By Keith Epstein, Theo Francis, and Steve LeVine

Obama Assembles His 'Team of Rivals'

Inheriting some monstrous challenges and bracing for the unexpected that confronts every President, Barack Hussein Obama so far has fielded a "team of rivals" for his Cabinet and chief advisers with varying inclinations, experiences, ambitions, and egos. They could provide him with the fresh ideas and tactics he needs to navigate the crises and conundrums of Washington and the world—or create their own conflicts. The agenda is daunting: tackling an economic stimulus involving perhaps $500 billion, steps toward energy independence, changes in health-care insurance, and a tide of federal red ink. Obama has tapped a broad range of players with experience in Washington and beyond, from people he knew and trusted as an Illinois Senator to two former rivals for the Democratic Presidential nomination.