Obama's transition team to get secret info from Bush

{image-Barrak Obama_13112008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Washington, Nov 13: US President-elect Barack Obama's transition team will demand access and details from what many regard as the most secretive White House ever from Monday, Nov 14. "By the end of the week, we'll announce agency review teams that will complete a thorough review of more than 100 departments, agencies and commissions of the United States government, as well as of the White House," Obama's transition boss John Podesta declared. He also said the members of those teams would all be announced online soon.

Podesta said the goal was to give incoming honchos the details they need to start making "strategic" decisions even before the inauguration and then to launch "signature policy initiatives" soon thereafter.

Podesta added that he's had "excellent cooperation" from White House chief of staff Josh Bolten.

"When we have a disagreement, we know how to pick up a phone and talk to one another," he said.

In another contrast to the current administration, Team Obama said it was banning federal lobbyists from contributing to the transition and would likely do the same for the inauguration.

Podesta said the tab for gearing up to take over will cost about 12 million dollars, with 5.2 million dollars coming from the Treasury.

In spite of the already emerging contrasts, Bush remained positive in his assessment of Obama - particularly the President-elect's devotion to daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

"Clearly this guy is going to bring a great sense of family to the White House. And I hope Laura and I did the same thing," Bush told CNN.

"But I believe he will. And I know his girls are on his mind, and he wants to make sure that first and foremost, he's a good dad. And I think it's going to be an important part of his presidency."

ANI