start caring enough about our country to work together instead of continuing their king of the hill power plays. Hopefully things have gotten bad enough that they will finally grow up and put our county ahead of ego and greed. How can anyone who cares at all about our country not want him to succeed?

He can change the way the Executive branch does business, we're already seeing that. As far as the Legislative branch, that will only happen when the American people change the way they vote. We have to cast our vote for a representative or senator based on their policies, plans and record. Not on idealogy, party, religion or race. Change will only happen there when we vote for it.

Karen
Rochester NY

Washington doesn't give a damn about who is President, or what the people want, or what the right thing to do is. That mind-set will exist as long as there is money to made by creating legislation that favors special interest. The wheels of government grind slowly, but they eventually chew up everything in it's path.

Yes. I believe this man can change the way Washington works. He will have an uphill battle, but he is a strong leader. That is a rare concept for so many of us after the last administration(s). But there are such men......we have just seen too few of them recently.

There is no doubt Obama is going to try to change the face of Washington, In my humble opinion it needs to change. Through all these bailouts and job loses I voiced my concerns to senators and congressmen only to get a preform letter in return. As many people as there were that didn't think bailouts were the thing to do, Washington did them any how. Trust has been lost by a majority of Americans.

Isn't he already doing that by putting the tightest restrictions on lobbyists in lobbyist history?

Jack, he will most certainly give it his best shot. Americans voted for change and any politician, Democrat or republican, has to realize this is what we demand. Those who refuse to unify to save our country will be strongly remembered during the next election. With the transparency, integrity and honesty that is involved, the fools will have no place to hide.

Can Obama change Washington? Only if you and I write our representives weekly on the change we do/don't support. Ten letters a week mean nothing, a hundred a day may get one on his desk, a thousand a week might get his/her attention etc. They have forgotten who they work for because...we have been silent to long. You want change get up and do something.

Probably not, but he should still try. Congress has been fundamentally flawed for more than 100 years. A two party system, as devised by the rules of each house, has resulted in a polarized (read that as slow to respond) factionalism that works to defeat even good legislation if it means embarrassing the other side. It means way too much spending to buy votes and continual reelection. If he can get a Constitutional Amendment for the House to go from 2 yr to 4yr AND give the President a Line Item Veto AND get ethics reform with regard to congressional Lobbyists, we may get somehwere. It would take the best President in History to pull that off. Eliminating election ads on TV would be nice too while we are at it. I GET ALL THE INFO I NEED FROM JACK CAFFERTY.

I believe President Obama has already begun 'changing Washington' with his declarations regarding the lobbyist rules-regulations. And employees associated with. Believe he will stand behind his words, and direction so shared during the campain. Can he do "it all". NO One man can do 'it all'.....but if he continues to walk in the direction he proposed and it's reasonable, then It will be up to each U.S. Citizen to support this direction when at all possible.
P.S. V.P.Joe Biden's "oops". Be serious when called for, and don't cause "that look" on the Presidents face again.

Yes, Jack, yes he can! The President's call for personnel responsibity and opennesss has already made those who are unscrupulous more sneaky and harder to account for.

With Pelosi and Reed as his counterparts he's going to have a hard time. Reed has been marginal at best and Pelosi has proved that a woman is capable of doing just as bad a job at leading as a man.

He already has, have you taken a look at some of his picks?

President Obama alone cannot change anything if all of us are not willing to change ourselves by becoming who we were meant to be.

You, I, and each human must change in order to become the change we wish to see in the World, to paraphrase Gandhi.

Changing the way business is done in Washington is probably the hardest project he has to tackle – the economy and two wars pale in comparison. He can avoid all appearances of impropriety, he can be transparent in his dealings, he can encourage others to follow his example. It will certainly be a test of his ability to lead. The people want the change, and that will work to his advantage. Can he do it? If anyone can, President Obama can.

The way that Washington does business...now are you talking about special interests and lobbyists?
If so, I do not think that he or any individual can change the culture of "the Hill".
I think that it would have to take civic action from the American People to apply pressure to the "elected" to end the exchange of our money and rights for favors and kickbacks. Electing people into office is part of the Democratic Process, it is not the entire process. Someone needs to keep this irresponsible collection of politicians in check and we cannot afford to wait for the next election in two years hoping that the next combination of people will "click" or "cooperate".
First, the press needs to get on their game. Tell us what we should know, not what we are merely allowed to know. An informed nation of citizens is always preferred over the opposite.
Then the public needs to organize and raise questions when they feel that they are not being properly represented by their officials.
It is not up to one person to change "The Hill", it is up to US, United States citizens.

He can change the misquided way Bush did busines in Washington.
Washington was not broken until Bush started waging wars on credit.
Let's not forget that Cheney had an energy conference with what I guest we can call them "energy experts" and we still don't know what was said, that's easy to fix. So Obama can make Washington work.

L.M.,Arizona

I will believe that President Obama has changed Washington when I see the first trial of a lobbyist for attempted bribery and the indictments of various Wall Street "executives" for fraud.

If the President can get and maintain enough support he can change quite a bit. However, the task will be terribly difficult. So much of the real power is embeded in the non-elected governmental machine and those maintaining that machine are going to resist by hook or by crook- the latter being most often used. President Obama will need a good solid support base to defend his own reputation when that machine starts to defend itself by deceit and falsehood!

On November 4, 2008, sixty-nine and a half million Americans said they believe Barack Obama CAN change things in Washington. I was one of them, and two whole days into the presidency, I'm not ready to change my mind.

ssshhhh Jack.......

Listen up.......can you hear it? Can you see it?

He has already started.

Unfortunately no, but I hope he tries. The man does not have a magic wand.

No, nor does he want to. He's been an active part of Wa and Chicago Politics for years and his preferance is to vote "present". That is not what he cares about. America will find out within two years what he is after.
Jack CArlson
Seattle WA

Has anyone been able to? The problem is that the way business is done is so engrained that no ONE person can change that. It's like asking David to slay 100 Goliaths.

Jack,
He has to stay out of "school bus", that's Congress. Remember, teachers will do the same thing on school bus as students.
He has to deal with people directly

No! As long as the republicans only think of re-election and revenge instead of what's good for the country,nothing will change. The United States is on the slippery slope to oblivion.

Jack,
I have to believe that change is coming that is why I voted for President Obama. i believe that he will do his best in changing the way things are done in Washington, I believe that those who do not change will be exposed by the new administration and it will be up to us to vote them out of office. Yes, we can, yes we will, one by one they will change or be replaced by those that are for the people as a whole not just a choosen few as it has been in the past. I am waiting and willing to work for a new government that will finally work for us. That is my responsibility to vote in responsible servants.

Judie
St. Augustine, Fl

Jack,
I do believe President Obama can and will change the way Washington does business for sure, but I would also like to see, pieces of dead wood in Canadian Government shake their heads and follow his example.

He could,but I don't think he wants to.Everything he's done so far shows that he not only plays the same Washington game,but plays it better than the insiders.

Jack,

In the words of former President I earned so much political capital in the last election I plan on spending it Bush. President Obama not only can change how business is done in Washington, D.C. but around the World with all the political capital that he was given...

C.I., New York

yes he can...even without a jacket on in the oval office...its seems bush wore his suit in the office,even though it was an empty suit ...and we see where that got us.....so lets don t get bogged down in silliness and stick to the issues

Jack, I am not that old, but I do remember a time when the politics of our fair land was much more civil. Our leaders may have disagreed, but instead of going on the warpath, they headed to the conference rooms to work out solutions. It just seems like 20 years of the Bush-Clinton administrations have eroded the civility that used to exist. If President Obama can restore that civility, then he has succeeded in changing the body politic of America for the better.

We as citizen can only applaud his effort to change the system of revolving doors from gov aid/appointee – lobbyist. It is in following of his call for a truce on behalf of move on.org in the race, and his call to end the old "Invest in America, Buy off a congressmen/senator/pres." If we don't decapitate this beast of big money, we will never get back a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

He will be up against an entrenched system that has been ruled by and for big money interests since 1981. He can only change things if the voting public keeps harassing their elected officials and make them accountable.What a country this would be if our government was working for us instead of against us.

He'd better TRY! I think most Americans, no matter what their party affiliation (or none, like me) are getting pretty tired of obstructionists in Congress. No, I don't imagine that the Republicans are going to fall in behind President Obama like lemmings, and certainly it is obvious that the Democrats are not either, but they'd better learn the value of compromise and cooperation, or they will find themselves out on the street come the next election! We The People have had ENOUGH of special interest groups, pork, and partisan politics! We voted for the Change ticket for a reason, because government as usual isn't working.

Of course he can. He can walk on water can’t he? Oh, excuse me I’m thinking of someone else.

Washington had long before comtemporary times become a "long live the king" kind of place, out of touch with regular people's lives. Citizens are used by authority to fight wars, pay taxes, produce work and to cater to and obey authority. The Obama's, nice folks that they are, have now been swept into the trappings and in a month or two I suspect will become what they suggested they came to change. Such is the way of power and human nature. Even strong individual personalities like Teddy Roosevelt succumbed to overwhelming change in his outlook, costing his ex friend Taft a second term while winning Wilson the office via TR's Bull Moose interference. It isn't easy to be normal there, even in good times. I'd say it's nearly impossible during hard times.

We have to change the way the do business. It has become in the last 8 years a reminder of how Rome finally fell with all the coruption and we are teetering on the brink now.

I am sorry to see people so negative. I don't see how he can make things worse, but then i did not think one person, Bush, could screw things up so badly.
I fail to see how this mess is the fault of the Democratic party as Mr. Lawson claims, Republicans have ruled for over 8 years. He is sugesting the Republicans are real losers. I think he is right.
Now let the Democrats again clean up a Bush mess.
Lets give him a chance. His Cabinet choices are reported to be well qualified with Washington experience. Many did well under the Clinton years of prosperity.

We are talking about social engineering, the dynamic nature of the human mind allows for change, If the leader leads by example the people tend at least not to veer off course drastically, that I think will be the "change", considering the rot of the past 8 years.

Sure he can, but there will be a lot of very unhappy people, some even dangerously unhappy.

He can if (1) others reach out and (2) if the press stops asking stupid questions trying to provoke tension. I know you don't like to hear this, but the Press needs to change too.

He is already hiding his activities. Business as usual

NEW YORK - Three news agencies refused to distribute White House-provided photos of President Barack Obama in the Oval Office on Wednesday, arguing that access should have been provided to news photographers.

The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse said the White House was breaking with long-standing tradition in not allowing news photographers to capture the president at work in the Oval Office on his first day.

"We are not distributing what are, in effect, visual press releases," said Michael Oreskes, managing editor for U.S. news at the AP.

The news agencies have used White House-provided images in the past for areas in the White House where media access is generally not permitted, such as the Situation Room or the private residence. But they contend that the Oval Office is the public office of the president and photographers should have access rather than rely on a government handout.

"Using these photos would be a major break with established precedent and would compromise the long-held tradition of independent photo coverage of the president and the White House by the major news agencies," said Courtney Dolan, spokeswoman for Thomson Reuters.

Of course not. He took all the Clinton administration and put them back in power. We have absolutely no leaders in Congress or the Senate. The country is on the verge of bankrupcy and were still printing money and requesting more. The people are no longer represented. We the People, Washington thinks it only means them. The short and long answer is no he cannot change Washington.

yes! washington has been looking out for themselves for years..when elected officials are supposed to look out for the poor and middle classes, somehow they are forgetting about doing their duties for the people..there are too many lobbyists group messing up the people's agendas and not thinking about the consequences..obama needs to change things up anyway because crooks in washington has been ruining it for the people too long..

Based upon what the obstructionist party (neo-con republicans) have done so far on day one and day two – Obama will be lucky to get anything done - Of course a lot of these Anti-Obama (e.g. answering Limburgers call that Obama must fail, regardless to the cost to the country) folks will be looking for new jobs in 2010 -
Knoxville TN

It sounds like it has already begun. This man is self assured, mature and ready to lead with common sense. There will be no miracles but we can count on decisions made with deliberation and results that are better for the masses.

Since Washington has a definite culture and cultures are very difficult to change it can likely happen but not overnight and will remain possible but not probable.

From what is evidenced so far the Republicans are still entrenched in their old ideology even though it has been soundly rejected by the electorate.

Then there are still the lobbyists who appeal to the most basic human instinct of greed so until they are either strictly controlled or eliminated change in Washington will still likely be years away from fruitation.

YES!!!!!!

I don't think Obama can change the way Washington does business at all. He has already had conflicts with Pelosi and Reid, they want to run Washington. He may be a little successful in the White House but with the Clinton people he has brought in, I doubt he will be able to change much.

if he cant "we the people" will in 2 years!!! all americans are paying for the action or inaction of the last 8 years and we will not put up with it anymore. doug in arkansas

Yes. In spite of the nit-picking at the press conference. President Obama said he will change the way Washington does business, he didn't say everything would be changed and perfect his first week in office.

Change washington, of course he will the guy knows that aas the first black pesident he also have the burden to not mess it up for the rest . And one more thing I think some journalist need some cilling pill, it has only been two days the guy is president and they expec to have all answer to everything disregarding the fact that the guy like to give accurate info instead "not being thought through bush's answers"
.

He has a better chance of parting the red sea;

i meant chilling pill instead of cilling pill

I think he already has, Jack.
He has motivated many more people to get involved and interested in how the country is run. More citizens are emailing their congressmen to let them know what is importantant to them.. And the Whitehouse is more accessable now (You can email the Whitehouse, easily.)

There is no reason now that our government cannot change.. It's now up to congress to prove to us (before the next election) exactly why they are there in DC. They know their marching orders; There's no reason they can't march.

Not unless Obama can STOP CONGRESS from taking "donations" from lobbyists in exchange for voting for legislation that only benefits the rich! AKA BRIBES!!

And this is all legal because Congress VOTED these "donations for votes" it legal.

Over the past 20 years, the top 10 percent of this country took 90 percent of the INCOME GAINS. This is because Congress is completely BOUGHT and SOLD by rich Corporate CEO's... And these are SAME CEO's that have caused this horrendous financial meltdown!

CONGRESS works only 97 days a year and many are just half days. What do they do the other 200 work days? When they ARE in Washington, they spend their entire day MEETING WITH LOBBYISTS to negotiate donations for their re-election campaigns. Congress spends no time reviewing critical legislation.. Most don't even write it. The LOBBYISTS write their own pork barrel earmarks and submit it to the congressmen to sign them while the lobbyist hand over a big fat check.

