ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the reasons why, including the lack of a mandate even with reelection, the issues of second-term staff, the challenges in developing and achieving a second- term agenda, the disappointment of midterm elections, the lack of traction post-midterms, and the hubris and scandal that seem to plague second terms. Reelection is certainly a major achievement for a sitting president, but it rarely translates into a policy mandate for a second term. A second term provides presidents with the opportunity for a fresh start or at least the opportunity to take stock of their team. It is also a natural time for staffers to reconsider their jobs or their roles within the administration. In the initial transition to office before the first term, the task of selecting personnel is especially daunting because newly elected presidents are likely succeeding an outgoing president of the opposing party, so there is probably very little carryover in terms of staff.
