What is unique about how the Obama administration has handled these past few days compared to past presidents?
Mayer: As far as the first two days of this administration, they have had triumph of image, which is important. One of the other tasks of the first week of an administration is to start the honeymoon well. If you want to carry a metaphor way beyond where it should go, if this is the honeymoon period and America is the bride and Obama the husband, we’re checking into the honeymoon hotel this first week, and you don’t want logistical problems…. The image that has been conveyed is crucial. He has done a very good job of making sure that the pictures that go across and the message that comes out are very positive and uplifting and patriotic. I think you have to go back to [Ronald] Reagan’s inaugural to find one that has been this successful. That has really attracted the attention of the nation.
