Stephen Hess, author of What Do We Do Now? A Workbook for the President Elect.

Victory in an American presidential campaign is the gateway to a dramatic, intense period known as the transition. These are the 77 days between election eve and inauguration day when new administrations are staffed at the White House and cabinet levels. These first choices are crucial to the success of an administration and the selection process can be fraught with competitive tension. Stephen Hess, who has direct experience of transitions since 1960 explains how the process should work.