Nagano, June 15 - Larry Berman, professor of Political Science at the University of California, Davis, spoke to reporters at the Shinano Mainichi Newspaper about the first 148 days of the Obama Administration.

Professor Berman pointed out major themes in the Administration thus far, including the abrupt departure from many of last administration’s policies, the Obama team’s ability to manage the message, and the President’s building of a “team of rivals” within the cabinet and other top positions.

Considering challenges ahead for the Administration, Professor Berman stated that the economic crisis and the war in Afghanistan present possible pitfalls for the Administration down the road.