Where was Congressional OVERSIGHT when JOHN THAIN was squandering our hard earned bailout tax dollars on his 1.2 million dollar re-do of his office and other lavish expenditures? They were on their 2 month vacation!

WHY IS JOHN THAIN AND ALL THOSE OTHER BAILED OUT CEO'S NOT IN PRISON FOR FRAUD AND CAUSING THIS FINANCIAL MELTDOWN? Congress did not want to give up their vacation.

BAN ALL LOBBYISTS FROM CONGRESS!
INCREASE CONGRESSIONAL WORK DAYS TO 200 DAYS A YEAR INSTEAD OF 97 DAYS.
RESCIND CONGRESS'S LAST AND ALL FUTURE PAY RAISES!

LET YOUR CURRENT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE KNOW THAY YOU PLAN ON VOTING THEM OUT OF OFFICE NEXT ELECTION! THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN THEY ARE PUBLIC SERVANTS. THEY SEE THEMSELVES AS KINGS AND QUEENS. THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT THEY ARE TO SERVE US, THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER,

THEY FAILED MISERABLY TO DO THEIR JOB!

Yes. His executive order regarding the revolving door is the best action I've yet seen regarding the mess that is big money Washington. No, it isn't perfect; there is a loophole allowing for exceptions. Let us hope that those exceptions will be granted in a very limited number coming from K Street to the administration (the current pending nomination of a former Raytheon lobbiest to a high position in the Defense Department, for example) where a truly gifted individual is the absolute best person for the job. There should be no exceptions the other way. I would appreciate it if Congress would institute a similar policy with no loopholes, say 4 years. Then Washington will truly be on its way toward a new, more open style of business.

As to working with Congress, conversation and respect for both sides from the administration and from both sides for the administration will also do much to remove the muck and mud from the city.

He can only change what happens in the white house. Congress is never going to change. The older more experienced congressmen are all corrupt, and it just filters down to the newly elected officials. Its a horrible cycle, and it is doubtful that it'll ever end. Obama will bring change, but once he is gone, it'll just go back to the way things are now.

I really hope so. Its time for accountability and someone to do what actually needs to be done. So far, he's doing a great job.

I truly think he will be found working to.

Karyn
Indiana

We are all like children. We touch the stove until we get burned . Then most of us change our ways. Some will continue reaching for things they can't have out of ignorance, disobedience or just plain avarice. There will always be thrill seekers that will test the waters while seeking adventure, money, etc. About the best Obama can do is lead by example-and be very leary of those around him.

Yes. As everybody who has ever worked in a company knows, the tone set at the top influences everybody. In addition to this general phenomenon, we (the people) have sent a strong signal that we are sick and tired of 'politics as usual'. Those who have not yet heeded that message need to open their eyes - their jobs are on the line, and we are watching their performance closely.
Tim in Texas

Yes he can and will. Obama is running the country like a business.

He is the first president to run the country like a progressive CEO. This involves empowerment, encouraging diverse opinions and that all viewpoints be listened to and respected. Then the CEO weighs up all the options and makes an executive decision. All of this Obama is already doing.

Of course a CEO can fire people. While Obama cannot do this directly he can cause such problems for reelection of anybody not working for the common good that it is almost a firing!

I think he can try and probably have some success. If he is able to make all of the changes necessary, government will go through a period of getting nothing done (kinda like now only worse) and the shakeout would be unbelievable. With all of the other issues he has to deal with right now, my guess is it will be spotty.

Sure would be nice though to have a government that works for us ordinary folks.

As far as the real corruption is concerned, Obama cannot change the way Washington does business. To change the corruption, you need to be aware of it. Believe it or not, claiming to be a Washington outsider is a way of claiming disassociation; but more importantly a way of claiming unawareness of the current corrupted leaders of our congress. It will take a Washington insider to "see the light" and become a true reformer. Don't bet on that happening anytime soon

Tim, Wisconsin

Jack- many of the Senators and members of Congress have been in Washington too long and they are set in their ways, which is behind the times of today. Obama might influence them on going his direction for some issues, but it might be difficult for him to have them all on his side.

Not likely, however he can hold to his promise of using his veto when a bill hits his desk full of pork. If he holds to this regardless of the bill he may get the point to congress.

Dan

Jack, He is off to a great start with the new ethics orders he issued yesterday, but it is going to take a lot more to change the way some politicians want to operate.

I think Cheney hurt his back carrying all his money out of Washington, so I certainly hope the new prez is successful.

Hello Jack
The solution to the countries problem is simple, We do not have enough NON Goverment people, with
jobs that pay enough taxes from manufacturing products sold to the world at a profit, to pay for all the goverment wages, military cost and goverment social programs , all the money that Goverments
will every have must first come from non Goverment taxes
just like me only what I earn can I spend it is so simple!
Richard Patterson

Jack...I think anyone with the will can change the way Washington does business. The real question is whether or not they will. Those who are beholden to big business and big money have no real will or desire to change how Washington does business. Those are the typical politicians who prefer to perpetuate the myth that the current system is the best way to run the country. Hopefully Obama is truly committed to the cause of changing all of this back in the direction of true democracy as opposed to the plutocracy that has fleeced this nation over the last 8 years.

HD in Phoenix, AZ

If the bailout bill passes with just one earmark, we will know the answer is no.

Yes he can Jack without a doubt. He can open the door to us the people. He can step up to the microphone and honestly tell the people which congressperson or senater bowed to the lobbyists and sold out the people with their votes or feathered their own nest with our money. He can step up to the microphone and tell the people which programs and departments in our government are a waste of taxpayer money and should cease to exist and let our outrage help him to do it. Bottom line he could allow the people paying the bills to participate in our own governance again.

Yes, I believe he can but as he has said many times, not alone.
He will need help from his staff and supporters. There are still many in Washington who will reject this new direction.
To them I would say, prepare to be dragged kicking and screaming in to the light.

Make no mistake of it, I support our President. However, in reference to this question , my reply is. "If you put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig".

If President Obama could change the way Washington does business....will he make it the way Chicago does business? I don't think there's a difference.

Can he file for bankruptcy, eliminate the national debt and start with a clean slate?

I think he is sure going to try, that is much more than the Republicans did in eight years. He has very capable people to help him and great ideas, that he has already began working on. If the GOP shut up, quit bickering and pay attention, they might learn how to govern legally.

Not unless he dissolves Cingress and declares himself President for life.

Change in behavior starts with a change in attitude, followed by the modeling of the new behavior. President Obama definitely has the new attitude and so far has been setting the new example. I believe he will have the third necessity, a zero tolerance of the "old ways". So, yes, times are a changing........

With the American voter he can change it. Get rid of the trouble makers like Reid, Pelosi and DeMint. Keep fighting and the voters will take care of you.

As long as the Senate and the House remain a collection of fiefdoms and continue being self absorbed, selfish, and foolish, no changes will ever happen. After all, 'royalty' is not subject to their subjects.

Jack
I believe he will still play the game to get what he wants to fulfill his over 500 campaign promises. What do they say about first term presidents and what they want most, A SECOND TERM.

Jack, the President can not change the way Congress does business but he can make it more visiable to the American perople.

If the Congress will work with him and the press with its constant skepticism with "100 Days" flashing on its screen will give him time to implement his policies I believe his intentions are pure and the people are behind him. He is only one man and without a commitment by everyone else, America will continue to be in stalemate and to decline,

Jack,

Can a hummingbird change the course of an aircraft carrier? Actually, yes he can. But he needs to push with all his might, be very patient, and be satisfied with only modest progress.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

Yes President Obama can, change how things work in that antique of a town.
Patricia
Palmdale,Ca.

Change is here according to the Change.gov website. Huh?? Bringing Geithner on board is change? I think the guy is a cheat and is only apologizing because he got caught. Sure, most americans try to cheat the irs in one way or another – but a man with his credentials can't possibly be ignorant of payroll tax law and to consider him for a position of "responsibility" and "accountability" (Obama's mantra) for the country's finances is unacceptable. This just proves that every president will compromise his values in order to get the job done most expediently. I'm just sad it's happened so soon with Obama – I had higher hopes.

Jack;

Yes he can, George Bush proved that it could be done when he hid the government behind closed doors in 2000 and wouldn't let it out.
It will take a STRONG administration and help from an accountable Congress. In Bush's case we had INACTION from a spineless Congress, and that was from both houses and both sides of the aisle!

The lobbyists aren't the problem. It is a politicians' ego, and greed THAT'S the problem!!

Take a look Jack, it's already happening. Changes to "Business as Usual" is being mandated. Finally!

I think that he will never completely change Washington but every major change will take time. So many years of corruptions can't be undone in 4-8 years. Then again it only takes one person to change the course of history. I would say stay tuned!

How do you say wishful thinking? Honestly I do think he can make a difference in terms of how he conducts his adminstration, he can gain respect, and trust from both sides of the isle which can in the long term benefit Washington. More importantly; he can set the standard for how future President's and candidates conduct themselves. It requires more than him, it requires us who vote, to say yes we like or no we dont. If he openly tries to change Washington for the better then we ought to vote out of office each one that continues to hold on to past/previous unhelpful behavior. We must learn how to disagree and maintain the goal of helping America succeed, not prove that ones partisan ideology is more correct than a different view.

Jack; Already President Obama is showing the citizens that common mistakes can be exposed. Now it is time to roll up the sleeves and uncover the common darkside of Washington D.C.

Pres. Obama will not only change Washington, he will change the whole world. Don't believe me? Ask Henry Kissenger, he says Obama is a perfect leader for the new world order.... hmmm interesting isn't it? have you people read the book of revelation lately?

He has already begun. I just wish he'd freeze my salary at over $100,000.00 a year.

No one can change the way Washington Does Business. One just has to find a way through the maze. It is really an intelligence test. Bush failed miserably.

President Obama is changing the way Washington does business by not going on a "honeymoon" with them at the expense of lobbyist.

I hope and pray he can cause this country is going to hell in a hand basket QUICK...and doesn't look like anything or ANYONE CAN stop it.......

Jack: When you are up to your ass in alligators, and your mission was to drain the swamp, you surely going to try--he will, but it is going to take some time.

Obama can't change Washington, but the American people can. We changed Washington in 2006 and 2008 and if we don't get the changes we want, we will change Washington again in 2010.

Jack,
Yes he can. First thing he can do is utilize the world wide web and call out the congressman/woman who don't want to change and are resistant to change. By doing that their constiuents will take care of them election time

Cutting a few lobbyists off at the knees was a huge step in the right direction but if "we the people" don't get better informed and administer some punishment at the ballot box and the mailbox, then it will remain funny business as usual.

I think he has already begun the process. I like that he has started with trying to get a handle on the lobbyists, and reminding his staff that the American people are number one. He's gotten more done for us in his first day in office than Bush did in his first term. We'll see.

Jack, I believe that he can with our help. If Americans are truly fed up with the "tom foolery" that is has been tolerated over the years, we need to help change become reality. For those elected officials who don't have the aptitude or foresite to embrace sensible management practices, we the people should stop electing such people. As for Obama, I admire his charge and I support it. He and others may experience a few bloody noses along the way, but I think he is tough enough to take it.

Jack,
A more important question is can we change ourselves and stop expecting immediate satisfaction... pass by the things we might like to own and know the difference between,, need and want. Can we be conservative, polite and helpful...can we stop being negative... that is up to us... If we all work at ourselves..he won't have to deal with the petty crap.
I listened to reporters complain they had to walk another way and not be able to drive right up to the White House gates...the morning after the swearing in. He was worried about his rights being taken away, mean while he never opened his mouth once about the American citizens being spied upon???

I don't know IF he can, but I HOPE he can. Anything is better then what we've had the last 8 years.

Change has to come. Its funny after 8 years of failed policy the GOP now seems to have all the answers.

Yes he can, but it's not gonna be easy. It will take the will of a soldier to get it done. It must be done Jack , we can no longer be the leader of the free world if things go the way they have been. Make no mistake If AMERICAS not happy and thriving, No Country is happy and thriving in this world, so he, and his administration must get to work , Quickly.

Sure he can Jack. He will change our society from a democracy to a socialist welfare country. If you like that you will enjoy the next 4 years. If not get used to it because it is his goal.

i think so,he has already done things to change the way goverment works and there are more coming.he is trying his best to reform the goverment in the peoples interest and not in the intrests of washington bureaucrats.

Yes he can! My heart says so. I would venture to wager that he will not.
Like all others before him..... all 43 of them, He to will fall in line with the majority, the brothern(no pun intended Nancy). It is and will always be them against us. Us coming up short again(Did you catch that little 1). Maybe by the time WE all figure this out about credit and the GOVERMENTS need for us to TAKE credit, the Chinese will explain it all to the HILL. Again, those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it....... here we go again

I think he will be able to accomplish a lot, will it be easy? no. there are many "old school" politicians and ideas to contend with. i am continually impressed with Obama, and after the last disastrous eight years, he can not do any worse. I have so much more hope for the future now than before he was elected. I am an IL resident, and have been for most of my life. Obama has spoken more truth and with clearer insight in the last 48 hours than i have heard out of the former administration in its entire eight years. Once again I am proud and honored to be an American. I think Obama will be able to make great strides in restoring our nation to its former greatness. Once again, America can become a symbol of freedom, hope, and the promise of greatness.

He can if we all want that change enough to speak out. Both Democratic and Republican senators and representatives must be told regularly that the old ways won't fly. They need to know that we will hold them responsible at the polls.

Jack,
I think he can change things if he wants it bad enough. So far he's kept his promise, but we know how Washington works once everyone has dug their fanks into you. As long as OBAMA stays away from the blood thirsty few...he'll make a difference...but 'the force is strongest towards the dark side'. Dee

President Obama's executive order regarding presidential records may bring about change to those secret records of Bush/Cheney.
What looks like an attempt at a transparent administration is a welcome change to the questionable practices of the prior administration.
I still wonder about their rendition, torture, claim of wmd's and Cheney's secret energy meetings, hope someday if there has been an abuse of power or crime that there will be accountability.

i guess he can change what is within his power to change. We can only pray he will not turn corrupt and not change anything for the good of the people. I hope the good will prevail over the evil for a while.

Jack, Pres. Obama has already put his thing down, and has already significantly changed the way washington does bussiness. He promised us change, and you'd have to be blind or in denial to not see them.

No, he can't. He intends to make government bigger and us more dependent on it. This will only lead to a slower process.
Also, he appointed basically the same people in his administration as have been around for years. Obama has nothing new to offer.

Jack -he will try his darnest because of:

O--optimism
B--brilliance
A---authentic
M--Michellle
A---awesome

Oh and adorable – 70 yr. old white grandma

Obama did more in two days in office than Bush did in eight years. If he continues on this path, hopefully he will step on a lot of toes in Washington.

