Who's who in president's inner circle

Barack Obama has a tight circle of long-standing friends from Chicago politics at the heart of the White House. He has also called in some veterans from the Clinton era.

Rahm Emanuel, chief-of-staff

Served over six years at the White House for Bill Clinton and knows exactly how the levers work. Spent four years in Congress so knows the Hill too. Nicknamed "Rahm-bo".

David Axelrod, senior adviser

Guru of the election campaign will advise on political strategy. Former journalist has known Mr Obama since 1993.

Robert Gibbs, Press secretary

Will front White House press briefings. Has worked for Mr Obama for five years as communications adviser and has a good rapport with reporters.

Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education

New president's long-standing basketball buddy (who once played pro). Ran Chicago's schools.

Valerie Jarrett, adviser

Will assist on intergovernmental relations and public liaison. Met Mr Obama when she headhunted wife Michelle for a job in the Chicago mayor's office.

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State

The former First Lady takes the most powerful Cabinet post. Her high profile is likely to be an asset in international negotiations.

John Podesta, transition chief

Overseeing the setting up of the new administration. Was White House chief-of-staff under Bill Clinton.

Larry Summers, Director of National Economic Council

Former Treasury Secretary under Clinton, he will oversee fiscal strategy during the battle against recession.

Susan Rice, UN Ambassador

A Rhodes Scholar who is an expert on poverty issues and international threats. In the Clinton administration she covered peacekeeping and Africa.

Leon Panetta, CIA director

Former Congressman and chief-of-staff for Bill Clinton.

Eric Holder, Attorney General

First black attorney general, and legal adviser on the presidential campaign.

Jon Favreau, speechwriter

Today's speech was honed by 27-year-old Mr Obama calls "my mind-reader".

James L Jones, National security Adviser

A four-star US Marine Corps general who retired in 2007, he is a pragmatist who is seen as free of party political baggage.

Timothy Geithner, Secretary of Treasury

Served five years as president of the Fed and was a key force in handling the economic crisis.

Robert Gates, Secretary of Defence

A symbol of Mr Obama's wish to be bipartisan, Gates has been doing the same job for George W Bush.