As the opening act of Obama’s fledgling presidency unfolded, the country — and the
world — kept a close eye on the 44th
president’s every important move.

GOP Sen. Judd Gregg has a change of heart and announces his decision not to serve as President Obama’s commerce secretary. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who had hoped Gregg would spearhead bipartisan support for Obama’s economic plan, told the media, “If I said it wasn’t a disappointment, that would lack credibility.” Gregg says he could not advocate policies he did not totally agree with.