I agree Bruce there are most likely limits to what a new president can do regarding the CIA, military and national security. I'm betting there are many well established people in those areas that carry a lot of weight that could easily limit a president. I'll even give you that there are going to some major obstacles opposing a new president in the Treasury and on Wall street. However where I think Obama could have brought about change but didn't is by bringing back so many Clintonites and Wall Street heads. Actually the one person I think he tapped from the Clinton days that is doing a good job is the one that held no official position during the Clinton administration, Hillary. I simply had hoped Obama would would have brought more new fresh faces that might be more willing to make adjustements or try new ways as opposed to just going down the same old road as before.
Rahm, Summers, and Geithner are all ones that I believe Obama should have avoided in favor of someone new. I understand the opinion that a young new president needed experience in the Treasury Dept. especially during such turbulent times but I would argue that these guys really did not have a good track record before so why stick with them now? I think Rahm has some political talents and would make a good majority or minority whip for his party. However I don't think you come into town claiming you want to work across the aisle for change and then go out and get a pit bull like Emanuel for your chief of staff.
