22 December 2008
Policy Specialist Discusses Obama Transition
Ask America webchat transcript, December 18
Steven Clemons, a senior fellow and director of the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation, answered questions in a December 18 Ask America webchat on the presidential transition of Barack Obama.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
CONX Global Forum: The Transition
Guest: Steven Clemons
Date: December 18, 2008
Time: 9 a.m. EST (1400 GMT)
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Please continue to submit your questions for Steve here.
Steve Clemons: Greetings all.
Steve Clemons: Very Nice to join you today.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin):Our first question comes from our audience in Abidjan.
Steve Clemons: Excellent...I'm ready for the question.
ircabidjan2 christian: do you think that obama teams will be able fight against green house effect?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Thanks for this question, Christian.
Steve Clemons: I think that the Obama team will try very hard to contribute to a global effort that reverses climate change.
Steve Clemons: Climate change issues are the kind of challenge that cannot be addressed by any nation alone -- but only by a very significant collaboration.
Steve Clemons: During a major global financial crisis, economic resources are a problem -- but I do believe that Obama has climate change, the environment and energy innovation in the top roster of issues he is planning to work on.
nahedh: where is the HUMAN RIGHTS from the agenda of the elected president Mr. Obama? is it top periorty for his policy or it is at the end of his duties list ?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Nahedh joins us from Gaza. Thanks for your question.
Steve Clemons: Human rights will be first addressed by Obama in trying to close Guantanamo. Yes, he and most of his advisors believe that America has not done enough in this arena. Development, poverty, disease, refugee relief all fit in the human rights box -- and Obama's team will address this.
Steve Clemons: I am hopeful that President elect Obama also sees Gaza and the divided government in Palestine as something that needs creative, immediate attention.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We have somewhat of a follow up question about human rights from Jeffrey.
Jeffrey Morrissey: Prospects for a more-focused Sudan policy?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): While we wait for Steve's response, please feel free to vote in our poll to the right.
Steve Clemons: Jeffrey, I hope so. Darfur is not only an issue that needs US and global attention, it has become a huge issue to progressives and liberals in America. There are few easy fixes to Sudan/Darfur. If we had easy fixes, we would have seen them deployed. This issue will get attention -- but to be honest, I think that it will be 9th or 10th on the "real roster" of priorities of the Obama administration.
Steve Clemons: I think that you will see our next US Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, focus a lot ont he Darfur/Sudan nightmare.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We have another question from the Ivory Coast.
IRC Abidjan1: what are the role of the Republican during this transition days?
Steve Clemons: terrific
Steve Clemons: The Republicans in government now -- who are holding offices in the Bush administration -- are working quite cooperatively and respectfully with "transition team" members. I think that this is one of the smoothest transitions between governments and political parties we have seen in decades.
Steve Clemons: other Republicans -- outside of government -- are beginning to hold forums, privately, to discuss how to reorganize and relaunch their party efforts -- so as to prepare for Congressional elections in 2010.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Freida from our facebook group has a question about Latin America.
Freida: Latin American leaders are meeting with China, Russia, and Iran, but not US. Is this worrisome to President Obama?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): To join our facebook group, please go to http://co-nx.state.gov
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We love to hear your feedback on programs like these.
Steve Clemons: I don't think president-elect Obama and his team are worried about other global leaders meeting. Some are concerned that Hugo Chavez in Venezuela can get a bit flamboyant in mixing his diplomacy with harsh anti-American rhetoric, but it's not something that overly worries the U.S.
Steve Clemons: The bigger issue is that America needs to get back into regular, constructive dialogue on numerous global challenges with China, Russia.....and yes, Iran. And I think Obama will do that.
alcaabidjan2 awa: OBAMA's team is really proficient to bring a solution to financial crisis
Steve Clemons: The financial crisis question is very interesting...
Steve Clemons: I think his team is good, very smart -- but that doesn't mean that "smartness" can automatically solve this global crisis.
Steve Clemons: We have simultaneously a collapse of confidence and trust in the financial system, in America's role as an example of well developed capitalism, and a collapse of consumption.
