The 2000–01 Presidential Transition: Planning, Goals and Reality

Abstract

The circumstances of the 2000–2001 presidential transition will never be repeated, or at least I hope not for the sake of all concerned. Nevertheless, what we planned and what actually happened are highly relevant to future transition efforts. Most observers agree that the Bush-Cheney Administration got off to a strong start in large part because it made good use of the time available to it during the abbreviated transition period. Understanding this may help future presidents-elect plan their own transitions.

Getting Ready for Day One: Taking Advantage of the Opportunities and Minimizing the Hazards of a Presidential Transition

“…They opted instead for “small teams to prepare briefing books for, and interact with, each cabinet department,” said Clay Johnson. Once the transition was under way, they created “large advisory groups and let them advise the department policy teams as they saw fit but did not let them interface directly with the departments” (Johnson 2003, 314). They did not have the same difficulties directing the groups as the Reagan transition operation did with their larger operation.…”

“…In 2001, the General Services Administration (GSA) was authorized to provide $7.1 million in funding for the presidential and vice presidential transitions, with $1.83 million for President Clinton’s transition out of office, $4.27 million for the transition of president‐elect George W. Bush, and $1.0 million for the GSA to “provide additional assistance as required by law” (Smith 2007, 1). The Bush transition operation estimated they needed $8.5 million, which was approximately the amount had Clinton spent (Johnson 2003, 314). In 1992, Clinton received $3.5 million from the federal government and privately raised $4.8 million (Euchner and Maltese 1996, 323).…”