A new year means new people in the Obama administration. The political environment will not be favorable for the US president as of January. It is unclear if the President’s bi-partisan approach to pass important legislation in December will continue for the next two years.

The Presidential election is coming in 2012. Each political party has its own agenda to attract votes in the next election. Many in the White House are leaving, and new people are coming. The newcomers are seen as warriors who will deal with the GOP.

The changes in Washington seem strategic. Only time will tell if President Obama has chosen the right people to advise him. As the Igbo of Nigeria say, “Choose your fellow traveler before you start on your journey.”