by Ann Johnstone

Created on: November 15, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2011

The world has breathed a sigh of relief. After all the pre-election drama, comedy and general hype, the US has its forty-fourth president. However, even now there is a measure of uncertainty both within and without America. After all, Barack Obama is the first African-American to hold this office. This in itself is a great milestone, and may well have contributed to the final election results. He is also aged 47 years, and is therefore comparatively young and inexperienced for such an immense responsibility. He is taking over the leadership of a nation that is in financial, political and moral turmoil. The reputation of the US has, on the international scene, taken quite a battering recently. And, despite his undoubted charisma and verbal skills, he is yet to prove that his decisions and actions are as powerful as his words.

With a debt of around a trillion dollars, constant talk of a recession, and a world reputation as something of a war-mongering nation, the United States waits for Obama to provide his rescue package and deliver his people from disaster. Whether he is able to live up to his people's expectations, time will tell. What steps must the new President take in order to prove his worth and address the huge problems he has inherited?

Barack Obama is undoubtedly a gifted communicator. In addition, his idealism and recognition of the need for change, combined with a good measure of pragmatism, should stand him in good stead as he sets out to prove he can deliver the goods.

From the outset, Obama will need to be seen to follow through with his promise to be representative of all Americans. He has already demonstrated this to a degree in his recognition of highly-regarded Republicans. He would do well to utilize Republican skills in his cabinet. He appears to have the gift of choosing strong team members with a proven track record. This should stand him in good stead as he sets out to appoint members of his cabinet.

The economic situation, which appears to have begun in the US and is rapidly spreading throughout the world, will need to be addressed with alacrity and great wisdom. Obama will doubtless need to include the cream of financial advisers on his team and be prepared to make strong decisions relating to the economy.

Terrorism will also undoubtedly need to be confronted. The world is looking for answers as increasing evidences of terrorist activity are being reported in many countries. Perhaps when the US is again seen as a strong moral influence

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