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Chicago –President-elect Barack Obama put the finishing touches on his energy and environmental teams at a press conference held in Chicago’s Drake Hotel today. Obama introduced Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his agriculture secretary and Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar as secretary of the interior.
Flanked by Salazar on his left and Vilsack to his right, Obama praised the latest additions to his administration.
“Together [Tom and Ken] will serve as guardians of the American landscape, on which the health of our economy and the well being of our families, is so heavily dependent,” Obama said. “One of the great blessings bestowed upon us as Americans is the value of our natural environment. Our wide open spaces are not only a blessing to be enjoyed; they’re the foundations for a brighter future.”
In recruiting Vilsack, Obama said he hopes to bring the department of agriculture back to being “the people’s department.” Vilsack marked the fourth rival– having gone against Obama in the Democratic primaries– to join Obama’s administration.
Vilsack noted he now welcomes the chance to work alongside Obama. “Yes, Mr. President-elect, you have challenged the department and the hard-working, dedicated people who work in that department will meet that challenge,” Vilsack said. “I look forward to working with congressional leaders who share the President-elect’s vision of bringing hope to rural America and of being good stewards of our natural resources leadership on climate.”
Salazar also lauded his country’s new leader, citing that Obama evokes the spirit and positive faith of his Native American ancestors. “I know Barack Obama is a champion for change and I am grateful for his confidence in me,” he said. “I will do all I can to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil. I look forward to working directly with President-elect Obama as an integral part of his team.”
Obama has stated that his remaining cabinet will be announced before the weekend. Obama has yet to name his labor and transportation secretaries, as well the CIA director and national intelligence director. –gavin philip godfrey
