Is there any good reason why we need such a big gap between Election Day and Inauguration Day?

I know, I know, it's in the Constitution. But once upon a time, the new President wasn't sworn in until MARCH--before improvements in transportation and communication made it feasible and preferable to swear in the President in January, as per the 20th amendment.

But that was back in 1937, and they had few of the innovations we have now: Barack Obama can choose, assemble, and meet with his staff instantaneously these days, via cell phone and internet. What's more, all these staffers can be flown into Washington via jet and helicopter, instead of taking the train or even driving, as was the norm in Roosevelt's day.

Why not propose a new amendment, in which the new president on December 20th, right before Christmas? It'd not only show the country the new president was ready to lead (especially when, as right now, the entire nation WANTS the new guy in and the old guy out). Plus, it'd be festive, and maybe not quite so cold on Inauguration Day...what do you think?

FDR had to wait until 25 March 1933 to take over. January 20 is probably the shortest practical period for transition.

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The only reason why a date in December or late November might not work is a situation like in 2000, where it wasn't clear right away who had won (and might not have been clear until late December or early January if the recount had proceeded lawfully).

Two months seems about right. But it now seems like an eternity.

Besides, why should everyone get worked up about the President elect not taking office immediately when this may be a once in a lifetime occurrence?

As it is, everything is really going fairly smoothly for Obama.

Actually I'd rather not let the repubs even have a chance of blaming the dems for the recession.

in the new administration. We can't afford to make a mistake like the gop made on Palin.

And that should be the norm, frankly.

Obama is a once in a lifetime kind of politician, there is no guarantee that the next President will be as capable as a manager.

But probably not as cool if it's our guy going out. It's not *THAT* big of a gap, for cryin' out loud.

moving forward on hiring for his Administration.

There is also the possibility that, in a very close election, it could take a few weeks to determine the winner. The President-elect wouldn't have any time for form his Administration, under your schedule.

However, if in the future we have another close election...like 2000 and the Supreme Court doesn't intervene you need time from the Election till Inaguration to clear up any legal challenges, recounts, etc. So if you moved Inaguration till December 1st you have the chance of inagurating a President who shouldn't be inagurated.



The Electoral College isn't going away because small states get over representation and swing states get over attention.

Before the great depression it was 5 months.

never before has it seemed like an eternity as it has this time.

Then the electoral college votes/chooses the President. Then we're into the holidays. But I agree, I would like to see it moved up a bit. The new Congress is sworn in on the 3rd. I think we could certainly swear in the President on the 3rd or 4th.

He can't just move in and take charge without having all his appointees ready.


He's moving at breakneck speed as it is.


A transition can't happen in just a couple weeks. What do you want him to do ... become President and have NO staff in place?

I think it is about 7000 so that is a lot of applications to look at (for the lower end people, of course). Obama is going lightning speed anyways because the economy calls for it. No president in modern times has has this many positions filled before Dec. 1st.

A month and a half to get up to speed isn't enough. With greater technology comes greater complications.

He's going to be our president for eight years; a later start doesn't mean a shorter term. I'd rather see him fully up to speed when he starts so that the public is happy with him right away, and the last thing I want is a change right around X-Mas time.

I'm sure if you ask members of the transition team you'll find that they all feel very rushed right about now.

together. There are approx 1000 people who work just in the white house and in the OEOB. And it really isn't that long. With the holidays upon us, it's a short step to New Years. It just seems long because we're all excited that adults are finally going to take charge and work to get us out of all the various messes being left behind by the chimp.

Doesn't Congress normally adjourn for a big fat Christmas break?