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These would largely be symbolic actions. But more substantive decisions are already pressing in on Reagan. Within a few weeks, he will have to draft a detailed speech, amounting to a State of the Union address, explaining the economic package his aides want to present to Congress by mid-February. At about the same time, Reagan will have to decide on his approach to dealing with the Soviets, and with U.S. allies, whose leaders will be clamoring to meet with him early in his Administration. Social issues—abortion is the prime example—that are important to many of Reagan's followers probably will be put aside by the new Administration so that it can set a few clear priorities and act on them immediately.
The new Administration will also have to decide quickly how to organize itself. Reagan initially intended to set up an Executive committee of the Cabinet, a kind of super-Cabinet of three or four senior department heads that would meet regularly with him and top White House staff officials to discuss the whole range of policy decisions. But aides last week were talking of setting up not one inner Cabinet but three or four. One would concentrate on foreign and national-security policy, another on economic affairs, a third and possibly a fourth on related domestic concerns, such as welfare, education, health and other social policies.
The nation this week is mesmerized by the fun and games of the Inauguration, but for Ronald Reagan it is obvious the serious work of being President has already begun.
—By George Church. Reported by Laurence I. Barrett/Washington and Douglas Brew with Reagan