Obama team taking shape

CHICAGO — Barack Obama's win was only hours old on Wednesday when he began construction of his administration, by day's end putting in place a transition team of friends and Washington veterans and courting Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel to serve as chief of staff.

Emanuel wrestled with the choice, meaning a return to the White House for the alumnus of the Clinton administration but also a departure from Congress where he has risen quickly to the top ranks.

As the Obama team transitioned hastily out of campaign mode, it became clear immediately what an intense glare will follow every move between now and the Jan. 20 inauguration.

While Obama's campaign was a virtually leak-proof enterprise, Wednesday's developments came in a steady trickle — some before they were, according to the principles, strictly true.

"No," Emanuel said in a terse afternoon e-mail when asked if he had accepted the White House job. Discussions were continuing, according to Democratic officials, and strategists speculated that Emanuel wouldn't be letting the rumor linger if he weren't seriously considering the offer.

For the day following a decisive election, Obama kept a remarkably low profile.

After breakfast at home with his wife and daughters, he headed to a nearby apartment complex for an hourlong workout.

Later, he stopped at the offices of Ariel Investments at the Aon Center, where he spent most of the afternoon making calls to thank staff members and supporters.

As he got out of his SUV at the building's underground entrance, Obama briefly turned and walked a few paces toward the pool press following him and shouted, "Hi, guys. Did you get much sleep?"

When a question was shouted back about his own sleep, Obama shot back: "Not as much as I'd like."

Michelle Obama made calls on Wednesday, too, including one to first lady Laura Bush.

The future first lady thanked the current one for the "grace and strength she's demonstrated," according to an Obama aide, and thanked her in advance for her guidance in the months to come. The two women agreed that Michelle Obama and her daughters would visit the White House in the next few weeks.

Obama's family is also dealing with more personal questions such as where his daughters will go to school in Washington. Aides have said the family is likely to remain in Chicago through the end of the year because Michelle Obama is adamant that her two daughters not miss any school.

There is also a puppy to find. Obama recommitted himself to a pledge he made early on in the campaign to get his daughters the dog they have long wanted.