Steve Clemons: This needs to be addressed by other world players -- particularly Germany, Japan and China -- realizing that global growth has depended on an American consumer who underproduces and overconsumes -- while they overproduce and underconsume. We need more consumption in the rest of the world to recover.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): I have just put up our latest podcast on the Transition.
Steve Clemons: I think Obama's financial team realizes this -- but it's going to be tough because America's leverage on other countries is not as strong as it used to be.
Steve Clemons: The "transition podcast" is really cool.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Thanks, Steve!
Steve Clemons: sure thing!
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We have a follow up question on Latin America from Jack
Jack: Back to Latin America, what is Obama's position on Cuba?
Steve Clemons: Hi Jack.
Steve Clemons: Obama thinks that we should raise the limits on the amount of money that Cuban-American families can send to family members inside Cuba -- and he supports removing restrictions on Cuban-American travel. I hope he goes further than he said and finally drops this anachronistic embargo. Obama and his team have said that wish various steps in Cuba -- particularly the release of political prisoners -- more normalization of relations could be possible. He also has said that he would be willing to meet Raul Castro.
Steve Clemons: The only place in which the old Cold War got colder in the world in the last decade was in US-Cuba relations. I think that this needs to change.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Steve, we have a question about national security from thierno.
thierno mamadou oury diallo: what will be obama's policy aginst alquaida
Steve Clemons: I think Obama will do everything he can to create a hostile global environment for al qaeda and its followers. I think that he hopes other governments and political forces stop providing sanctuary for al Qaeda. He will work hard to fight and undermine al Qaeda connected terrorism and will try to decapitate its leadership.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin):Welcome to our new guests. Please submit your comments and questions here. We hope you enjoy our new "Transition" podcast. Feel free to go to our Facebook page at http://co-nx.state.gov and tell us what you think about it.
Tely: hello
Webchat Moderator (Kristin):Hello Tely. Welcome.
Steve Clemons:Hello Tely.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Our next question comes from Abidjan.
lordgfreeze(irc abidjan):I would like to know what do Iraq people think about the new US president?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Guests - please feel free to introduce yourselves and tell us where you are from. I am writing to you from my desk in Washington, DC.
Steve Clemons: I don't have clear data that show me what Iraqi citizens think about President-elect Obama. But I do know according to a global attitudes research survey done during the election that global citizens on the whole preferred Barack Obama over John McCain 4 to 1.
Steve Clemons: I am writing to you from my desk in Washington, DC -- and am enjoying these questions.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We've got many great questions coming in!
Steve Clemons : I mentioned that we would be having this global chat at my blog, http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): My name is Melanie and I'm from New Jersey, but I am writing to you from Washington, D.C. too!
Tely: will you remove all the govermnet service workers for new Obama workers? Where will the goverment workers go?
Webchat Moderator (Kristin):Great question, Tely!
Steve Clemons: Barack Obama gets to appoint approximately 2,500 people in his new government. That may sound like a lot -- but actually, hundreds of thousands of people have been hoping to work in his administration.
Steve Clemons: He will have some tough choices to make.
Steve Clemons: Bush administration employees who leave may do a number of things -- like join think tanks (like the one where I work -- called the New America Foundation). Or they may work for companies, trade associations, work in Congress, or work for various other Republican organizations. . .or may just take a vacation.
thierno mamadou oury diallo: as a president what will obama do in order to find a solution about unemployment in America
Steve Clemons: Solutions will be tough. We are going to have a lot of unemployment in our country over the next couple of years.
Steve Clemons: Obama has said that he will spend a great deal of money on "infrastructure" -- greening American buildings and energy sources, spending money on rail, road, and other transport systems, investing in telecommunications and the information economy and infrastructure.
Steve Clemons: This will be government led investment -- and this is part of the way he hopes to help keep America's middle class working during this serious financial crisis.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Our next question is from our friends in Ivory Coast.
Steve Clemons: Wow...I've never been there.
IRC Abj: How people apprehend the closing of the Guatanomo prison by the government of Obama
Steve Clemons: I think that closing Guantanamo is a very important promise that Obama has made. He needs to do it to satisfy American and global expectations.
Steve Clemons: But that said, it is very, very hard to close Guantanamo.
