When Incoming Presidents Made Major Appointments

[Chart]

Notes

— Because the election date varies but Inauguration Day is fixed (at January 20), the transition periods for each incoming president vary in length.
— Dates for President George W. Bush count forward from Dec. 13, 2000, when Al Gore conceded. By this measure, he named his chief of staff at day -17 (Andrew Card, announced on Nov. 26, 2000).
— President George H.W. Bush did not appoint a senior adviser.

Source: Partnership for Public Service’s Center for Presidential Transition

Credit: Scott Horsley and Alyson Hurt/NPR