The first African-American president needs to find a reassuring line-up of lieutenants as the US goes through a period of unparalleled crisis on both the economic and military fronts.

- The post of Treasury secretary is the most pressing of all as government officials start dispensing an enormous fund of US$700 billion (S$1.03 billion) to shore up Wall Street and stop the economic contagion from spreading any deeper.

Mr Obama has dropped some hints, noting to CNN last week that his economic advisers include Mr Clinton's last Treasury secretary Larry Summers, former Federal Reserve chief Paul Volcker and mega-rich investor Warren Buffett.

- For the job of rebuilding US alliances abroad, 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry has hinted at his desire to serve as secretary of state. He might be in contention with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a UN ambassador under Mr Bill Clinton, and Mr Richardson's successor at the UN, Richard Holbrooke.

Or Mr Obama might reach across the political aisle to Republican Senator Dick Lugar, a veteran moderate with whom the Democrat has worked closely on safeguarding loose nuclear weapons in the former Soviet Union.

- For defense secretary, Mr Obama could again reach out by selecting former secretary of state Colin Powell or Senator Chuck Hagel, both prominent and moderate Republicans who have broken with their party on various fronts.

But the next Pentagon chief will be in charge of executing Mr Obama's signature policy of ending the war in Iraq, so he may stay within the Democratic camp by looking at, say, military expert and Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed.

- Attorney general is another key pick as Mr Obama promises to restore the government's legal compass after President George W. Bush was accused by his opponents of trashing the constitution.

One name being touted is Mr Obama's former rival for the Democratic nomination, John Edwards, although he blotted his chances by admitting to an extra-marital affair. Another is Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, a close political ally.

- Mr Obama's chief of staff will be in charge of not just managing his White House but enacting his legislative agenda in collaboration with Congress. Recent speculation has centered on Rahm Emanuel, although the Illinois congressman is an abrasive character whom Republicans loathe. Former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle is often touted for the job.

- The incoming president will also want to reward the two men who shaped his stunning success against Republican John McCain - campaign manager David Plouffe and chief strategist David Axelrod.

Neither has Washington insider experience, but could form part of his White House kitchen cabinet as trusted advisers.

- And what about Mr McCain? In his victory speech, Mr Obama paid generous tribute to his vanquished foe, and bringing the Republican on board in some role would be the boldest way of showing he means what he says about fashioning a new politics. -- AFP