Change for America
A Progressive Blueprint for the 44th President
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The Center for American Progress Action Fund, along with New Democracy Project, presents Change for America: A Progressive Blueprint for the 44th President, to help guide the presidential transition process and steer the government in a new, more progressive direction.
On January 20th, the new President of the United States will take the oath of office on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Behind the speeches, parades and celebrations that will accompany this ritual transfer of power lies a difficult and complex transition process that will determine the effectiveness and success of the new administration in its earliest days.
The presidential transition period this year is perhaps one of the most challenging and sensitive ever, given the current financial crisis and our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In order to facilitate this transition, CAPAF and NDP brought together 67 leading policymakers, scholars, authors, and former government officials to provide their best advice and recommendations, including Greg Craig, Christopher Edley, Laura Tyson, Joshua Steiner, Maria Echeveste, Harold Koh, Rudy deLeon, and James Lee Witt. Change for America reflects their expertise and insights for how best to shape policy and set priorities to bring real change to America.
See the full table of contents here »
Download 10 chapters free here »
Read chapter overviews of the book:
The White House
The first section focuses on the structure of the White House Office and Executive Office of the President. It provides detailed recommendations for the organization and agenda of all existing offices as well as suggestions for three new executive offices to carry out the nation’s need for energy transformation, innovation, and research.
Economic Policy
The second section provides a specific outline of what the new president’s economic policy should look like, and it offers detailed recommendations for carrying out this policy. The primary goal of the new administration should be to build a strong platform for economic growth that is both fair and effective.
Domestic Policy
The third section provides a broad overview of the domestic landscape, focusing on everything from changing demographics and immigration to energy and climate change to health care and government transparency.
National Security Policy
The final section presents a new national security strategy for the incoming president focused on terrorist threats and the war in Iraq, homeland security, emerging transnational challenges on weapons proliferation and economic development, and renewed focus on human and civil rights and public diplomacy in the new security environment.
Read what others are saying about the book:
“Mark Green and Michele Jolin look to 2009 as the beginning of an era of renewal and progressive governance in America. Change for America presciently and insightfully offers specific ideas for what our next president can do to revitalize our nation and restore our standing abroad.”
— PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON
“The Center for American Progress Action Fund and Mark Green have assembled some of our nation’s best minds, and their best ideas, into a book packed with innovative, practical, and progressive solutions that will help take America in a New Direction.” —SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI
“These thoughtful essays offer a progressive way forward for the vast majority of Americans who hope their government works for the many, not just the few.” —SENATOR TED KENNEDY
“Change for America is brilliant, timely and practical, and teems with hard earned wisdom and common sense.” —MICHAEL ERIC DYSON
Several more chapters are available exclusively here free of charge:
Government Transition Overview: Best Practices for Transitioning to a New Government, Christine Varney (pdf)