He can change rules and have some influence, but he cannot change human nature and there will always be politicians who try to peddle influence. It would certainly help if we stopped treating these politicians with kid gloves and make them pay real penalties in prison. Why are they considered "above" all that. If I tried to extort money from somebody, I would have to pay the full penalty of the law. (I am gleeful that Cheney is upset that Libby was not pardoned. He wasn't the least bit upset that the two border guards were not pardoned and they deserved it more than Libby.)

NO comment

No but i think hes really gonna try good luck President Obama!!

Yes and no,Yes can with the people behind him 100%.The selfish
power grabbers in Washington will NEVER change.The people can
change the country and they should with the help of the president.
David

No,today we hear job layoffs are at a 26 year high while Wolf and Ed Henry are consumed with Obama's swearing in do-over? Give me a break. Nothing changes.. Its the same Washington obsesion with minutia while the country becomes one big unemployment line

Yes he can! Because he has us behind him. Politicians will remember how the public cleaned house in the last election when they didn't do what "we the people" wanted them to do. It is amazing when "we the people" pay attention what our vote can do.

He will make some positive changes, but I doubt he will change the culture wars.

E.g. In the administration of the oath of Office, the Chief Justice misplaced the adverb "faithfully", said "to" instead of "the" and added a reference to "god". To add injury to insult, Obama who gave the Chief Justice an opportunity to correct the words, then proceeded by correcting "to" while the Chief Justice corrected "to" and the placement of the adverb. IMO these variations mean nothing of substance, especially since the Chief Justice has the duty to "administer" the oath, and at the end of this business he signaled his satisfaction with "Congratulations, Mr. President".

Nonetheless, misguided ideologues need to take issue and even suggest Obama did not become President. Even CNN's corespondent "Henry", or whatever his name, seems misguided in a effort to find a story, when the WhiteHouse took the prudent course of having the Justice pop by for a second muttering of the oath before a small contingent of witnesses, in a busy schedule, CNN goes off chasing wild geese. This must stop.

Some people need to differentiate the story from fluff.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Yes ;
I have no doubt . I just hope the Obama admin will not get bogged down.

Can President Obama really change the way business is done in Washington? Not by himself!

Your question should be : will the american people change the way business is done in Washington! The American people need to stay engage in being accountable for their own responsibilities and for their own actions and the American people need to keep their government accountable of their responsibilities and actions on a regular basis and not just during campaign rhetoric from one side and not from just voting on a specific day from the other side!

Democratic values are to be expressed and conducted every single day! We need to be once again coherent in our words and actions towards living up to our democratic rights, liberties and responsibilities regardless of which side you're on and regardless if you are a government employee! Democracy exists fully through the expression of our equal rights, equal liberties and equal responsibilities!

Sadly, no. Both Republicans and Democrats thrive on attacking each other and getting little done so they have job security. Until voters wise up and realize that the American people are being played for fools, nothing will change.

He already has. Change is President Obama's platform: Three Executive Orders signed rejecting torture-related activities; an economic daily briefing added to his purview; A more activist State Department; Salary cap for Staffers; Broad diversity in Cabinet positions. It's up to Washington to catch up now...

Nancy Pelosi did say that the Congress will not adjourn for the President's Day holiday until they get the stimulus package signed into law. Thank goodness for this carrot to dangle over their heads to help speed up the process. This seems like politics as usual – Congress always wants something in return for doing the right thing.

Give the man chance to work, he can't be judged on ONE day in office.. We have a saying in Curacao, hasty prepared soup turn out very salty. The man will and can do it.
Congrats with your new Commander in Chief, a great man.

He doesn't seem to limit himself to the negative expectations of others; and, incase you haven't heard, he doesn't let anyone tell him he can't. He is a 47 year old african american smoker from a single parent household, who's middle name is Hussein...by traditional Washington beliefs, he shouldn't be where he is now. If past behavior is any predictor of future behavior, then chances are he'll accomplish his goal to change Washington and he will do it at his own pace, which seems to be a bit more up-tempo from what they are used to.

Jack, We the people had a chance to change the way things are done in DC last November. We muffed it. Until we remove the bullheaded from office there will no change. The next election is 22 months away. Lets all watch how the old Fuddy Duddys in DC do. A Palm Tree stands up in high winds because it bends. Our representives have got to learn how to bend. When they are elected they represent all of thier state not just thier party. They have to remember that both partys put them in office. For the time between elections they ought to be required to resign from thier party until the next election. Once again I will say it They are like 2 opposing football teams. They want to win and don't care who gets hurt. (The Voters) When both partys join as one team we will have the same old-same old. A divided congress can not win. Best of Luck to our new President he is going to need it.

Did it occur to anyone that President Obama did not invite the media to the "second" swearing in – in order to not embarras Chief Justice Roberts who flubbed the oath? When Vice-President Biden wanted to make a joke of the second time around, President Obama did not look pleased and touched Biden's elbow indicating to me that he did not approve of that sort of thing. We have a very respectful President!

I read this post on Dan Froomkin's site on Wapo.com

DrewKnox wrote:
"The way to make government responsible is to hold it accountable," Obama said. "And the way to make government accountable is make it transparent so that the American people can know exactly what decisions are being made, how they're being made, and whether their interests are being well served."

– I think I died went to the United States of America.

This line made me laugh so hard, I just wanted to share it with you, Jack.

Jack,

You bet Obama can change the way business is done in Washington. He can start by not appointing or hiring any lobbyist for an area in which that person has lobbied. He can also put an end to quid pro quo by ordering that no former gov't official may be employed by any company over which that employee had either procurement or regulatory authority. Let's start now.

Rich Green
San Clemente, Cal.

Yes he can. He is young and ready to work. We also need to limit senators and congress people to age limint. We need people that are ready to work hard for us and when you over 70 you just want to sit at home and relex.

Why not.......the Republicans certainly did.

Isn't that the mandate that he got from the American people? The American people have spoken out about the partisan, elitist style of government in Washington. President Obama represents change, newness, and a cleansing of the old way of work in politics.

So yes, President Obama can and must change the way business is conducted in Washington, and I think he has started off on the right foot with what he did on his first day on the job!

History has shown us it only takes one man to plant a seed, where other will take over and water that seed. Over time the seed will eventually grow and bare fruit. President Obama might not be able to change the way Washington does business over night but he definitely has planted the seed for hope and change. The future generation will follow course and over time it will be a different type of politics.

Yes He Can.....just look at how many impossible things He's already pulled off. The most recent being , He has given the state dept, a directive with clear objectives and the backing to work toward accomplishing those objectives.
It hurts me to my core when I think of all the years wich were wasted floundering with no direction or ability.
Change is upon us, and it feels real good .

Moses made the waters part and saved the nation, so never say never, but I've found it very native and the Republicans have already shown they plan to put their thumbs in the dyke to allow the economy to tank so they have a political future by screwing us all and blaming Obama. I already feel sorry for the guy. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.

Yes he can... and it's up to us to help him. Come election time, we need to vote each existing Senator and Congreesman out of office. Everyone elected should be a new face. The new crew must understand that if they even look at a Lobyist, they will be voted out of office guaranteed!

President Obama beat the PowerHouse Clintons with the Peoples' support... President Obama turned NC "BLUE" with the Peoples' support...There is NOTHING he CAN'T do, with the PEOPLES' SUPPORT!!!

Indeed he can. But only if he trully wants to. A good place to have started was not spending $160,000,000.00 on a frivolous inaugrual. Missed opportunity. However, I still think he is for the working class and the jobless millions. Time and Obama will tell. I am srill floating on cloud nine about Bush being GONE and haven't given Obama much thought yet. Jack, he is finally GONE!

Thom
Negaunee, MI

As Bush and his administration negatively changed the way business was done in Washington, Obama and his administration will positively change the way business will be done in Washington. It has already started.

Jack, We the people had a chance to change the way things are done in DC last November. We muffed it. Until we remove the bullheaded from office there will no change. The next election is 22 months away. Lets all watch how the old Fuddy Duddys in DC do. A Palm Tree stands up in high winds because it bends. Our representives have got to learn how to bend. When they are elected they represent all of thier state not just thier party. They have to remember that both partys put them in office. For the time between elections they ought to be required to resign from thier party until the next election. Once again I will say it They are like 2 opposing football teams. They want to win and don’t care who gets hurt. (The Voters) Until both partys join as one team we will have the same old-same old. A divided congress can not win. Best of Luck to our new President he is going to need it.

Obama is a "Technocrat". Most Presidents get on TV and speak from the Bully Pullpit. This President can text-message to fifty million voters on his blackberry, and complain to those voters. Imagine the pressure he could bring on congress via that process.

Jack;
I can't say for sure out of the gate. But; Obama surely came out at the number one position. I'm impressed with his assertiveness, which, to me, I can't remember ever happenning in past political administration changes.
NK

I believe he thinks he can change things in Washington and will give it his best.

But with comments from Reed and Pelosi that they do not work for the President it will be a tough hill to climb. It is time to limit all congressmen and especially senators to two terms and send them out to the world to get a real job (if anyone would hire them).

He made the right move by capping his senior staff's salary if they make over $ 100,000 a year and now he should inform congress if they vote for their annual pay raise (which they do each year) he will veto it. He should also follow John F Kennedy's footsteps and state that he will not take a salary while he is the President.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA have they got enough jail space open ?

My Buddy Jack Cafferty: President Barack Hussein Obama won't change anything. it will be business as usual. He has most of the Clinton administration back in power. He was using the term change just to get elected. He has been close personal friends with thugs before being elected and now we have more like Geithner who should be charged with tax evasion. The only thing positive I can think of is he won't be reelected and possibly be impeached.

Yes he really can.

President Obama will be the first one to tell you, he does very little on his own. One of the reasons he went from near obscurity to win the nomination and the Presidency was his management style and who he choose to surround himself with. He is inclusive and not afraid to listen to other points of view. The changes will be much easier with this frame of mind. His administration, along with Congress and the Judiciary, will change the way business is done in Washington.

Hi Jack:

It is going to take more than 8 years to change business in that town; but, it will be wonderful to see him cement a foundation on which to build!

Thanks & best regards,

Bruce

Yes he can. He has already reversed, by executive orders, the most damaging policies of the Bush administration. It feels so good to be proud of being an American again!

I believe that he can change "the way Washington does business" with HIM, his aims, and potential policies...period. 2 Days on the job, and he already resembles a sort of "tornado" of activity!

President Obama is walking a tightrope. He needed new blood in Washington but at the same time with things going wrong in so many directions he needed experienced people to get the job done.

But its the President who sets the tone and sets the course. Unlike President Bush, I can see President Obama firing people who do not tow the line the way he wants them to.

President Obama, is making people in Washington nervous, and rightly so! But these changes can only come about by us as the American voters, in putting aside those (Political Lobbyists Members, in both Houses along with all levels of our governments) who have taken the wrong road in the Political Arena, and taking them to task! And, in backing our President Obama in his daunting challenge. This message must be LOUD AND CLEAR to our Political Members. The New Day of Information and Action,in returning the Government back to the People!

Lets Just Say, "THE PARTY IS OVER"!

Well, he probably could....................................if the press gives him some time. I note that a mere two days into this administration the media is already whining that there were not enough reporters at the re-do for the oath taking. Yesterday a reporter stated that "Obama promised change, but so far, we have not seen any..." Gee a mere 25 hours after taking office- no great changes! The media in the U.S. needs to take a big time out.! The media is one of the major factors preventing good candidates from running for public office. The media constantly "stirs the pot", leading people to believe the sky is about to fall. I wondered how long Obama's "honeymoon" would last- sadly, the answer came too soon. Who's watching the media?????????????

Yes. I believe he can begin the process of change. The "old boys" will be resistent but will eventually come around when they realize it is the only way for us to be successful and survive.

He already has.

Jack,

What's the big deal regarding the oath mishap? By constitutional authority Obama became president at 12:00 on January 20th, with or without the oath. For posterity, the oath was readministered. Case closed. Let's get on with the problems we have. Obama has certainly hit the ground running.

I doubt it very much.

The President already has. Its about time someone has given this change in america a jump start

Simply put Jack... YES HE CAN!

Jack, three words ! YES HE CAN !

Obama is setting the example of changing how business is done but he cannot achieve this alone. The American people need to stand behind him. Congress has to start working for the people not special interests, self interests, party affiliation but I won't hold my breath for this to happen.

Yes, he's a leader, we just aint use to having a real leader

Yes President Obama can change the way business is done in Washington. If his members of his cabinet doesn't do what he says then they should be fired and replaced with someone who can.

Lisa
Arkansas

You need to watch a bit more CNN Jack. He already has.

If you mean can he change the culture of "government by the corporate interests and for the corporate interests," time will tell. I do think Obama has a better shot at wresting control of government from the greedy hands of the corporate class than any of his recent predecessors.

Yes, he can.

This is probably naive, but yes, I believe so. The simple hope that someone can bring about change brought us this far, so hope combined with action certainly can bring about serious amendments to how Washington does business.

I believe he can. Our country is messed up enough, and he is popular enough with the people, that other politicians won't want to appear to not be trying to work together to solve our many problems.

With the support that Obama is getting from everyone, he can accomplish anything.

If Obama is not able to change the way Washington does business, it will not be because he didn't try, and he should be respected for that much.

Yes he can!

Where there's a will there's a way.

Yes, but he can't do it alone. He will need a higher power to move the old ways out in the pasture.

Mr. Obama will probably change the tone in Washington for a year or two. Then, complacency will set in and we will be back to same old stuff. There will be some staff member from the previous Clinton regime who will like to do it the old way for a new issue. So let's enjoy the first year or two of Obama's administration

Good question Jack. There's no doubt that President Obama is trying to change the way business is done in Washington. Whether or not he will have a long term affect is unclear, but what is clear is that there is a new sheriff in town and he's cleaning up and taking numbers. That's more than we can say others have done in the past . Go President Obama!

YES HE CAN!!!!! And he already has.

Yes, it already seems to be happening. This is the fastest I have ever seen anyone in Washington attack anything besides another Washingtonian. It's about time we have an engaged, inspirational leader!

Yes! Not only is Obama very capable, but the stage has been set for him. Anything that is the opposite of Bush is good.

Jim, Craig, CO

Jack, are you kidding?? President Obama has done more in the two days that he has been in office than George W. Bush accomplished in eight years.

Finally someone that appears to be trustworthy. He has done more in 2 days than Bush did in 8 years. He is proactive and intelligent. Give him time and change will take place. He has shown more transparency than any other government employee or president in history. Let's give him a break and time to do his job.

