Obama Inauguration: Experts Can Comment on Political, Cultural and Historical Aspects

The following University at Buffalo faculty experts can comment on the political, cultural and historical significance of the Obama inauguration.

Obama's first 100 days will be more challenging than it's been for most presidents

James Campbell, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Political Science, 716-645-8452

"President Obama's first 100 days will be more challenging than most. He has as a plate overflowing with issues inherited from President Bush and his predecessors," says Campbell, an expert on presidential politics.

"It will be interesting to see how much of a help it will be for President Obama to have a Congress controlled by his party. We might expect a honeymoon period of some length; but, if President Obama governs as a conciliatory centrist, he will eventually run into a good deal of conflict with a quite liberal Democratic Congress."

Michelle Obama in the White House: How her role as first lady is likely to be influenced by her racial heritage

Lillian Williams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of African-American Studies, 716-645-2082 (office), 716-285-6769 (home)

Williams' academic expertise includes the role of black women in United States history.

A sociological perspective: What will Americans "see" in this young black family on inauguration day?

Sampson Lee Blair, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology, 716-645-8472 (office), 716-688-9640 (home)

Blair studies perceptions and roles of families in American society.

"Go, Tell Michelle," historians assemble letters to Mrs. Obama from black women nationwide

Barbara Seals Nevergold, Ph.D., 716-829-6047 (office), 716-913-1228 (cell)

Historians Barbara Seals Nevergold and Peggy Brooks-Bertram have published a collection of letters, poems, even recipes from black women nationwide to Michelle Obama, offering their advice and hope as she enters the White House.

"Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women's Letters to the New First Lady" is published by SUNY Press. More information about the book is available at http://www.buffalo.edu/news/9827.