by Francesco Isgrò

The election of Barak Obama as the 44th President of the United States set off a frenzy of excitement, mostly jubilant, across the globe. In Kenya, where Obama’s father was raised, a national day of celebration was declared. The French signaled that Obama’s election could help mend relations between France and the U.S.

In Rome, posters declared “Il Mondo Cambia,” as crowds celebrated Obama’s triumph. Not all the reaction in Italy was positive, however. One conservative legislator suggested that with Obama in the White House, “perhaps al-Qaeda is happier.” Whether personal relations between Obama and the conservative government of Silvio Berlusconi will be as cordial as those President Bush has enjoyed, remains to be seen. The expectation is, however, that the two countries will retain traditionally strong political ties.

To many at home, the election of an African American reinforced the notion of America as a land of limitless possibilities. Obama’s election shattered barriers many believed could not be overcome in their lifetime. At the same time, expectations for Obama’s ability to turn the country around reached nearly untenable heights.

For his part, Obama wasted no time in putting together his White House transition team, choosing seasoned Washington insiders. Among a number of Italian Americans likely to figure prominently in the new administration is John Podesta, who now serves as co-chair of the transition team.

Podesta, a Chicago native and longtime Washington resident, was President Clinton’s Chief of Staff. He gained a reputation as a smart, tough, and detail-oriented manager. Podesta is currently president of the Center for American Progress, a liberal think-thank in Washington D.C. In the Clinton administration, Podesta succeeded Leon Panetta, who himself has been advising the Obama camp and could play a part in the new administration.

Another prominent Italian American, Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona, is a member of the transition team’s advisory board. She is being considered for the top job in the Department of Homeland Security. A former chair of the National Governors Association, Napolitano supports stricter border control immigration policies, an issue that the President-elect will have to address early his administration.

A more immediate issue confronting Obama is how to pull the country out of its economic slump. Obama campaign economic advisor Laura d’Andrea Tyson is likely to play a major role. A former head of the Council of Economic Advisers under Clinton, she could become Treasury Secretary. Tyson is currently a professor at the Haas School of Business of the University of California, Berkeley.

Obama’s campaign chief of staff, Jim Messina, is now personnel director of the transition team. Messina is the former chief of staff for Montana Senator Max Baucus.