Damn straight. Its going to be Obama's way or the highway!

I know that President Obama has gotten the support of some of my more conversative friends. He's won them over with his charm and influence that seems to hit home everytime he addresses the American people. If congress is truly a representation of the people, then President Obama can change the way business is done in Washington. And to think, I used to be a cynic, haha!

I truly think he can. He comes from a different breed of American than previous Presidents. He does not accept the status quo and will do everything he can to do things in a way that he deems "moral." I am confident that he will create the change we need in Washington.

Portland Maine

President Obama can only initiate a change of how Washington operates and then lead by example.

Integrity, ethics, and honesty are human traits controllable only by the persons who have been given the privilege to act.

But President Obama, and his electorate, have initiated and committed to a change in this regard.

Over time, both he and his electorate can create a new construct, with reason, courage, patience, and a will to do so.

Washington has too many components for Obama to 'change' it immediately. What he can do is establish a precedent for C-I-C's to come, that is very different from the past presidents.

I believe the question is Can President Obama change the way Washington does business and the answer would be a resounding "YES HE CAN"!!!

He has already, and I know this is just the beginning.

Dale Martin, Phoenix, AZ

I think President Obama is a genuine and honarable man. I think he will do his best to change the way Washington does business. But I also think that the Republicans will also do their best to keep things the way it has been the last 8 years secret and corrupted..

Well I guess as long as all the ppl on the hill co-operate with the president I think he has a ability to change the way business is conducted in washington

Obama has already says he can't do it alone, so with the help of his grass root citizens business will change in Washington.

Considering you just said things used to move and a snail's pace and now they're moving fast i'd say he's already changing things up

President Obama can do what he can do that don't need the approval of Congress, but the rest is up to Congress, they're the one who's running this Country.

Yes, Obamas plan to not withhold information from the public will make it much harder for poloticians to go corrupt and will allow people to cheer for or boo any new policies.

I think President Obama CAN affect change IF he can keep a certain Texas Senator in his place, who seems think HE is the president. Unlike Bush, President Obama realizes that change is NOT a state of mind.

I think that Obama is trying hard to make the government more transparent so that the people have faith in American again. I'm a college student and there are so many students my age that don't vote because they don't believe that their voice will change anything. They believe that the country is too corrupt. Thus far Obama has reached out and got the attention of everyone, now he has to show that he can follow through with all of his promises.

Yes! Change is evident in the just days of his administration. From the looks of things, Washington will be changed for the better. Obama is certainly living up to his "Change" message. He gets an A+ from me so far! Great job Mr. Prez!

He already has by signing orders to close GITMO and ending torture.

He's sure making a good start. The people who keep making excuses for standing in the way of his economic program look totally out of touch.

Are you kidding? He's already doing it!

Alone Obama cannot change Washington. The American people have demanded change and thats why Obama is President. The rest of Washington has to get on board now.

Why wouldn't President Obama be able to change the way business is done in Washington? This is a man who's really working. Doesn't it take more time to stategize who to screw the American People rather than just level with them? Get the job done! Honestly, efficiently, and finally! He'll get it done, and for once, it'll be done right!

President Obama will change the way a number of our Senators and Congressmen work. We voters will continue to change the rest.

If any of them think that they don't need to change, they haven't been paying attention.

Nick
Holly Springs, NC

Yes,President Obama will bring change!!!!!!!

Yes he can!! But will he? No he won't!! Things will be somewhat better in that it's become distasteful to lapse into all-out partisan bickering. However, Washington is far too entrenched in the way things have always been done to make fundamental change overnight. Baby steps toward less deadlock and getting more things done is a good thing. After the big shots of optimism, we all need a chaser of realism.

Dear Jack, Your question is a good one, but the solution is a bit complex in that a great portion of our government in DC is run by unelected people who couldn't give a 'rats ass' about the President and his new cabinet. Those individuals will try with all of their might and power to keep things as the 'status quo'. If Pres. Obama can change things in those quarters, he will. And that's what we as Americans in this new era can count on...

With our help and support he can. Keep in touch with your Congressional Delegations to support his efforts.

Steve, Juneau, Alaska

Wanna' give him more than a minute to do it, Jack? All change comes slowly, and this one will be no different. In fact, this might take even longer, given the fact that true change is usually met with resistance, and often not only from those who oppose such change. But when all is said and done, I think President Obama is off to a fast start on the change front. Early indicators look good, but of course, executive orders are one thing and issues that require agreement of both houses of Congress, and sometimes approvals beyond that, are quite another. Time will tell, but I'm confident we've chosen the right man for the job of changing Washington.

Jack, Obama already has changed Washington, they just haven't caught up to him yet...they will as long as we the voters keep on our representatives who obstruct instead of construct our new country and you the media report substance instead of looking for minor things to criticize, it can't ALL be Breaking News guys!

I sure hope so, but I know what happens when you throw a good apple on top of a barrel of rotten ones. The rotten ones don't usually get any fresher.

President Obama cannot do it all by himself, but is leading by example. It will take members of congress to push things forward and the American public to push congress.

Of course. He has the awe-inspiring 'Hope' of FDR combined with the 'youthful popularity' of Kennedy. He brings a new form of politics to the table, and with it, change. He has also surrounded himself with the most qualified and diverse cabinet our country has seen for a long, long time.

Yes he can. The problem in DC is that many men and women elected to high office have held said office for too long. In essence they grew up in this system, and can see nothing wrong with it. Therein lies the problem, they have in essence become the very problem of government. President Obama as many of his detractors have pointed out hasn't been in the Senate very long. I do see the humor in the outcome from an outsiders perspective. Regardless of all comments to his experience or ability, he is now the chief exec in the land. If they can't keep up, they will been proven irrelevant by the new POTUS. Yes he can!

that question you posed is a very question. but the more important question is how much of america is willing to buy into these new policies and way doing business. i believe as obama stated time and time again that its the willingness of us as a nation to want to do things different and i believe that is in the works in this day and era

Hi Jack,
President Obama has bitten off quite a bit but he can make these changes in government as long as he has the overwhelming support of the people behind him. If he has that the politicans who don't want change will be powerless to stop it.
We will need to be patient and cut him some slack occasionally but the job can get doen, we have to help.
Dicky Neely
Corpus christi, Tx.

He already has . . . only the extent remains to be seen.

Absolutely. There is no doubt in most American minds that President Obama can make the changes promised. If the previous administration can keep its secrets and oppress their own people against the overwhelming cry toward the opposite, then President Obama can change the crumbling antiquity of Washington with the unbelievable support of the American people.

I don't think that President Obama will change the way Washington does business, I do believe that he will bring back ethics and morality in the way government was originally tasked to operate in Washington. His change or adherence to policies will cause us to rules and regulations we invested time and money in creating... I think he believes in the way our government is structured and is ready to make our existing structure operate efficiently and transparently.

The Obama administration has a snowballs chance in Hawaii to change any aspect of Washington. George Washington could'nt change Washington!

He will certainly try! My thought is that if Congress doesn't
go along and stop just being obtructionists to moving forward, then the mid term elections should throw those types out.( Starting
with John Boehner who has said not one positive thing since
Obama's election!)

Dyanne
Mundelein, Il

He probablt can't change the way Washington does business, but he can continue to do business HIS WAY and hope that others will follow his example. He strikes me as an extremely honest man who desperately wants to change "politics as usual". I just hope that the politicians don't write him off as being naive and bright-eyed.Washington despises change and that needs to change right now.

It will take the people to show Congress their desires. I believe the people wnats Congress to stop the partisan fighting and work toward a common goal.

From the way he is attacking the issues from his first day in the oval office you can tell he wants to do things different,the question is will he have the support of the DEMS and the GOP to make these changes.

I sure as hello hope so jack.. This man has based his whole campaign around changing the inner workings of the machine known as Washington and his first few actions show he is serious.. If he can't do it I think were scrooged for a looong time to come

If there ever existed a great time to attemp this effort the time is now. With the american public looking for a real change in washington and the way they do business the public can help force congress to change. YES WE THE PEOPLE CAN CHANGE THE WAY WASHINGTON OPERATES....!!!!!!!!

Jack, I believe he already has! My god, this is only his third day of his presidency, and he's already closed Guantanamo, froze his staff's pay, and is now refusing gifts from lobbyists!
I'm only 16 years old, and of all my years watching Bush's blunders and inefficacy, it's only natural for me to be awed by how fast he's making change.

Jack,

YES HE CAN!!!

Jack I certainly hope he can reduce the influence of Corporartions and lobbyists. It may take a while but I believe he can make a good start and make the Government for the people... finally
I believe he listens to the American people

Obama can do whatever he wants to. He figured out how to win an election against pretty tough opponents, and i'm pretty sure that he can figure out how to change the Washington. Go OBAMA!!!

He won't be able to truly change Washington over the long term. He will have a long "honeymoon" period and he will make the most of it. The Republicans will continue to lick their wounds through 2009, but then they'll have to go after him to preserve what seats they currently have in Congress. Once that happens, its back to normal unfortunately.

Yes Jack President Obama can change the way business is done in DC. The reason is because unlike his recent predecessors he has the "bully pulpit". If he has the courage to stick to his convictions and use that tool to get the American people to let their representatives know that the same old lame excuses won't fly anymore he can accomplish much of what he wants to do! If Congress and others know their constituents will hold them responsible come the next election it will amaze all of us to see what is possible. YES WE CAN !!!!

"Yes, he can; yes he will."

Yes he can. The problem in DC is that many men and women elected to high office have held said office for too long. In essence they grew up in this system, and can see nothing wrong with it. Therein lies the problem, they have in essence become the very problem of government. President Obama as many of his detractors have pointed out hasn't been in the Senate very long. I do see the humor in the outcome from an outsiders perspective. Regardless of all comments to his experience or ability, he is now the chief exec in the land. If they can't keep up, they will be proven irrelevant by the new POTUS. Yes he can!

Jack,

Constant improvement requires constant vigilence. Obama has to change a Federal Government culture that has always done things the same way. He can do it. But we have to help him. We need to pressure our representatives to get off of their rear ends and get to work.

He already has.

I believe that President Obama will make the effort that he promised in the campaign. I also think its going to take our representatives to him make these changes. I like what he told them yesterday. Robert

I believe he can ! Is and will continue to do so. He is taking decisive action in his first few days in office demonstrating a willingness to take on those challenges. Its not going to be a cake walk but he has tyhe intestinal fortitude to do it. I happen to be a government employee and grateful he is there!

If the Democratic-controlled Congress shifts its "all about me and my re-election attitude" and gets on the same page with the new president, then the way Washington now does business is over. But the attitude change must now come from Congress and with 535 self important people, that's mighty hard.

He proved that he can on his first day!
Cincinnati, OH

In a familiar phrase: "Yes he is..."

He can and is changing the way Washington does business. He's dived right in and is clearly prepared and committed to the change he promised. I'm so thrilled to see this new era of ethical governance, transparency and vitality. Bravo!

Yes, I think President Obama can change Washington, start with the Republicans, who, has anybody noticed, can't say anything positive, it's tiring to hear their negativity! Are they all alike? What an outlook they have! I pity their families!!!!!!!!!!!

YES HE CAN AND HE WILL!!! He'll have help from millions of his supporters who will call and harass our congressional representatives if they try to prevent him from making the changes he promised. Citizenship as a participatory sport is no longer hyperbole, – from now on it's for real.

I don’t think that President Obama will change the way Washington does business, I do believe that he will bring back ethics and morality in the way government was originally tasked to operate in Washington. His change or adherence to policies will cause us to rules and regulations we invested time and money in creating… I think he believes in the way our government is structured and is ready to make our existing structure operate efficiently and transparently.

It is evident that President Obama has already changed Washington. People are getting nervous because it's not what they are used to. That is already evidence of change. With his example, his values, his beliefs, his morals, Washington will change for the better.

Jack ...... It is not a matter if he can ..... it as matter that he must and if those reported 4 million who turned out to welcome him to his new home along with the 14 million who viewed him on the Internet and a billion around the world continue to back him and the US of A..... it's a done deal.

Actually, Jack, he already has changed the way Washington does business? When was the last time a sitting president traveled over to the State Dept. on his second day in office to both indicate his seriousness about diplomacy but to actually thank the personnel who work behind the scenes..... and acknowledges the sacrifices they and their families make by their working long hours and often weird schedules. I believe that is unheard of – and so very welcome.

Not without the help of the American people! If we want change we need to be supportive of his inititives. This means getting involved and letting our congressional represenatives and senators know how we feel about what he is trying to accomplish and that they will be hard pressed to get our support in the future if they fail to listen to us now.

Jack,

Can Obama make a change?

Hell yes! He has already done more positive things for this country than Bush did during his entire 8 years!

It's a shame he has to focus on all of Bush's mistakes instead of focusing on other things first but you gotta start somewhere!

If the slowpokes and fat cats in washington don't like his style (getting things done) then they need to start packing.

I hear there are still a few room's left in Bush's new mansion in Texas if there looking for a place to go....

Abe
St. Charles IL

If he keeps the pace of his first two days, absolutely yes. Reason? He will shame every other politician in the place into trying to keep up.

Everyone knows our Government is accustomed to moving at a snails pace, but it doesn't mean he has to. President Obama now sets the pace. Get on board. If you snooze, you lose. K Street must be reeling after yesterday's NEW RULES for lobbyists. I hope he doesn't burn any bridges on the way to Georgetown.

President Obama has brought change by his mere presence. He is the first black President;change. He set the tone yesterday when he felt that the V.P. made inappropriate comments about the Chief of Justice;change. Change comes from the top and the tone and or cultural environment is set form the top and is disseminated all the way down to the masses. The President is constantly emphasing morals and integrity and tranparency the rest of Washington better get on board or be passed by.

Yes, Jack, he can and he will.
Americans will support him as long as they honestly believe that
he is working for the common good.
Now is a rare opportunity to end bipartisan government, personal greed and selfishness and hatefulness.
Bill

Sure he can. But American people and press beed to play a vital role to challenge him and congress every step of the way.
I like his value statement. America is Best when we follow our constitution and fundamentals.

Of course President Obama will change the way business is done in Washington. Can someone say day versus night? I cant wait to see what other decisions are made next under his administration. I am so encouraged by the speed, accuracy and intelligence of the people who he has selected and even by his own leadership. He will be a transforming figure in the politics of America and will change our face and way of doing things. I believe he will fulfill most of the promises he made to us the American people. I just cant wait! Bye Bye the old politics of terror, secrecy and patriotism bashing and welcome to a new day America!

