Barack Obama talks to reporters in Washington, 12 Jan 2008

Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the nation's 44th president on January 20th, continuing the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power from one leader to another that began with George Washington's first inauguration in 1789.

The inauguration of a new president is required by the U.S. Constitution, and the oath is traditionally administered by the Chief Justice of the United States. The oath itself binds the new president to faithfully execute his office and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

The topic of today’s Hello Washington was USA: Transition/Inauguration.

Dr. Rekha Datta

Our distinguished panelists Dr. Rekha Datta and Dr. Ali Riaz answered listeners’ questions about the Transition and Inauguration and what the new administration might propose or do for such issues as economy, Middle East, Gaza, terrorism, environment, education etcetera.

Dr. Ali Riaz

Dr. Rekha Datta is a Professor & Department Chair of Political Science, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey. She is also the Founding Director of Institute for Global Understanding, Monmouth University.

Dr. Ali Riaz is the Chairman of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University. Professor Riaz, prior to joining Illinois State University taught at Claflin University in South Carolina, and the University of Lincoln in England.

Shegoftah Nasreen Queen hosted the show.