Memo to President Barack Obama

As Mr. Obama takes office, we asked 18 leaders to offer him their best advice.

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Courtesy of the United States Senate

President-Elect Barack Obama

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Courtesy of the United States Senate

President-Elect Barack Obama

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Congratulations on your historic victory. Now you-and we-have work to do. We asked 18 statesmen and—women spanning the political spectrum to give you their best advice on the most pressing issues we face. Their answers offer wisdom and counsel to you—and, by extension, to us all.

In your presidency, you will face crises not matched since Abraham Lincoln saw the Union falling apart or Franklin Roosevelt witnessed the economic collapse of the Great Depression and later the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Like Lincoln and FDR, you must answer a call to greatness, move to unify the nation, and join with Congress to mobilize the country's best minds and strengthen alliances abroad.

Your first step must be to form a bipartisan Cabinet that includes two able members from the other party, as Roosevelt did in 1940 when he recognized the threat posed by Hitler and prepared to meet the challenge of war. Second, you must form a working partnership with Congress. Contrary to what some presidents-most notably, Woodrow Wilson and George W. Bush-have believed, such an embrace does not mean giving up power.

Abroad, you must reinvigorate our Atlantic and Pacific alliances, remembering that, at its best, NATO won the Cold War without firing a shot-the perfect victory. Keep in mind that there are members of Congress who can be part of this dynamic partnership. Your leadership with Congress, with the American public, and with the Alliance means that you must talk but also listen, for only through such civility will we arrive on higher ground and accomplish what now seems impossible. Read more advice.

"Encourage Debate"
Karl Rove is a former top White House aide and longtime political strategist to George W. Bush.

A top priority will be to create a White House where forceful argument can take place. Plain speaking, straight talk, and dissent must be encouraged, with participants thoroughly prepared, ideas offered with deference for opposing views, and colleagues not subjected to self-serving leaks. The power of the Oval Office can cower critics and silence disagreement; the chief executive must labor hard to make it a place of vigorous debate. Read more advice.

"Remind Us What It Takes To Be Great"
Anne-Marie Slaughter is dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and author of the book The Idea that is America: Keeping Faith with Our Values in a Dangerous World.

Before we begin to tackle the specific problems America faces, your most important job is to change the national frame of mind. You must convince your fellow citizens to believe once again that America can do anything it sets its mind to.

It is not enough to repeat how great we are as a people and a nation. You must remind the country of what it takes to be great and have the courage to call for sacrifice and hard work on the part of all Americans. Read more advice.

"Act Justly and Walk Humbly"
The Reverend Billy Graham has advised every president since Harry Truman.

More than 2,700 years ago, the Jewish prophet Micah said to the people of his day, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

Could any words be more appropriate for you as you assume office?

Look carefully at Micah's three injunctions. First, he exhorts you to "act justly"-to do what is right, not just what is politically expedient. Power brings with it many temptations that can be almost overwhelming, as more than one president has discovered, to his shame. Know them, resist them, and make it your goal to live with integrity and with enthusiasm for justice.

Then Micah charges you to "love mercy"—not just to practice mercy but to make it your passion. Never overlook those who cannot care for themselves and those who live under the constant threat of disease, starvation, poverty, or tyranny. Work with compassion and determination for a better world. Love not only those who are your friends but those who oppose you. And never forget your family amid the demands on your time; they need you, and you need them.

Finally, Micah calls you to "walk humbly with your God." Every word in that phrase is important. Our relationship with God isn't something we begin and then forget; it should be a daily walk as we constantly turn to Him in prayer. But you can't truly walk with God if you allow pride or ego to dominate you. The Bible says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." The only person who hears God's voice is the one who humbly seeks it.

May God bless you, your family, and all who work with you for a better and more peaceful world. Read more advice.

"Restate the Case For U.S. Leadership Abroad"
Madeleine Albright served as secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. This advice is excerpted from her 2008 book, Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership.

Amid the swirl of events of these past 15 years, four trends hold the greatest peril to American interests: terror and the rise of anti-Americanism in the Arab and Muslim worlds, the erosion of international consensus on nuclear proliferation, growing doubts about the value of democracy, and the gathering backlash against globalization due primarily to the widening split between rich and poor.

There is a fifth danger that could exacerbate the other four. Historically, America has responded to periods of deep involvement overseas by trying to withdraw. This was true after World War I, after Vietnam, and again following the Cold War. After Iraq, Americans will be reluctant to take risks. So should we be, but not so reluctant that new threats are allowed to grow.

We are in a cantankerous mood. A poll found that 42 percent of Americans say the United States should "mind its own business internationally and let other countries get along the best they can." Tending to one's own affairs is a virtue in America. Why not disengage? Why wouldn't we let others take the lead?

Your presidency must answer these questions by restating the case for U.S. leadership. This is not 1808 or 1908. If the tools of American power are allowed to rust, alternative powers will fill the void. Some will do no harm; others will do no good. The time will arrive when we must awaken again, and there is a risk that we will respond too late. Far better to remain vigilant. We have unique capabilities; we must use them for the right purposes. Read more advice.

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