Well let's see Jack. If Obama gets rid of the Lobbyists and sets term limits on those career windbag politicians of the past. YES HE CAN!

YES HE CAN!
First and foremost it is imperative that the international perspective of America does a COMPLETE 360. The initiatives that Obama has set in place already have begun to change public opinion abroad. I have many friends living abroad in France, India, and several African countries, the view has already changed by the Obama administration simply not co-opting the language of the Bush Administration with the "war on terror". Yes the closing of Gitmo is a HUGE and difficult challenge, but the fact that it has been mandated is a HUGE step in the right direction. When our international perception changes, we will be a safer nation.

One man cannot change the scum of humanity (our lovely lobbyists and dirty politicians) from being, well, scummy. However, Obama can and should continue to put blockades in place to limit the scumbagerry that has been Washington politics for so long.

P.S. Jack, Obama is suave, but you sir are still the king of swing.

Certainly, Obama can change Wa. just as Bush could have and ? it's not because Obama i s1/2 black and 1/2 white. It's because Obama can shine the light of truth into the dark corners of Wahington. Which? Obama appear s to be doing. So run corporate leeches run! Bush could have changed Washington but? instead of solving the problem of Washington Bush became a part of the problem of Washington

I spent 32 years in Government. Obama in just two days has brought more positive change to the Executive Branch than I saw in those years. He can also bring influence to change the Legislative and Judicial branches, by example, to do one simple thing: follow the laws and Constitution of the United States. THAT is a big change from actions since Reagan took office.

Who cares if he changes Washington? Jack, as you read Obama's list of accomplishments in the last 24 hours, I was struck by how much more positive work Obama has done in 24 hours than Bush did in 8 years. Washington changed or not, at least we are on a better track.

There's no choice here Jack, If the business in Washington doesn't change then there will be a major depression let alone a deep recession.

He stands a better chance than any previous president because American citizens have blogs and the White House address - and know how to use both. President Obama (Ohhh doesn't that feel good to say) has welcomed Americans to use whitehouse.gov to communicate. Let's! Also, he's moving quickly - while he still has an 82 percent approval rating.

He already has. If he keeps going at the pace he's going he'll not only do more in a month then George Bush did in 8 years but he'll also do it like someone who has more then two brain cells to rub together.

In a word, no. It's great window dressing, but the President will soon find out that he doesn't run Washington. Congress and lobbyists run the place along with all of the "career" government people. He is being allowed to have his day for now. Pelosi, Reid, and the union bosses will soon have a chat with him and "ethical reform" will have a new definition and fade away. Unfortunately, the media has such a love affair with Obama and the democrats that none of them will be held to account. It will be 8 years of blaming Bush for....everything.

Yes he can, but not if the same folks who created all these problems are permitted to continue to influence the process. These troubled folks need to be tossed into the wake behind the Obama cruise ship. This is a new era.

Gary Topp
Milwaukee, WI

Jack,

According to many Washington insider's both in and out of office, the President sets the tone as to how things get done or don't get done in Washington.

As we can see by his administration pick's, his various speeches, and the swiftness with which he has begin his term in office, it is readily apparent that this will be a new administration, unlike any others. I am confident and faithful that this President has the intellingence, management style, integrity, honesty, and determination to lead us in an entirely new direction. This will be an administration where our most critical needs will be addressed swiftly, our money spent wisely, and a new America will emerge for all! (Excepts those liars, cheaters, corrupt and unethical politicians who will swiftly find out there is no place for their kind in Washington any more.)

Maybe, but it is going to be one heck of a fight and will probably only last while he's in office. We, the people are on his side. Hopefully that will give him the strength to accomplish it.

Yes, but only with our help. Politicians who want to obstruct for the sake of obstruction, or playing games of partisan advantage can be convinced by enough pressure from the public. Call your congress persons and visit their office to let them know "business as usual" is at an end.

Dear Jack,

Can Washington catch up with Mr Obama?

Only if the entire Congress be fired with there burdened special interest groups and start out with a new batch...........

Your Canadian Cousin,

George Temple

Yes he can, Jack. And if he continues to inspire by example, he certainly will.

Not by himself! But WE can! By letting Congress know often and loudly that it really is time to put away "childish things". If all else fails, 2010 is coming soon.

YES HE CAN

Pres Obama cant change everything alone but if he leads as he is doing and persists in showing how it could be done–and with public support–it CAN be done–the American people have to stay vocal and involved in order for it to work-and for the first time in a very long time, people are feeling that their input and opinion really can make a difference. We can all start to feel and believe again as we did when we were 18-

Obama's election proves that business has ALREADY changed in Washington! Just look at the fundraising numbers and the turnout! The ground has shifted beneath our feet.

I'm sure he could IF the Press and the 'Old-Timers' would just give the man a chance.

They're ALL going to BITE OFF THEIR NOSES TO SPITE THEIR FACES.

i think he can jack
it's just a simple matter of we the people who elected him continue to stay hungry for change....................the jobs of incumbants should always be on the line.
congress needs an enima and they know we know it.

if things start to stall and nothings getting done like the last time around........people should start losing there jobs........asap.
george
chester,ct.

Jack,
I think president Obama can change the things are done in Washington. A famous saying says " If you build it it will come" . Obama is building new ways that Washington works. So eventually the right people will come. I love your segment Jack. Good job keep it up.

Bilal Hashim

VA

Sure
But like a teacher he will have to constantly remind his students of the rules. If anyone breaks the rules they need to be suspended (fired).
Since many of our great leaders act like children then treat them like children.

Yes, why do people think he will not. There will always be a wall from some people placed in front of you, but if you know how to move around that wall, you can go as far and as fast as you like.

He already has! It's like coming out of the dark ages. Obama has the intelligence and leadership skills to take us all to a better place.

I believe President Obama is going to do everything HE can to make change and will do everything he can to enfluence change where HE has no specific control. We have to give it time...really we're only in the second day of his administration. Can't all the naysayers at least take a "wait and see" attitude? By the way, would the media PLEASE stop harping and whining about not letting cameras into the "2nd taking of the Oath of Office". We saw pictures, we were told about it so what, for heavens sake is the big deal? Aren't there plenty of other far more important issues for these reporters to pursue. I don't believe transparency means that everybody who has a camera should be allowed in on every detail. Get real........please.

Sandy / Atlanta, GA

YES HE CAN!

He may have filled his cabinet with past Washingtonians, but he's got the final decision. THIS is why he was elected, and NOT Hillary Clinton. He can actually think on his own and make his own decisions. Most of these guys are walking Washington Robots, except him. That's why he's president.

Change in the Washington culture will only take place when the voters remove those who are obstacles to progress in the 2010 elections. Those who are blocking progress like those in the senate on the confirmations must take note that the citizens of this country will no longer allow them to represent the few. Republicans and reticent democrats should take notice, We are the American People and the power of the vote is more powerful than strong arming like those of "Rush", the mouth peace of those who would like to keep the country in bondage.

Mr. President continue to make your changes and that will expose the congressional hypocrites.

Jack, I have hope in my heart that Obama can change Washington. But I know that it will all come down to how Americans view what Obama does. If they like his changes and in two years repudiate obstructionist Republicans who stand against Democrats based soley on party affiliation, if the renounce lobbiest loving liberals, then changes may take hold.

If Americans do not like the changes or become apathetic, then the changes may fade with the next administration. Remember, our goal is a prosperity and peace. We know that prosperity and peace bring out apathy in the American public. Overcoming apathy has always been the biggest challenge to progress.

Well any president has had the opportunity to change Washington. This time we need to have patience. President Obama can change Washington, hasn't he started already? I think we as a nation need to understand that this is not something that can happen overnight. His immediate action to close Guantanamo Bay has already proven how he really wants the constitution to be carried out justifiably for all people. Obama is Great!

-Spoken by two true college students!

Yes he can and already has changed business in Washington. What we are failing to understand as ppl is that it is the ENERGY with which a Leader comes to the position that gives the influence and sets the direction of where we are to go.....BUSH HAD 8 YRS TO DO THAT AND FAILED......PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS IN 2 DAYS SHOWN WAY MORE LEADERSHIP!!!

And that is how it will change....working with each other...

BUZZARDSKORNER!!

Jack,

You better hope he can change things in DC. If not, New Zealand is likely to get over crowded real fast!! We are in multiple situations today thet require fast as well as correct an competion action. The old psychology of delay and indecision will kill us.

It is much like combat. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. You can change something your doing if it doesn't work. You can't change anything if you are doing nothing........you are simply a victim. We can't afford that luxury anymore! Do something!! Now!

Yes, WE can! And that includes you, the media, Jack. You can put a lot of pressure on Congress to change by doing more investigative reporting on corruption, wastefulness, self-service, PACs and partisan politics. He can change Washington, if we are willing to help.
Earl
Port Chester, NY.

No he can't but we can by voting out the ones that refuse to do what is best for our country and continue to go against the will of the people. CHANGE IS HERE!

YES, But 1st Fire all of the SO called media!! 8yrs. of the corrupt cowardly down right lying TREASONIST media step aside you have been a HUGE disservice to the American people We need to investgate their bank accts. All Except You Jack You kept telling the Truth even though the shoved you in the corner.Proud of You You can stay ONLY TRUTH TELLERS YEAH Fairness Doctrine

He already started. Of course it will take time to undo all the damage done by the moron of W. President Obama has the intellect, courage, and determination to change some Washington habits by leading by example. In less than 72 hours, he has done more than W in the past year.

Yes and no. Obama can't do it alone however he has far reaching influence and the ability to set the tone. If "we the people" want Washington to change we have to show that there will be consequences immediately, then on election day and beyond. I'm hopeful that Obama's election signals a turn away from the apathy toward politics and responsibility that I've seen in my 23 year old lifetime.

i believe he could if he keep people in touch with what is going on in congress and who is causing problem so people can put pressure on their congressman , woman or senator.as he said in his speeches openess is very important.

yes I think Obama will be cleaning up Bush's mess of the last eight years.

I believe that Obama can change Washington. Government is representative of the people. Obama cannot do this alone, even though I do believe he will do more than we ever thought possible. However, Washington will only be as good as the citizen's make it. If we want change, LET US BE THE CHANGE. LET US MAKE THE CHANGE. LET US HOLD EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE THIS COUNTY THE COUNTY WE DESERVE, NOT DREAM ABOUT!!

Hi Jack,

President Obama can certainly change the way Washington does business. He already has. He changed the way election campaigns are run. He changed the way campaign financing works...by getting tons of little donations from everyone in the country. He changed the way the inaugurations are conducted. He has changed everything he has come into contact with...for the better. There is no reason to believe he will not change the way Washington does business. He accomplishes this by using common sense, clear thinking, team based business, willingness to make and correct mistakes, willingness to succeed and the sheer, intangible power of his confidence, compassion and will.

He already IS changing the way that Washington does business by acting decisively to change the status quo on several important fronts. The public already sees this and wants this. The entrenched old-style interests don't quite get it yet and will likely put up quite a fight. But our new President has most of the world behind him in this, and, moreover, he is RIGHT. The world of politics is changing for the good ... finally!

President has vision and integrity; two qualities we have not had in a president in a long time. He will change the way government works–he already has in his first two days–with his respectful and intelligent approach to the issues that face our county. It is a new era, and President Obama is wasting no time changing the shameful policies of the Bush Administration.

YES WE CAN!!!

Glad you're feeling better, Jack!

Joyce
Scottsdale, Arizona

Its already obvious the republicans are not going to honor the wishes of the President or the people without the usual dance they perform. That is why they lost!!!! The Bush mentality didn't fly away in that helicopter, its like a mold that will only be removed by vigilent cleaning. Obama will succeed by sheer determination and intelligence.

no jack , he can't change washington but those who choose to drag their feet and continue their "do nothing" ways will soon find out the american voter can and will change it. you might have thought they would have found a hint in the past two elections but that remains to be seen. thanks jack and keep up the fine work. bob mishawaka, IN

Absolutely not, Jack. Obama can use his extreme popularity to push some of his platforms through, but in the end, Washington Politics are different than Obama's Chicago Politics.

Obama may be able to bring small change to parts of Washington, but as we saw when he was trying to drum up support for his new stimulus plan, change doesn't bring the votes like high dollar pork.

well i do believe he will change it. he 's started of with a good signal of change and i know he will go on to be a successful president. we as Americans need to give him some time and play our role as citizens.

Jack,

President Obama [I love saying that!] can model for the idjits in Congress but he can't force them to become "honest" all of the sudden.

However, WE can fix Congress; IF voters in every state would vote theirs out, even though they may like them, any time they are ineffective or corrupt, they[Congresscritters] would not be in the sad shape they are now; nearly worthless.

Lets face it Jack, very few behave ethically in Washington. This is because WE elect them after they "do" young pages or "do" hookers, or take bribes.

Where's the incentive to do "good" Jack??? Hell we even let them give THEMSELVES raises, how insane is that?!?

Jack,

While I believe President Obama sets the tone for the executive branch, the Congress is another story. They move like molasses uphill in the wintertime; unless they are voting on a pay raise for themselves. The president will show the nation it can be done, thereby making Congress even less favorable with the American people.

If it was up to President Obama himself, the answer is yes, but since he does not operate in a vacuum and surrounded by staff, there is always somebody who will convince him to be cautious. Some doing it for the right reason, but more often it is done to protect the status quo.

Yes He Can. The problem is. Is that many are forgetting who caused this mess Jack. Give the President time to established the team. there is still the act to first assess Americas most critical wounds from the Bush Administration.

Jack …… It is not a matter if he can ….. it's a must! The reported 2-3 million who turned out to welcome him to his new home along with the 14 million who viewed him on the Internet and a billion around the world continue to back him and the US of A….. it’s a done deal.

Change is possible and one person can affect change . . . regardless of the hurdles that may arise. President Obama can affect change and has the responsibility to do so. Regardless of the success of his attempts one thing is certain . . . if no one tries, no one will succeed.

Jack to your question
Yes, yes and yes we can
Remember the OBAMA battle cry?
If any one can do it, he can pick up the pace of tired old men.

I do believe that this is a new era for the United States of America. President Obama has already demonstrated the fact that he is a brilliant leader and strategic thinker in his cabinet selections. Yes – he will be able to affect change, however, he will need the support of the American people in order to be truly effective. We must remember that "we're in this together".

Yes, Jack! All he has to do is ask all his internet email base to flood Congress with requests to move their tukkas and to remind them that we want term limits at the same time.

Jack,

President Obama [I love saying that!] can model for the idjits in Congress but he can't force them to become "honest" all of the sudden.

