I haven't had much time of late to write about the election, but as most of you know I explained why I supported Barack Obama for President back in February. 

I've been following the transition process closely, and am currently reading A Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln to learn about how one of our most successful Presidents used this period to build the team necessary to lead our country out of darkness.

Amazon.com Editorial Reviewer, Shawn Carkonen, explains:

Goodwin makes the case for Lincoln's political genius by examining his relationships with three men he selected for his cabinet, all of whom were opponents for the Republican nomination in 1860: William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates. These men, all accomplished, nationally known, and presidential, originally disdained Lincoln for his backwoods upbringing and lack of experience, and were shocked and humiliated at losing to this relatively obscure Illinois lawyer.

A realitively obscure Illinois politician beating out nationally known opponents for President of the United States...sound familiar? 

Keep in mind this book was in the works for 10 years prior to publication in 2006, long before Barack Obama announced his bid for the Presidency on the steps of the Old State Capital building in Springfield, Illinois on February 10th, 2007.

Carkonen continues:

Yet Lincoln not only convinced them to join his administration--Seward as secretary of state, Chase as secretary of the treasury, and Bates as attorney general--he ultimately gained their admiration and respect as well. How he soothed egos, turned rivals into allies, and dealt with many challenges to his leadership, all for the sake of the greater good, is largely what Goodwin's fine book is about. Had he not possessed the wisdom and confidence to select and work with the best people, she argues, he could not have led the nation through one of its darkest periods.

Two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century--it's safe to say our nation is going through one of its darkest periods right now.  Yet Lincoln's team of rivals give me hope, and so does this most recent election.

During this transition period, Barack Obama must surround himself with the best people available, something President Bush was never able to do.  During this transition period, Barack Obama must surround himself with the best, his team of rivals.

This team includes Republicans he disagrees with, who fought against him with passion and conviction, the very people who did not want him in the office he is about to assume.  This team also includes Hillary Clinton, the woman who battled him longer than any Republican. 

Some may say this is too much to ask for a modern politician, the days of Lincoln were a different time.  However, the issues our country faces now are as great as they were in March of 1861 when Lincoln took office.  The darkness of this period as dark as it was then.  A team of rivals must be assembled.

For those who still believe it can't be done, there is one last bit of hope.  Barack Obama told 60 Minutes he is currently reading A Team of Rivals as he prepares to take the oath of office in on January 20th.