WASHINGTON (CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama's transition team announced Wednesday that former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach will represent the incoming administration at the G-20 economic summit being hosted by President Bush on November 15.
Obama himself will not attend the summit.
Albright and Leach are "an experienced and bipartisan team," Obama Senior Foreign Policy Advisor Denis McDonough said in a statement.
McDonough also noted, however, that there is only "one president at a time in the United States," and that "President Bush should be commended for calling the summit."
Albright, a Democrat, served as secretary of state during the Clinton administration. Leach, a Republican, represented Iowa's second congressional district from 1977 to 2007. He endorsed Obama in August.
Bush announced the summit of the world's 20 largest industrialized nations and developing economies as a way to help coordinate the international response to the global financial meltdown.
From CNN Politics
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Let's hope they can come up with a good plan to recover. These things happen every decade or so... isn't new... but the quicker we get out the better.
How can you not respect Obama? He is so totally cool, calm and collected. He is putting together truly intelligent, knowledgeable people to give the best performance possible. Wow – got to wonder if GW Bush is regretting choosing all of Daddy's friends now.....
What wonderful choices! He has tapped on experience and wisdom. We need more of this as we move forward......Obama is a wise man.....beyond his years.
After reading the comments posted by ignorant people on CNN I'm not so sure the terrorists are the bad guys. I'm a White Anglo Saxon Protestant, but hey, after listening to you all, I'm moving to Iran, at least their faithful to some extent.
Correction: They're not Their on my last comment
Quack,quack,quack,a lame duck cant get a thing done.He should resign early and go back to Texas.
Good idea for the Obama transition to act already so they aren't "blind sided" once they take office.
Once again, Obama shows early on that he will use his good judgment and not be pressured into doing things that are not smart. Staying away personally from this conference and reinforcing that the US has only one president at a time is the right thing to do. Having these skilled representatives there will enable him to stay directly updated on what transpires with this conference, but will allow him to avoid being put in any awkward positions before he has the authority to speak for this country. We are going to be in good hands with this man at the helm.
Once again, Obama shows early on that he will use his good judgment and not be pressured into doing things that are not smart. Staying away personally from this conference and reinforcing that the US has only one president at a time is the right thing to do. Having these skilled representatives there will enable him to stay directly updated on what transpires with this conference, but will allow him to avoid being put in any awkward positions before he has the authority to speak for this country. We are going to be in good hands with this man at the helm.
Someone just sent me over 700 front pages from November 5th from the Newseum site. It's great to read so many headlines.
I noticed a lot of the papers cut the ugly dress out. I completely understand–that dress was hideous.
Well said Mike. Just like I always tell my son, "If you do not know anything about a certain tool, let someone else do it or you will get hurt"
Excellent judgment demonstrated once again. This is not Obama's meeting and he is not the president. Why W wants to have this meeting is unclear to me as most of what he proposes the G20 and Obama will undo come January 21, but if he wants to have a meeting, fine, but Obama shouldn't participate.
I'm glad Obama has a bi-partisan team going. I'm equally glad that Bush is having the summit. Maybe they will have a good idea and we can all work together to implement it.
Two very good choices on the matter.
More KUDO's to Barack Obama....
Yes we put the right man in for the Job, for His leadership knowledge, are commended to run this country. This is something that this country has lacked in for 8 years.
Lets make it clear that the Leach is a Republican and Madeline is a Democrat. Just thought I'd get that in there
Barack....a truely wise and intelligent leader ! Why are there naysayers who can only speak negatives before the man has made one decision as the Commander in Chief. Those idiots missed their calling – palm readers extraordinaire, crystal ball visionaries. I can't wait until education comes to the southern citizens.
Excellent. I know that President elect Barack Obama will always make good decisions.
I dare say, the people of Iowa showed phenomenal wisdom and foresight.
Are we gluttons for punishment in this country? There is something sick about voting in the Republican knowing they will simply mess up the country. And then, we vote the GOP out and vote in the Democrats to clean it up. I hope this year sees an end to that masochistic cycle. The Republican Party should never be voted in again. But I can only dream.
I don't know how farther down the hole the GOP can take us. Every aspect of the American life is in shambles – finance, education, health, manufacturing, environment, construction, housing, you name it.