Steve Clemons: There are people there that are difficult to transition either to our legal system -- and for human rights reasons (believe it or not), it's tough to return them to their home countries where they might be executed or other things. it's not easy. and I know that is difficult for many to understand... I am an opponent of Guantanamo -- but I accept that it cannot be closed overnight.
Steve Clemons: Many countries are agreeing to take prisoners -- like Germany offering to take Uighers ... this will help us get closer to closing Guantanamo.
Steve Clemons: Thanks for your question.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Next question comes to us from Gaza.
nahedh: another question, regardless the vital strategic relation between US & Israel, is there any attitudes for the new adminstration to follow new policy towards Isreal to push it to respect HUMAN RIGHTS and INTERNATIONAL LAW?? here i would remember what Mr. Obama said that "the real power of AMERICA is not only the wealth and military power, but also is the ethical power of the american nation too!! is that will really considered in forming the states policy?? or it is just elections speech??
Steve Clemons: Greetings to Gaza.
Steve Clemons: I couldn't agree with you more. I think that America must return to moral leadership in the world. With memories of Abu Ghraib still strong -- and Guantanamo open -- this has been difficult. But I think Obama's presidency gives us a new start
Steve Clemons: I think that Obama will push Israel to do more to respect human rights, to reduce the terrible barriers to human travel and commerce in Palestine, and to be different. I have been to Israel and Palestine -- though not to Gaza -- and I have seen first hand the humiliating treatment of many Palestinians. I think that Obama will work to encourage Israel to move in a more humane course. I hope he does....
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Our next question comes from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah: Will anything change in regards to Saudi Arabia?
Steve Clemons: Greetings. I was in Jeddah in March.
Steve Clemons: I think that King Abdullah has been incrementally working to liberalize some parts of Saudi society -- and this is important. I think Obama will work hard to encourage the King and Saudi government to keep moving in that direction. I think Saudi Arabia is a key ally of the United States -- but it is controversial with some in the U.S. But I think Obama will work hard to maintain solid, close, constructive relations with Saudi Arabia. We need the Saudi Peace Plan to help move Israel/Palestine issues forward positively.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Our next question takes us back to the economy.
Doukoure Cherifba Mohamed: Can I Know president Obama plans to fight the financial crisis?
Steve Clemons: I think he will fight the crisis several ways.
Steve Clemons: Step One is to guarantee private sector loans and guarantee financial institutions to the full extent possible.
Steve Clemons: He needs to stop the bleeding in the financial system -- and then he needs to figure out what can be done to keep the American middle class working...
Steve Clemons: Step Two will be to make large government investments in American infrastructure -- which has been neglected for too long.
Steve Clemons: Step Two and a Half -- is to keep Americans who are having a tough time financially in their homes...and try to give them "more time" to work out their financial circumstances after the terrible affects of the sub-prime loan crisis in this country.
Steve Clemons: Step 3/4/5 is to work with the international community in redesigning a regulatory system and a global financial architecture that helps prevent this kind of problem from happening again -- and of course, as said above, he needs to work hard to help other countries -- like China, Japan and Germany -- recognize that they can't just amass currency reserves....they need to spend and consume for the world financial system to be in balance.
Steve Clemons: thanks for your question.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Our next question is from Thierno
Jack: Comment to the moderators and Steve: This international forum is a great format. Many thanks!
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Thanks, Jack!
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): We hope that you'll give us feedback and ideas for other programs by going to our Facebook page (http://co-nx.state.gov) and leaving us a message. You can also email us at conx@state.gov
Steve Clemons: Many thanks JACK for that nice comment....I'm typing super fast today!!
thierno mamadou oury diallo: has obama undertaken any policy to figth against african dictatorship
Steve Clemons: Well. . . yes and no Thierno.
Steve Clemons: He gave a speech in Kenya in November 2006 speaking out against corruption. Many interpreted this as criticism of the government in Kenya -- and of course we had the very stressful elections in Kenya after that and a lot of violence. I think Obama definitely wants to see opportunity created for African citizens -- and this will be on his roster of personal priorities -- but I think he will tread carefully and cautiously about trying to undermine governments or engaging in regime change efforts. I think you will see Obama offer "nudges" to governments to move in the right direction for their people.