However, WE can fix Congress; IF voters in every state would vote theirs out, even though they may like them, any time they are ineffective or corrupt, they [Congresscritters] would not be in the sad shape they are now; nearly worthless.

Lets face it Jack, very few behave ethically in Washington. This is because WE elect them after they "do" young pages or "do" hookers, or take bribes.

Where's the incentive to do "good" Jack??? Hell we even let them give THEMSELVES raises, how insane is that?!?

I think the key thing to remember is, President Obama is not God. He can, however, influence and try to establish a different way of doing things in Washington by being the example.

Everyone is responsible for their own actions. He cannot be held accountable for the way others choose to conduct themselves. They must want to change.

President Obama can certainly change the way business has been done in Washington in the past 8 years. I doubt if he will need to resort to arrogance and ruthless partisan warfare to accomplish the people's goals. It is a refreshing change.

I hope you guys south of the border realize how excited the rest of the world is over Obama. Changing Washington should not be a problem if the people who elected him make sure that the establishment knows that all those supporters are still here and still will spring to Obama's defense.

I think the old boys clubs is in for a hell of a shake up.

Yes he can. As he has said many times in the past a lot of the things we need to change will not happen overnight. Heck probably will take the first 4 years. But I have faith in him that he will not fail us as a country. And as someone else below said....he need to get rid of a lot of the old dogs that have been there and are set in their ways. God Bless the USA. FYI – Right after his swearing in I felt as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Hopfully we can all unite as one!

Indeed he can, Jack. He has already met with the conservative press and the liberal press. He is listening to all who have a reasonable opinion. He has selected a cabinet of strong individuals who think that they can do a better job than he. He has only been president for two days and is checking off items on his to-do list faster than you can report them... if that ain't changing business as ususal than I don't know what "change" means.

Jack, I am truly amazed that President Obama is managing to accomplish more in the last 48 hours than Bush/Cheney managed in the last 3 years! But, the longer the war endured, the more money the Bush cronies made, so that the war has continued on with no end in sight should be no shocking news.

Next month, our son will be on his way home from a 15 month deployment to Tarmyah, Iraq. President Obama's quick actions makes me feel hopeful that soon no more parents will have to endure the the terror and hopelessness that comes with being the parents of a deployed soldier.

I believe that Obama will positively change the way things are done in our government by going back to what made this country great in the first place – the core principles and values that it was founded on. After all, he is the President. If he can't, who can?

Well Jack.., we can hope and pray that not only will he make changes, but will all of the cronies in that town go along... think not. What we need is for Americans to stop electing these phonies who are just self-serving.... they are definately not serving us!

Can anyone one person really change the quagmire of our government.??? Common sense says no. However can one person with the support of a entire country bring on change?? I would say yes it can be done.

I don't know, but he is off to a good start. He is making the changes that he promised and making this administration transparent. If anyone in the white house tries to do something under the rug, not only him, but the american people will see it. We elected these people into office and they must work for us. I think he is doing a heck of a job and he has the american people in his corner. Go President Obama. Its odd to have a fair and impartial president and I am loving it.

I really think he can.

If he establishes a different pace and direction, and the polls show that we all like how he's doing things, then I think that the rest of the politicians in Washington will follow.

After all, politicians and cockroaches are a lot alike...they will adapt to their environment to assure their survival. Since they work for us (in theory), if we demand it, they will change.

Jack,
President Obama is giving the government back to it's rightful owners, "the people". Once we the people start involving ourselves again the elected officials in Washington will not have any choice but to get on board.

DIRK
Atlanta, GA

When all of our elected representatives are ready to do their jobs we hired them to do, it will change by itself and he won't have to do anything,.
We hired them to take care of the affairs of this country, and obviously
they misunderstood.
There should be a law passed that requires a yes or no vote. Not present or abstain!
If we don't do our jobs, we pay a penalty. If they don't do their jobs
WE STILL PAY A PENALTY!!!!!
Now alot of us don't have jobs, but we are still paying.
Thanks Jack, love your input.

Obama is going to run into problems from the entrenched in Congress. We need term limits to keep the old and feeble from bogging down the works.

President Obama can and WILL change the way this country is run. But he cannot do this unless those in Washington hop on the bandwagon to change things for the better of the country. Our first president, George Washington, warned against the problems of a party system and did so rightly. As we see today nothing can get done by simply butting heads in an obstructionist way. President Obama needs to reach out to all members of the government to regroup under one common goal, getting things done.

Most definately. Finally someone in power knows how to use that power -not abuse it. The country and the world has changed and we have to change with it and move forward. President Obama will take progress and make it work for the country. People are nervous because change does that to people- let's face it, we're not use to somone that's in charge being smart and doing the right things for this country.

Obama has demonstrated it won't be business as usual but the GOP leadership is already throwing up roadblocks wherever it can. It's a sad state of affairs when midterm elections take precedence over the critical, immediate needs of the country. Inertia is the last thing America needs at this critical time in history.

att : jack

obama should be'able to change washinton, as he holds the powerf'ull pen now.

yes we can

Hi Jack,
The answer is: Absolutely. He is working fast, he has proven that he can multi-task use a blackberry and more importantly, under the pressure of the first couple of days he is consistent, and already starting to build the bridges towards a changed landscape. With his nominations in the state department and homeland security he is already increasing the standing of the US in the world. Duncan is already at work with the reforms in education. Moreover, the president is reversing Bush policies.
Washington will be changed before it even knows it.

It is one thing to make swift movement through executive orders on issues that most people can agree on such as the inhumanity of torture, but it will be a far more daunting task to change policy through legislative action on issues that are historically very divided, such as healthcare. Every president gets his honeymoon–lets just hope the marriage lasts!

We need to start acting like big boys. Sure he can change the way Washington conducts business. All he needs to do is ask the American people to stand up. We will because we are mobilized and united to make this country what it has given away...Our greatness.

Boy, I wish folks would have been this cynical when Bush was driving this country off a cliff – we might not be in as bad of shape as we are right now. It's also soured too many on the hope of making any progress. I guess griping beats optimism in their miserable worlds.

I think he can make a difference – it's just too bad the whiners can't see the benefit in it all for themselves.

I'm rooting for him.

Yes he can! Also, if anyone will be able to tell the self-absorbed Nancy Pelosi to "shove it where the sun don't shine" in a professional and dignified manner, but leaving her feeling like she's just been showered with praise and affection...you bet it's gonna be Obama! He's got the knack...my hat's off to him!

Roland
St. George, UT

President Obama seems so far to be heading in the right direction. However, not one man can change the big business of government. You have to also include Congress and big time lobbyists into the equation. The president can try to do all he can to change it; but even if he could, he would still have to jump over the hurdle of "bureaucrazy" and red tape to accomplish the slow task of changing the business of government.

I'm postive that he will change what he can. Already he has begun to keep his promises and it has only been 3 days. You tell me what you can acheive in 3 days. I don't know anyone that can change the world in 3 days, but already he has made steps in the right direction. Shall I say it again...THREE DAYS, give hime time.

I'm not surprise by the some familiar faces being apart of his staff. The best way to go sometimes is 'tried and true' and those he have selected are just that.

The talking heads on TV like Bill Bennett and all those nay sayers and so called experts (That are consistently wrong and still find their way to show their face on TV ) are wrong again. Yes! he will change it only if you can keep these nay sayers from spreading their negative propaganda and allow a reasonable time for him to work – Washington ways did not happen just yesterday and Rome was not built in a day – so leave the President alone – we have been without one for the last 8 years – I guess we need to get used to having a leader that takes responsibility and unites us for a change instead of "Divide & Rule" mantra followed by bulyism of the Republicans.

Jack - I would like to see the President investingate what happened to the $350 B the banks, with the help of Paulson, stole from the American People.

Would you belive the US Bank charged me $5.00 to cash a check written on their bank because I did not have an account with the bank. I could see another bank doing that. The message here is don't accept a check written on US Bank unless you have an account their.

Who are these guys (banks) to think that we are here to be robbed by them without fighting back. They are the crooks of the 21st Century.

I believe that President Obama will change the ways of Washington, as he has not been influenced by the old boys club and not a Washingtonian Political. He is truly a breath of fresh air and it is clear in the early days he listens to all, however make his on mind up that benefit the American people.

He can and is changing the way things are done! However, when you consider the advanced age of many of our senators, it may take some time! They are pretty set in their ways! It is our responsibility as citizens to tell those who represent us, that the time for change has come. If they can't change, then it's time for them to go!!

Yes, I believe he can and I think he is already starting to do so. The funny thing to me is that the President has repeated over and over that these changes will take time. Not that he wants to move at Washington's typical slow pace but realizes that he has to take it one step at a time. Yet the news media is already aksing him and his press secretary "Well what about this and what about that?" Jeez, it's only Day Two. Give the man some time. Today was the laying of the foundation for more change to come. More will come soon enough, and quite quickly too.

Yes – as long as he can keep the dufusses in Congress away from
the cameras and fulfilling their own agendas. I am from Ohio and in
two days I have seen Bahner in front of the cameras no less than five
times. Stay in your seat and do the job you were elected to instead of
all these photo ops. Seems like our politicians need to have their
salaries cut or frozen – we can always elect new officials to get the
job done.

Jackie – Bergholz

Definitely, Obama has made Americans interested in the people we elect. Americans are know doing their Homework. No more cocky elects doing nothing for their States and being elected over and over again. All that personal bickering will stop. Americans are suffering How could this happen with all those eyes watching because they was not doing their jobs. No work no re-election Times have Changed .

Yes he can! We finally have someone in charge who everyone wants to succeed in Washington. I hate to quote her, but In the words of Sarah Palin he is going to "shake things up". He has been doing so for a very long time now.

Congress does not answer to the President they answer to us, It is really sad to see U.S. citizens who want to rely on the president who is also a politician change the way Congress does buisness. DO IT YOURSELVES!!! Most of you dont know who your congressmans names are or there phone numbers, guess what there listed and they do work if you have a problem with your ELECTED official call them and let them know that the power you gave them can quickly be taken if they dont work for you... This country has become lazy and dependent on others to fix problems we are responsible for fixing ourselves... The old saying pull yourself up by your bootstraps should be replaced by WAIT! and let us form a goverment agancy to analyze you pulling yourself up and determine if goverment assistance will be needed....

Yes, I believe President Obama has the "will" and we, the American electorate who put him in office, have the "way".
We simply must frequently remind our lawmakers that we resoundingly chose him precisely because we are fed up with "business as usual" in our federal and state governments and WE are who they work FOR!

Jack, I believe that President Obama is setting the right example for ushering in a new tone of bi-partisanship and civility in Washington. That is one of the many issues the American people voted for.

If the old school Republicans and Democrats in Washington fail to follow suit, the American people will ultimately have to be the ones to bring the change by voting these elected officials out.

As you have already witnessed during this election cycle, collectively WE are very capable of forming a grassroots efforts to effectively bring about the Change we need.

No Jack, I don't believe President Obama will be able to change the way business is done in Washington no matter how hard he tries. The only way that will happen is when our elected officials start doing what is an the best interest of the citizens of this country instead of what is in their own self interest or the interest of their party. Many of them need to get a moral conscience. Many seem to lack that!

Yvonne

Yes, he can, Jack. If these posturing, blowhard obstructionists ever get with the program. Apparently they still don't get that President Obama received a mandate from the people to change things.

It's ironic that these people who are digging in their heels just for the sake of being against change all have jobs...the ones we're paying them to do! Where was their concern and spine the last 8 years? If they had pushed back just a little under Bush we might not be in the mess we're in today!

Yes, with the help of the American people, President Obama can change the way things are done in Washington, D.C.

Yes, he CAN... Change comes from a willingness to work hard for the policies he believes will positively enhance the image of the U.S. in the eyes of the World, and better the most lives as he possibly can throughout this great Nation.

Those who supported President Obama throughout his campaign, need to put down the naysayers who do nothing but throw negativity in his direction, no matter what he does... WE must BELIEVE in him now, just as we did when we promised we would help him win the Presidency and change Washington, D.C. Together we can all help him change the world.

He can't makes these changes alone, though; he needs all of us who promised to continue to help, as well as those who didn't vote for him, who can tell by his courage and strength that when HE does well, so shall the rest of us.

Business in America will never really change to Obama's vision completely. Washington will always have old white men destroying the economy, but Obama can do many things to change business in the short term. He can pass stimulus packages and give hope to the people. But after the economy gets better business will go back to the same old plan, Destroying American Lives.

Change the way it`s been done the past eight years maybe. But if he doesn`t prosicute Bush and co. we are doomed to repeat the past.

Ahhhhhhh, I believe he's already done it.

"Lightning speed" were your words. Doesn't anyone see and hear how truly expedient and well thought out and calculated him and his adminstrations actions are within one and a half days?

Am I the only person noticing this?!

Maybe, somebody should start comparing their (Obama and his adminstration) admin to those of past?

Absolutely! He already has. All morning I've been screaming at the TV about the pessimism and reluctance on closing Guantanamo and how it can be done. We've got to start somewhere and President Obama did this morning. Brilliant! I hope he can keep up the momentum with all the issues Bush left behind to clean up. Fabulous!

Jack,

I believe along with the peoples help he can start to create change. When I look at the Senate and Congress, we the people need to keep the pressure on our so call representatives, went they are performing contrary to our desires especially went it comes to actually doing some work instead of procastinating such as the vote on Holder. Enough is Enough.

Ruth,
York,PA

Hey Jack,

President Obama can't change the way business is done in Washington, because he's one of the culprits. How soon you forget, a few months ago President Obama was Senator Obama.

Do I need to remind you he was one of the Senators who voted to approve the 700 billion dollar bailout of Wall Street, which by the way is more appropriately called the Bailout to "Know Where" since nobody can tell you where the money went.

President Obama can't change the corrupt systen no more than a Zebra can change his white strips,,,,,,unless he lays down in the mud like the rest of the Politicians!

Obama has turned the page on the curruption and scandel manual. Its clear to the people in Congress, Obama Administration, and those crooks on Wall Street that Obama is the leader and he will not be manipulated when it comes to the interpretation of the Constitution and, Human Rights, and getting the Economy in order. I have no sympathy for those who don't think outside the box, Americans are tired of the currupters raiding the cookie jar.

Sure he can. He is already proving that he can. By closing the prison at Guantanamo Bay, he is showing the world that we are a new America. Those detainees attacked us because of our behavior, and if we no longer treat the world in ways that prompt attack and hatred, then the reasons for attack and hatred will be gone. An America that is willing to live in harmony and reaches out to the world is far safer than an America that uses threats and violence.

