Chicago Tribune:WASHINGTON—An emotional President-elect Barack Obama left his Chicago home and took up temporary residence in a grand Washington hotel on Sunday, his administration-in-waiting already burdened by scandal, war and congressional controversy.
On his way to join his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha, already ensconced at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, Obama admitted to reporters that his leave-taking from Hyde Park had a poignant moment.
"I gotta say I choked up a little bit leaving my house today. Malia's friend had dropped off an album of the two of them together," Obama said on the plane conveying him to his new life and responsibilities. "They had been friends since preschool and I just looked through the pages and the house was empty and it was a little tough, it got me."
As Obama journeyed to the capital, there were more hints of the immense challenges confronting the man poised to become the nation's 44th president on Jan. 20.
A new war burgeoned in the Mideast, threatening to complicate Obama's plans to begin reshaping the U.S. approach to the volatile region.
Politics and scandal swirled around the search for Obama's Senate successor.
Another scandal involving state contracts in New Mexico prompted Obama's choice for commerce secretary, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, to bow out of contention.
On Capitol Hill, prospects dimmed for swift passage of a massive stimulus package, as congressional leaders indicated that the legislation Obama had hoped to sign when he takes office likely would not reach his desk until later.
"It's going to be very difficult to get the package put together that early," House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said on "Fox News Sunday." Hoyer said he hoped lawmakers could send Obama something by the time they break in mid-February.
Incoming White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said he agreed with Hoyer that it was "very, very unlikely" that an economic stimulus package would be ready by Jan. 20.
Republicans have already indicated unease at a package that could top $750 billion. Obama plans to meet with senior lawmakers on Monday on Capitol Hill to discuss the stimulus package.
Aside from praising Richardson in a brief statement Sunday, Obama did not address the developments as he left Chicago for the last time as a private citizen.
Michelle Obama and the couple's two daughters arrived in Washington on Saturday ahead of the girls' first day of classes on Monday at Sidwell Friends School.
Some in Obama's Chicago neighborhood said that they were sad to see the family depart, but that their presence has brought much attention to the area.
"People have seen Hyde Park for more than they thought it was," said Victor Mensah, a 15-year-old high school student. "It's more than a university neighborhood. It's put a spotlight on the rest of us."
Howie P.S.: I'm doing my part to downsize expectations for the new President.
Barack Obama
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