This is our worst nightmare come true, thanks to the GOP
We all must do our part, whatever President elect Obama calls us to do, we mus follow. He is wise.
I have always liked and admired former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She has a dynamic personality and speaks her mind. She will do good in any [if so] position Obama needs her in.
I am so impressed with the Obama Administration... 24 hours after becoming President Elect the Obama Administration had a website up called change.gov. Then each day I see the Obama Administration making decisions that will move us the direction Obama spoke of while he was campaigning for President. Obama is starting his administration in such a postive manner that he continues to build on the hope he wanted all of us to see!
Yes...a thoughtful move from our soon to be CIC. This current financial mess our economy and country are in will be laid at PE Obama's feet soon enough. GW Bush is still at the helm and until Jan 20th is his and his administration's disaster to steer and in which direction. Hopefully not into another iceberg but toward a bi-partisan horizon but lets take things one day at a time. At least PE Obama is keeping himself well informed which is half the battle of epic proprotions he and we face but then knowledge is power and Obama is a brillant enough to know this to be true.
Who do you think said the following:
And I speak for other Republicans, other Republican governors also, they being willing also to, again, seize this opportunity that we have to progress this nation together, a united front.
Get this story right. Obama had called for this economic sumit while he was campaigning, it wasn't Bush's ideal. Further, it had already been announced that neither candidate for the presidency, Obama nor McCain, would be attending.
I'd rather see Obama there and let Bush stay home.
Brilliant idea! President-elect Obama would draw too much attention. Still he sends competent representatives from both parties.
This singular action shows smartness and good judgment.
Yes – Madelyn Albright. Could CNN possibly interview or talk about this intelligent, qualifed woman, instead of 24-hour coverage of airhead-Palin?
Presumably Bush invited Obama to go or send representatives so let's not fall down on our knees worshipping just yet.
THAT IS RIGHT OBAMA, , ,
[1.] – Do not try to do it all,
[2.] – Don't take responsibility for the "Bush-Cheney-McCain-GOP" mess.
bring on the entire clinton administration to fill in for nobamas administration, even clinton himself. when that admin fails, the only thing different will be president nobama/V.P. dum biden. when that admin fails, the new slogan in 2012 will be "nobama nicht ändern, wir brauchen Palin Macht", and people will overwhelmingly vote for palin power. dum nobama democrats could've just vote for hillary to be the nominee. looks like she'll be the only one left out of the nobama/biden/clinton administration.
Barack Obama is brilliant! He continues to demonstrate his exceptional JUDGMENT!
That's is correct, ONE president at a time. Having Albright and Leach there is brilliant!
GET OVER THE DRESS.......Why are people so small minded? BEAUTY IS SKIN DEEP, it matters not what we wear is WHO WE ARE THAT MATTERS IN THE END!
Obama is being gracious to Bush...if he went to the summit, all eyes would be on him and Bush would be in an awkward position.
Smart move.
More Democratic Washington insiders as part of the transition. Anyone who thought we were going to see "change" was really kidding themselves.
I totally agree that Mr. Obama should skip the formal proceedings at the G20 meetings.
Wouldn't it be cool to see him show up for the cocktails after the meeting? LOL
Albright is hideous.
To Mrs. G-- baaaa! baaaa! baaa! you sound like a blind sheep.
Smart move...and very respectful of the current administration.
Doesn't President elect Obama know that bi-partisanism is something that the far right does NOT want??? All that will do is make him look stronger and better and give the talk show host less to talk about. HOW DARE HIM DO SUCH A THING!!
Albright is an excellent choice!! She is respected by many world leaders- the best Secretary of State ever.
Way to go Obama!
Can anyone explain why Obama is not attending?
I think this is a sign that the world leaders know who to deal with regarding this economic crisis. And check out Pres. Obama flexing his bi-partisan muscles with Albright and Leach!
Smart man president Obama ! you may not agree with his policies but you do respect that he is still our sitting president as I hope the respect will be given to you once you have replaced president Bush.You are the man of the future and the inspiration of presidents after you.You'll always have confidence in your supporters regardless of what lies ahead
Hmm nice surounding himself with clinton people, but now I feel like the v8 commercial could of had a clinton.