Yes, he has run with the ball, but signing into order is all symbolic for the most part, and I don't believe that he as one man will make any real changes to Washington with the same own staffing that he is placing in is administration. Washington is the true problem in America and its not going to be fixed in 4 or 8 years.

Jack,
Washington and the Presidency has always been secretive, and probably always will be, though the Liberals think that Obama can change everything in this country, and will. If he can change alot, great, if not, boy will they be disappointed.
GERRY, Broken Arrow, OK

Quite simply, yes he can. He is already setting high standards for performance. I believe other elected officials will emulate his behavior less they compare unfavorably. How refreshing to have an adult in charge rather than a frat boy!

Marsha Garber
Menifee, California

I think Obama has the managerial and interpersonal skills to bring about change, but a lot of fears (of change, of an unknown economic future, etc.) must subside first.

Yes Jack, there already is a big change in Washington. More change is bound to come.

Katherine
Austin, Texas

Jack,

I've been watching you and Wolf for years and you guys are the best.

I think Pres. Obama can, will and must bring about visionary, innovative, essential, measurable and results-focused leadership and change in Washington. Our government cannot continue to run as the highly dysfunctional, inefficient, ineffective, and partisan and divisive bureaucracy that it has become. A new paradigm shift is a necessary essential or we will continue to lose our way at home and abroad.

CJ Bland
Founder & CEO
Minority Professional Network
Headquarters – Atlanta, GA

The new open government will be a change. Maybe now President Obama will release his Certificate of Live Birth.

Jack,

President Obama has made more strides on this front in two days, than the Bush Administration has made in eight years. Our current President is strategically glidding through reforms that have been seriously needed in Washington. It looks as though our nations Capital needs to start playing catch up

The man won't even let the American people see him take the oath again so how in the world can we ever believe he can change the way our Govt. works....It's all smoke and mirrors people & I hope that all you Americans can open your eyes & see the crisis coming your way...

Jack,

It is up to the people to change government with their vote, but from reading this blog. not to many people seem to realize this.

Absolutely, Jack. This is a healing our country has been desperate for and it's becoming more and more evident as each day passes. It's a paradigm shift that seems to come in waves, and the American people are better for it. I feel inspired by the President's passion to serve the people. We must stay involved. Brenda, Los Angeles

The answer, hiding in plain sight, may simply be a true and abiding desire to see things change...some thing rarely found in Washington before.

Being in the military I often get to see the significant changes caused by new leadership. President Obama has shown that he is a no nonsense type of guy. Wahington has long been used to the snails pace of which former leaders have displayed and accepted. President Obama's consistency will show how the shift in leardership can influence what the American people have been long over do; "a will do attitude, leadership by example".

Yes, Jack, President Obama probably could change the way business is done in Washington nut the question is "will he?" One thing he must realize is that the Congress and the Judicial branch are constitutionally separate branches of government than his Executive branch is so the president cannot force them to do anything. President Obama has a big enough mess to clean up in his own branch of government. He seems to be getting to work on that though and the beginning is somewhat encouraging.
Brownwood, Texas

Looks like he is off to a good start. I just hope all these problems we
have don't burn him out too fast. I'm sure Congress will have to be led
kicking and screaming into the new era envisioned by Obama but we
the people have the power now. All it will take are lots of emails to any recalcitrant politicians who might need some prodding from us and
Obama. The new by words are "get on board or get out of the way!"
Yes, we can!

Obama is currently changing how business is done in the executive branch. It's up to the leadership of the Congress to reshape the legislative arm and I can only hang my head and cry to think of the sorry state of the Judicial branch.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

I want President Obama to be successful in being able to change the way Washington does business but I'm not hopeful, especially in our immediate future. In my opinion, Bush screwed things so much. There isn't enough new people in Obama's administration and Congress moves too slow for Obama's new policies to be implemented without drama. Despite all this, I think that as long as Obama sticks to his campaign promises, it is probable that he will at least be able to lay the foundation for the change that the United States need.

It appears that Obama has already changed the way the White House conducts it's own business. The question is really if Congress is willing to change the way it does business. Congress has low approval ratings and still carries the "do nothing" attitude. Obama said point blank that he would move quickly. Congress made no such promises. Congress should be feeling public pressure to enact their own ethics rules on lobbyists to coincide with the new White House rules. If they don't then they will look like they aren't embracing the new era of accountability.

Barack Obama has already taken action -action he planned well before entering the Oval Office.

He's got a plan. He doesn't let either his Vice President or lobbyists control him, either.

Furthermore, he's already told us he'll let us know what he's decided. His official website has been cleared of the 'robot' file that blocked so many items from being searched.

Barack Obama has already shown he can change the way business has been done during the past eight years..

Bernie
Lowell, MA

Who can change the table manners of political porkers? My bet? Yes. He. Can.

I note that in just two days he is taking bold steps to rinse those unmentionable stains from the American flag. About time. Best wishes y'all.

Changing Washington is the hope that got President Obama into office. It is his determination, along with his new power staff, that will implement the change we need. I just hope that all the other politicians take notes and do their best to keep up. If anyone in Washington thinks that the snails pace works, they need to go back and look at the inauguration and see the number of people who stand behind the change we need. We all knew that actions speak louder then words well; President Obama’s actions are showing everyone that while he may be a smooth talker, he also carries a swift pen.

He can only try.

I do believe that we definitely need change in Washington. President Obama wants to make changes very fast, in 2 days as president he has made more changes than many Presidents did in full term. I want to believe that we can save our country and President Obama is doing everything that is possible to make the changes for our country to head into a better direction. I HOPE THAT EVERYONE IN WASHINGTON WANTS TO HELP THIS COUNTRY HEAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND WILL SUPPORT AND HELP PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF OUR COUNTRY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Actually, I'm quite hopeful and positive about possible changes to how Washington functions. I think the huge negatives facing us will force us to come up with changes. I think it's a case of "change or perish." I think change will come in fits and starts, incremental changes, but it will come. Will all of it be good? That's unknown. But, there are clear indicators of disastrous previous ways of doing business that simply cannot be sustained.

He must change some things , he can't change everything , then we would have a new form of Government. He also needs to carry around a can of oil like in the "Wizard of Oz". After witnessing the swearing -in he will need to goose up a few lawmakers to keep pace. Hell just reading yesterdays minuets is a full days work. to some.

Yes ended!! Not only in US, he will change the world through his style and leadership by example. Especially for the majority of the world community who lives under their dictatorship, Obama's message of <> gives hope in the horizon, maybe just maybe change is within reach through their friend in the white house!!

I think America misunderstood. Hope Change Change Hope brings us right back where we started.

Jack,
I am a loyal democrat and support Obama, But, he cannot create change alone.
Sadly, the lobbyists have had their way with the rest of the lawmakers and they have their agenda tied to that do re me,
However, the country is ready for change, and is in increasingly ill humor to support business as usual, So, it seems like the members of congress should take note,
But, I'm probably still a little groggy from all the balls and festivities to be thinking straight!

He already has...gosh...and it's only Day 2

Yup, he can and already has. How many times did Dubyah, Cheney and Condi greet the State Department with deserving accolades, unbridled support for diplomacyy, and any understanding of the true international role the U.S. needs to play to achieve worldwide peace? Somehow it's doubtful that this administration will be plunking all the power at the Pentagon's door while ruining the careers of valuable agents in silly games of tit-for-tat. A welcome change, indeed!

He already has, Jack. In the past two days he's already accomplished more that Bush did in his last two months in office.

President Obama will try to change Washington and I hope that he can but if he can't then we the American People will help him change it during the next election. President Obama has enpowred "We the people". P.S why is CNN so obsessed with the re-do of the oath of office? Has it occuered to any of you that business in Washington is changing? Knowing President Obama it would seem clear to me that the President did not want to further embarrass the Suprem Court Justice.

TO: Cindy (an Air Force troop),
I thank you Cindy for serving your country. No one has more earned the right to speak than you. I am glad to be able to say I agree with you.
Mike

Yes he can change Washington but, the biggest Change come form the American people. We have given these elects too much power. They have not done anything but, yet we continue to Vote for them. Our eyes are wide opened because of Obama. We the American People need to clean Washington out. Bush did not commit these horrific crimes by himself. All those eyes in Washington that we the American people have hired. I truly believe once these Senators and congressman are Elected they crossover into some type of cult tripping off their title they forget what they were hired to do. They actually act like a bunch of bickering kids to make us believe they are fighting for us. We can make the real change just by changing the elected officials. Wakeup America

i hope so,his predesessor ruined our reputation in most of the world and also ruined our economy but i think he can restore these things.remember his campain slogan,yes we can,i add yes we will and yes we did

Seems to me that he has got a pretty good start! Now if he could freeze the salaries of congress and ban anyone from lobbying for 10 years after they leave government service things would start to look up for the American people, but we know that will never happen because GREED is still in control of the legislative branch. Wouldn't surprise me to see ol' Deadeye Dick Chaney lobby for halliburton.

This same question should be asked of Senator Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi! These two run the show on Capitol Hill!You get these two to be open minded and very possibly Washington can change the way it does things! Bipartisanship is not in their make up so I think Obama has a rocky road ahead! I wish him luck though!

YES HE CAN. And why not ?. The Bush Dumming of America is
over. None of us have the time for that CRAP anymore.

President Obama can't do it all, but at least someone is trying to make a difference. That's more than anyone preceeding him has tried to do!

He has already made changes to the way Washington dind business in the Nations Capitol by the executive orders signed already; his relationship with his wife and family and with the hope he has reinstated and confidenence he has reinstated into our lives individually and collectivelively as a nation. The world has already seen us throught adifferent filter

He will not change Washington it is already the same he has rehired more then half of the Clinton Administration and does not mind that the head of the treasury thinks he does not need to pay taxes owed unless he wants this job. Why don't we start to hiring police offices with criminal records. How can you show change things when you start this way.

Jack, Change starts with the heart and since it is impossible but One (God) to change one's heart, Mr. President can only do what it is humanly possible to do, and that is continue to live and work according to his value system and the values of our country. I pray for him daily and wish him all the best.

Of course he can. The real question is will the Secret Service be able to do their job well enouogh to give him sufficient time.

Jack,
Yes Obama WILL change the way Washington works. I say this because he is a forward thinking man, who is also somewhat methodical in his approach to situations. He also is open to discussion with differeing opinions; He seems not afraid to get or take advise. But most of all he is convident, something we haven't had in our leadership in a while.This is not just a man who one day jumped up and said. "I'm running for president." Just as he thought about how it would effect his family; you can see by the way he ran his campaign, he thought about how HE could effect this country. That was very much evenident in his Inuaguration speach; it was not the normal lofty grandious one of a kind rememberable phase; it was a no nosense, down to earth assessment of where we were and now where we are going. In" Washingtonland" of red tape and bi partisan bickering it ahs been a long time since they have had a leader of this calibur. I think this is just the person to drag them into the 21 century of world wide thinking, and out of just across the aisle thinking.

President Obama can only change Washington with the help of the American People. Congress has proven that they are more interested in playing games, interested in their self interest rather than the interest of the American People. We The People must continue to send our message loud and clear, Congress Enough! You work for us!

Jack,
Yes I believe just like many others do and President Obama is exactly the person to change Washington and it is refreshing to turn on CNN to hear changes happening as we speak.

I truly believe his intentions are to change business as usual in D.C. Things he's doing already
*attempting to be more transparent than his predecestor
*showing the "urgency" of the moment
*but most important, he's exposing those phony political wannabes in congress who have no answers to give or real solutions to the nation's problems. I watch CNN closely to hear all their senseless objections and reasons why they oppose EVERYTHING. Bohner, (who already campaining for President), the senate majority leader who is definately a road block to progress, and many others in congress. Let us not forget these folks sat by doing nothing as the last administration took us down all these roads to national shame

I know that he can change the way Washington does business because, he's already shown today by wasting no time. All of the people in his cabinet must feel the same way or they would not have been appointed. You can do anything you set your mind to do. And he has the American people behind him. For the one hundredth time, it won't be easy. J D. , Fort Worth, Tx.

Yes. I believe that President Obama can and will make changes in the way business is done in Washington. It is imperative that changes are made. The US needs to move forward. I believe President Obama will and is making an impact – this early in his presidency. It was not missed by me that Ms. Clinton Secretary of State repeatedly stated "the president and I" in place of "we" (as a committee) made decisions. I read that as she was putting herself on the same level as the President. I believe this is and will be an ongoing issue with Ms. Clinton. I believe that has been a mis-step by the President in choosing his advisary for this role. God bless our country and our leaders!

"Let me say it as simply as I can: Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency." President Obama

As in all you stated Jack, closing GITMO, and a more transparent government, DUH! is already CHANGE.

I think he's making a good start. I do hope that the media will give him at least a week before attacking him.

I beleive he can and that also my take time because of changeing peoples minds is'nt like flipping a switch. Plus he is left handed!!

Once again, I am a proud American wth Barrak Obama as our President. He will make "change happen". I believe that government officials need to lead by example. If Geithner gets the Treasury position, it sends a bad message that it is okay to not fulfill our duty and obligation when it comes to paying our taxes. This seems to contradict the president's values that the president mentioned in his speech. By the way, I heard that the government will be running a little sort on funds this fiscal year (1.2T). Let’s start at the top and come clean by paying any outstanding tax and, then, start the process to simplify the tax code so that this embarrassing incident will not happen to future nominees. Furthermore, the first priority of the Treasury Secretary is change our financial system. Please, President Obama, do not nationalize our banking system. The Fed should set-up a separate entity that is the Nationalized Bank Entity (NBE – this falls in the other 3 letters of government agencies – CIA, FBI and IRS). This entity would buy the toxic assets from the problem banks at a very deep discounted price. The problem bank takes a loss and the stigma of a failed investment and the shareholders take the brunt of managements poor decisions, but the shareholders are the owners and they can get rid of the managers by way of the board doing their job in cleaning the management house when needed. The bad assets are now with NBE. This organization can slice and dice these assets to the point that could be repackaged and sold back to the public. this should help to get the liduidity back into the credit market. As this new security is being produced by the government, then they could put in the necessary oversight agency to monitor this new security since they created this product. This would solve 2 issues. Toxic assets off the bank’s balance sheets / on the Fed's subsidiary bank balance sheet and an oversight entity put in place to monitor new securities from the ground floor.

Jack, if you guys would stay on your meds, you'd see that he has already 'mandated' change. He's killing trees and signing executive orders. Silly non stories about retaking the oath, just to be sure, are the types of stories that give journalists a bad name. It wasn't a real news story the last times, I say 'times' it happened...why is it a story now?