Steve Clemons: Thanks Thierno.
sami: what will the financial crisis impact be in the us aid toward's ally countries
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Thanks for your question, Sami. I'm sure many countries are thinking about this.
Steve Clemons: There will be a global recession. We already see the effects. Our economies are contracting in the US and Europe at a rate of about -5 or -6% of GDP (annualized) for the next quarter. This is currently a "financial" problem -- but we are beginning to see lots of people laid off. When people are losing their jobs and the government has less money to work with -- big international projects are hard to justify.
Steve Clemons: So, to be blunt -- the financial crisis "slows" our efforts to try and accomplish other big changes -- like global aid to Africa or other lesser developed countries and may slow transitions to an economy that is more helpful in reversing climate change.
Steve Clemons: If we didn't have the financial crisis, we'd be able to do much more in the world...
IRC Abj: What are the critics on this government
Steve Clemons: I apologize IRC Abj -- I'm not sure I understand your question fully.
Steve Clemons: But let me try to guess...
Steve Clemons: There are "always" critics of government. I have been a critic (in advance) of some parts of Obama's direction...
Steve Clemons: That is part of our democracy.
Steve Clemons: I think that some people think that Obama is very concerned about "global justice" which may sound good -- but HOW exactly will he achieve that? Some of us want to know "details" and see "game plans" for achieving results.
Steve Clemons: And we haven't seen many of those from the Obama team lately.
Steve Clemons: Obama has a team of people that I think are quite competent and excellent -- but some of the political left in the US are concerned that his national security advisor, Jim Jones, is a major advocate of nuclear energy and oil drilling inside the US -- and is on the board of Chevron and Boeing. Some of Obama's critics can't believe he brought someone who is such a top tier member of the military industrial complex to his team. . .
Steve Clemons: But I actually think Jim Jones is a great, effective, advisor who will help achieve change...but some of the criticism is coming from those who want CHANGE more quickly than is realistic....
Doukoure Cherifba Mohamed: Is that true that American people need change?
Steve Clemons: ON the Change question -- I think the answer is mostly yes. Americans see their country moving in directions that are unhealty and worrisome.
Steve Clemons: They see a "national security portfolio" and "economic portfolio" in terrible condition -- and they want improvement.
Steve Clemons: They want to see a nation loved by the world -- not at war with the world -- and which once again is a constructive lever in achieving great things that not only help us but help others too...
Steve Clemons: I think we have a chance to generate that kind of change -- but we must question, must engage in dialogue -- and must debate...
Steve Clemons: It has been a great honor and privilege to spend time with you this morning. I have enjoyed this and hope all of you have found it useful....
Steve Clemons: Thanks so much to all of you and our excellent moderators....
Steve Clemons: Say HI at Facebook if you like...my address is... http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=633284504&ref=name
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): Thank you so much for your time, Steve!
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): If you're just joining us, welcome! Feel free to introduce yourself.
Webchat Moderator (Kristin): For more thoughts on the transition please go to Steve's blog: http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/
thierno mamadou oury diallo: God bless you
Doukoure Cherifba Mohamed: To God be the glory
Jack: From the state of Delaware in the US: I appreciated the questions from around the globe; excellent and insightful. Please do more of these on selected topics, like Gaza, Global Warming, etc
boubacar lamarana bah :i understand to the question in for the inglish bot i not trai for him
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): Thanks for joining us Jack! And thanks for your suggestions.
boubacar lamarana bah: the time is up to connection thank you to the webchat
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): Thank you very much for joining us today!
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): Our forum is now closed. Thank you all so much for participating today. Please visit our website at http://co-nx.state.gov, and if you are a Facebook member, you can become a fan of our Webchat Program! If you have any questions or ideas, or for information on transcripts, please email us at conx@state.gov.
Webchat Moderator (Melanie): A transcript of our chat will be posted later today on http://www.america.gov/multimedia/askamerica.html. You can also find information on our upoming webchats there.
Doukoure Cherifba Mohamed: Thank you too.. and take care.
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