Donald Brand, professor of political science at the College of the Holy Cross, recently answered some questions about President-Elect Barack Obama, and addressed some of the challenges he will face when he steps into office.
Brand specializes in the study of the presidency and American politics. He has provided expert commentary to the media on a number of politically controversial issues, including the war in Iraq and civil liberties and the Patriot Act. He is the author of Corporatism and the Rule of Law: A Study of the National Recovery Administration (Cornell University Press, 1988), and numerous articles in journals such as Political Science Quarterly and Political Science Reviewer. He serves as the faculty advisor to the Holy Cross College Republicans.
Click on each of the questions to watch Professor Brand’s responses. »
What should Obama’s first priorities be as president? »
What will be some of the biggest challenges Obama will face in his first year as president? »
In your estimation, how do you measure President-elect Obama’s picks for cabinet? »
How do you compare the challenges Obama faces to Franklin Delano Roosevelt entering office during the Great Depression? »
Is the coverage on the economy taking the spotlight off other equally pressing issues, such as the war on Iraq or global warming? »
With Israeli forces pushing deeper into Gaza, how will that impact the first few months of Obama’s presidency? »
How did your students respond to this campaign and election? »
Are there any history lessons that Obama can stand to learn from to avoid mistakes and miscalculations of the past? »
Obama’s campaign promised “hope” and “change.” Do you think some Americans’ hopes are too high? »
Do you have any thoughts on the Presidential Inauguration? »
Related Information:
• Political Science
Video: As Obama Prepares to Step Into Oval Office, Political Science Professor Discusses the American Presidency
Read Time
1 Minute