Your President Obama has twice the credibility that the media who cover him, have. You guys should think about getting back to some values and basics yourselves...I say that in the 'collective' you...

And tell Wolfe to stop yelling at me...he'll strain his voice

Yes. The key is honesty and openness. He is intelligent and knows today's tools to spread information quickly and communicate with public efficiently. So eventually he will get lots of support from public to force the rest of Washington DC follow his step and get things done.

I think he could Jack ! President Obama is from a completely different stock of the way business is done in Washington. President Obama will demand that things are done differently. Whether it is adhered to or not by the Washington insiders depends on the pressure, we the people put on them. The President has offered the tool of the internet and technology to the peolpe to make sure this pressure is applied on the politicians working for us in Washington.

Keep the lobbyist away and Washington would move at "warp" speed, but since that's probably not possible, I believe President Obama will still speed up the political process in D.C. "Yes, he can"

Yes, I think things will change...BUT after he is gone the "change" will revert back to the good 'ole days, much to the GOP'S delight.

I believe he can,thats why i voted for him.

bill bennett-troy ohio

No, but we can. All we have to do is take an interest...notify our congressman.and tell em what we expect......together we can...yes we can

Oh come on, of course he can change Washington. There have been tougher things done on this journey than that.. Could slavery be changed? Could segragation be changed? Business as usual in Washington won't be the toughest nut that has ever cracked.

A funny thing about our system Jack, is that is has a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one person can run amuck...The funny thing about Obama? He has a very rare quality that enlists the old esprit de corps attitude, bringing together folks who otherwise might find reason(s) to be uncooperative in the change that is indeed "OBAMA".

At last we have a real President of the United States. I do think he
can change the way Washington does business. He is a leader and knows exactly what he wants.
In the last three days we have seen more of him on t.v. working/decision making than we saw of George Bush in 8 years.

Obama who ran as an agent of change so far has not demonstrated it. Hs cabinet is very Clintonesque and his inauguration was very Lincolnesque. CHANGE??? However his choice of all those Clinton men gives me hope. They helped Clinton turn the huge deficit which Reagan and Bosh left us into quite a respectible surplus. This is exactly what we need right now in view of the way the economy is at the moment. +
Joe Biden fills in the spaces in Obama''s experience and Hllary Clinton will be an asset in the State Department where she already has many people here and abroad who respect her and trust her.

While i have always felt that a logans run style purge (sorry and goodbye jack) of all the washington old heads is the only way to change washington effectively (wouldnt it be great to see our blatant elected crooks be levitated and exploded into a burst of flames? talk about a ratings grabber!) But seriously, if we take the establishments propaganda that nothing will ever change, then we need to give up dissolve the federal govt. Obama is an agent of change I just hope he continues to get the support he needs to be effective. Perhaps 12 year term limits on the senate and 8 in congress, cold help. The problem is the old boy power structure, and the fact that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I am still leaning toward the logan's run solution tho.

Jack,

Barry rode into DC on a white horse in his superhero costume. He has a lot of payoffs to all that voted for him. Is that governing? Is that change? Does that give us hope? For so many of the 'lemmings' who voted for him they believe it!!! Sad to say this country is headed for socialism and we will all turn into 'happy people' like the Norwegians. Life is good there, and we must bring that here. And the individual will disappear and become just a number. Welcome to George Orwell's 1984. Remember the Clinton tax simplification plan– Line 1 "how much did you earn?" , line 2 'send it in!".
Welcome to the world of liberalism!
God help us!!!

He would not be in the driver seat if he was not going to change the way Washington does business, and I think he was elected for that reason,so far he is on the fast track taking care of his promises,and I think Mr president is going to change not only Washington, but our relation and reputation around the whole world.

Yes he can because he wants to and has the skills to do it. But expectations need to be reasonable. When he talked about freezing salaries of executive staff, a reporter asked his press secretary if the President would set the example by cutting his own salary. That reporter clearly did not understand the difference between "freeze" and "cut" . Clearly the new Secretary of Education has his work cut out for him.

Steve
Sun City Center, Florida
(Heavens waiting room)

Jack, the question shouldn't be can President Obama change the way business is done in DC, but can WE, the American citizens help him to change DC! We cannot sit back on our laurels waiting for Pres. Obama to wave a magic wand!

WE have to do the same things we did to get him elected: write our elected officials, call and stay engaged. If it's one thing these dinosaurs in DC understand it's they will need our votes to get reelected! They could care less about the problems of everyday folks. They HAVE jobs and lobbyists money to boot.

Freida Miller
Corinth, MS

Yes he can change the way business is done in Washington and he will. It is so strange that yesterday you guys were asking if he was doning enough towards fulfilling his promises. Today you're asking if he doing too much, too soon. What gives?

what kind of question is that, Jack?
of course he will, havent you heard Obamas cool, and collective and will undoubtedly bring his policys and methods to washington

Jack,

Yes he can!

Can President Obama really change the way business is done in Washington?

He can at minimum initiate change, however, policy change is different than structural change, the latter is clearly warranted but virtually impossible in any elitist establishment the core of Washington politics...

I do not believe he can actually change the way Washington does business. The old ways are too firmly entrenched.

But perhaps for his term of office at least we might get a little action at a more rapid pace, not have every single action cloaked in secrecy, and prevent people from cashing in on theyi government jobs.

At any rate, whether he can succeed in his goal or not, it is certainly refreshing to see someone in the Oval Office DO something that so far has not cost any money of lives.

Sure he can – but do you really want to trade Washington politics for Chicago politics?

Yes, but it will take time and a do-the-right-thing-for-the-people kind of vision. Because you still have those in political appointments who hold dearly to there hearts The Good Old Days Song, "The way We Were.

No, he cannot change Washington. He already has broken one of his new rules about lobbyists in government. I understand he has 2 of them in his administration and his excuse is that rules are made to be "bent". Nice change....

Appointing a tax cheat to be in charge of the Treasurey, therefor the IRS, is certainly NOT a good start......Shame shame shame.

Jack,

I think this guy is the real deal and from all points one who will lead by example. It will be interesting to see how we weather the banking crisis or better yet how he cuts through this issue and holds many of these executives accountable. Something that has not happened with Bush, Pelosi or Reid.

This will dictate how he leads both inside and outside of the beltway.

He can if WE THE PEOPLE continue the support he received during the campaign.

Dear Sir:

With the economic disaster we are in and the increasingly high number of unemployed may I sugest the following:
1. The presidents, past and p;resent, Senators and Members of
congress forgo th eir salaries for at least opne year
2. Cancel foreign aid to Israel and Egypt
3. Place the monies in 1 & 2 above in an account that helps pay for
the unemployed in our country. This may be a drastic measure, but
we need every penny to help our unemployed citizens survive.

Thank you for your consideration

Yes, he can change Washington. He will change it into the socialist capital of the USA. Carol Browner as climate czar? She was a member of Socialists International. His treasury pick? (Let's all make an innocent mistake and not pay additional taxes in April.) Hillary Clinton as secretary of state? One of their biggest differences was on meeting or not meeting dictator tyrants, and now she is going to do just that? Obama will turn this country into a socialist one. And the sadest thing is that he's doing it right under our noses and nobody seems to care. The Senate voting Clinton in by a vote of 94-2 (that's close anyway)? Our highest elected officials should all be impeached immediately.

Obama is really taking things in the right direction. Finally a president is putting restrictions and limitations on lobbyists who have been haunting the american people for decades. By also conveying what the true meaning is of public service to his senior staff. I think the message is clear that our new President is really "The People's President"!!!

I hope he can change the way Washington does business, because Washington is not a very ethical place. They usually seem to have a double standard to everything. They show and rely one perpose to the American people to get their backing or papers sign then switch to the persuit of helping themselves. The bailout was to be highly regulated, but was just a big paid day for big business and the Bush admin. He may not change it all, but I have faith in him that he will make some people pay the price for their bad business practices. That's what the real American people want the 90% or 95% like me that are rich or wealthy, but work hard everyday trying to get ahead.

I believe every chage has to start somewhere, no matter how small or big. Can the media change is the questyion i have...tell wolf to quit beating a dead horse, with the swearing in goof up. BIG deal! Ohh wait i forget wolf your perfect! Common, it just shows he's not a robot and more human than the several last presidents that we've had in office. As you are fond of saying > LETS MOVE ON. Ohh and cry somemore because you couldnt be there for the second swearing in. I really think we got more important things going on this country than wether or not you could have you bloody cameras in there!

I think our new Vice-Pres. should think before he talks...the comment he made about the oath being said wrong for Pres. Obama was an embarrasment the day after was uncalled for. our new Pres. was surely upset but handled it with dignity. His duty is to support this new era and not make comments like these. thank you!

Mr Cafferty,
Regarding Gitmo, now we can trade 512 of their thugs for our loved ones. Whoops I forgot, there are no loved ones as their heads were cut off and needles were put under their fingernails. I guess they don't use the Army Manual over there!

Craig from Massachusetts

Thank God for Obama! And somebody explain to me the difference between a concentration camp, an internment camp and a detainment camp? In this day and age, I can't believe there are people who will still try to justify torture.

Thank God for President Obama! And somebody explain to me the difference between a concentration camp, an internment camp and a detainment camp? In this day and age, I can't believe there are people who will still try to justify torture.

I notice that most of the negative comments about the question and Obama come from the Red States or red Counties within the Blue States.

I think he has already shown us he is getting down to business and people use every excuse to brush it off as posturing. He said he will change washington and I believe HE CAN!

He already has. He's capped the salaries of senior staff members, banned lobbyists from his administration, called for and has already demonstrated a more transparent government, and today issued an executive order to close gitmo. He obviously wants to do things in a more lawful way, something the Bush administration seemed to blatantly disregard. Even today, when signing the orders to close gitmo, he read much of what was written in each order. I am so impressed with this man!

I hope he can change the way Washington does business, because Washington is not a very ethical place. They usually seem to have a double standard to everything. They show and rely one perpose to the American people to get their backing or papers sign then switch to the persuit of helping themselves. The bailout was to be highly regulated, but was just a big paid day for big business and the Bush admin. He may not change it all, but I have faith in him that he will make some people pay the price for their bad business practices. That's what the real American people want the 90% or 95% like me that are not rich or wealthy, but work hard everyday trying to get ahead.

Now jack I normally i dont comment, but I thought I should this time. Yes I know he will change the way the government do business. You can tell alot by a person first impression. People might say no because he has the same people that been in office before, but under new leadership that does not matter because you has to listen to who is in charge

That Depends On Both Teams The GOP and the Dem's If they can act like they are in there Jobs because the America people voted them in not special interests that gave them the money to run there campaign . And not just to there long standing Ideology to get reelected but to do what is best for our nation . Not just for themselves or their special interest groups.
But as they Say It is not easy to teach an old dog new trick . But We Can Hope and pray that these old dogs have a little more brains than the run of the mill mutts .

Yes he can, he may have to step on a few toes but if that is what it takes then so be it.

Jack,
He can only do so much, but let's hope he changes something. I would really like to run for a political office and make changes, but I'm not rich, nor do I have slimy enough morals to get there. I can only hope something different happens that is news worthy, because I'm afraid the media will spend the next four years fixated on the President and what his wife is wearing, rather than stories about real news. I just spent 2 years watching nothing but campaign stories.

Every time he brings in a beltway veteran, the possibilty of change is diminished just a little more.

his administration is proving him wrong; why not go with outsiders and people who could care less about what corporate america thinks!

he will be "NO" change obama!

Jack,
The question, can president Obama change the way corrupt Washington operates? In my honest opion, not a chance in hell! These political Leeches have been there to long, if anything, they will change president Obama, with or without his permission.
Carl in Illinois

I believe he can.It is a matter of setting a good example, and educating the citizen of those who do not.It is a matter of time,but the consumer has to know that he or she must be aware of what their representative is doing on their behalf. It is not enough to bring home the pork. it is more important to pass fair and honest legislation

He already has. I'm a conservative republican, supporting a democrat. I'm already gathering names of people in Washington I intend to write and or email to get involved more in what they are doing.

I think Obama's second oath was absolutely unneccesary because on Tuesday I and millions of Americans believed and knew he had become the president right at that moment even though he might have stuttered but who cares we are all humans. All I can say now is the second oath only reaffirmed he's position as President of the United States and that we will always support him.

Yes, I think he will contiue to change the "inside the beltway" thinking. In two days we are witnessing change occurring; starting with restricting of lobbying (which for any prior "government official", they must wait 3 years before using their skills in the private sector), at least the prior administration cannot come right back an lobby. That is a huge change. The executive orders he signed today are a continued sign of change with the closing of G.B. (within a year). It will be interesting if other violations of "constituional rights" will cease (e.g. regarding privacy laws); laws that were enacted by former Pres. Bush after 9/11.

I do feel the press should quit whinning about not getting picture with the second swearing in. I see it as a CYA, in making sure all the "i's" are dotted and the "t's" crossed. As a nation, we witnessed the official swearing in, by law – he became president at noon even before the swearing in. I don't believe it was a move to hide anything to the public, but in covering all scenerios in where any executive order signed could not be overturned in the future on a technicality. Let's get off that horse, and quit whinning.

I hope our President does get some rest over the weekend, and pace himself so he is always thinking and acting with a rested mind, body and soul. It is one thing to hit to road running and jumping on the moving train; but it is all about pacing oneself that will have the biggest positive impact for our Country.

Allow change to occur and report on the specific changes in progress, instead of being a backseat driver. It is very easy to criticize if you are not walking in someone's shoes.

I am a surprised that the nominated person for the Treasury position will pass though. All Treasury employees are upheld to the strictest policy on ethics – including the timely filing of taxes (properly). Had this "mistake" been done by any of those employees, it would have meant suspension or worse. It will be interesting how he will be able to "walk the talk" within this infrastructure without having set an example himself (does that mean that Treasury Policy will change? – unlikely). Time will tell if what he brings to this Agency will far outweigh, this important mistake.

Have a great day.

Sincerely

He can try Jack but ultimately only we, the voters, can make the change.

Another thought is that in order for change to occur, it has to come down from the top (Our President) AND from the bottom up (each and every one of us) in making sure our Senators and Representatives do their job in representing us. I believe that is what President Obama meant by our individual responsibilities. If change does not occur from both ends, then change will not be effective.

I feel this election has done away with a lot of apathy; hence, it IS occuring from the bottom up, so with the continuing change of culture and "way of doing business" by the Executive Orders and some moratoriums slotted for review, this is a great start to REAL change being effective and long lasting within our government.