You see. . . .this is bipartisanship at work.
Progress for America??!?!?!
YES WE CAN!
Pres. elect Obama .... please select your treasury secretary as soon as possible. Incompetent Bush administration is killing the market ... We need 'change' in fed actions as soon as possible. Market needs sure hands at the helm ... I'm sure the market will go up by at least 500 points as soon as you name your treasury sec.
With each news article I read about Obama's plans for who will or is part of his team, I have been happy with the choices. As an Iowan, was surprised to see Obama reach out to Jim Leach, but again Obama is showing his talents to look across the board and choose the best person. WAY TO GO!!!
Thats a great idea!!! Obama should stay as far away from Bush & Co
You people on here who are already criticizing President-elect Obama...go back under the rock you crawled out from. The world is moving forward and you are just going backwards. Take your McCain/Palin signs out of your yards for goodness sake, and save what dignity you have left. "THAT ONE" won...shout hallelujah!! The man is brilliant!
this confrence is a joke. sarkozy vain attempt at looking big while he is still eu president. thats why obama isn't going , because they cant do anything till his administration is in place
Send Palin...LoL she would like to have the spotlight instead..Zapp begone you dimwit...
I pray to God that the republican party is finished forever – they are so destructive – and all they have to offer is name calling.
Can't we move up the inauguration to like... RIGHT now?
President-elect Obama is about to clear the executive branch of a lot of political hacks and incompetents.
I will not miss "Heck of Job, Brownie".
PARIS and Palin! dual ticket! 2012!!
Yipee!
the ratings will go WILD!!!
WET T SHIRT CONTESTS TOO!!!
YESSSSS!!!!!!
Now this is news – it's factual, objective and not drama filled.
Also, the story of Candy Crowley re: Cabinent positions was excellent – no rumors, just reporting the facts based on historical precedent.
More of these stories and less of Palin – please for the sake of jornalism – stay away from the race stories, Palin overload, and rumoured fills that are not official.
Excellent pick of Madeleine Albright! Way to go, dear President – Elect!
Love Maddy and would love to see her become a more permanent part of your team in Washington!
Hey Caribou Barbie, you're missing your second Epcot Center, drinks-around-the-world tour!
Something was fundamentally wrong with our economy.
It requires a down to Earth kind of reform, or else it shall return before you know it.
SOUTHERN HOTTIE- hi. what's your email? I wanna chat..
Madeline Albright would be a great pick for a position in the new administration. But that means she'd have to stop teaching at my school, and I like having her here. Go Georgetown!
Hey Barbara Curry.................you fool, you better pray that this country NEVER has a one party rule EVER. Are you really that stupid.
How will this silliness help a failing democracy?
This economy has been since President-elect Obama got the mantel?
How, were, and when He communicate his change?
I will give him a brake, however since his winning the stock market continues to fall showing lack of belief and experience if I'm not mistaking the signs?
I agree with you 100% – - Getting It Right, I too am sick of Palin overload and all the reporting about race. Enough aready, please lets move on.
Oh yeah! I am a black woman who love all color.
Whats next in the Obama transition...Bill Clinton taking over has president??
We see a great leader in Obama.
CNN, could you stop reporting Palin? It is not interesting and does not make any sense at all.
Simply brilliant choice! I lived in Iowa for 10 years and had Jim Leach as our rep. to the house. Jim has always done an outstanding job for people in his district. Well done Barack....do a good job for us Jim!!
I'm serious. Why can't he attend? I'm asking a real question. CNN maybe you can find out what he's doing that day. I mean he is through campaigning, he said it was about the economy, I'm just interested to know why the president elect would not attend an economic summit.
I am from Mali Republic, West Africa, and I supported and still support Obama like most non-americans. I just noticed that he relied on TV to get the elections results, I saw no laptop,therefore no internet, in the Hyatt Regency Room where he,his family and aides were during the publication of results. I hope we will a see a laptop on his desk in the oval office. I just dont understand why a current US president does not personnally rely on computers.
For all you people asking wheres the change, hes choosing the best people for the job. Yes theyre washington insiders, but what do you think he should do? Just grab people off the streets. He meant a change in policies.