The President-Elect's First 76 Days

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first 100 days in the White House has lately been the focus of renewed media interest. During that period, FDR offered a record amount of legislation -- all of which passed -- and created the New Deal.

Now, some 75 year later, the U.S. is facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and fighting a war in two countries. The transition between the current Bush administration and the next administration can't wait until Jan. 20, 2009. It has to start on Nov. 5 with a full team of economic advisers working on ways to fix the economy and a military transition to combat terrorism.

There are 76 days between Nov. 5 and Jan. 20. Both presidential candidates have to be ready to hit the ground running the day after the election. ...