The morning line, Dec. 2, 2008

The editorial boards of both the New York Times and the Washington Post praise Obama's national security choices, which include retaining Robert Gates as secretary of Defense, nominating Hillary Clinton to head State and appointing retired Marine Gen. James L. Jones as national security adviser. The Times calls the team "a relief," while the Post dismisses concerns of cabinet infighting as "unlikely." (More after the jump.)

The Los Angeles Times and Politico report on environmentalists' concerns over the appointment of Jones, who is an energy adviser to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has served on the board of Chevron. At the Chamber, Jones signed on to a pre-Election Day transition plan advocating offshore oil drilling, "clean coal" and nuclear energy development. The Washington Times says Obama's selection of Jones was a "victory" for environmentalists because Jones considers energy a national security issue and therefore might press for more alternative energy.

Citing "senior defense and transition officials," the Washington Post reports that while Gates will stay on as secretary of Defense, many of his top lieutenants will leave.

AP reports that Sen. Clinton's ties to India may complicate her job as chief diplomat.

The New York Times outlines attorney general nominee Eric Holder's role in the 2001 pardon of financier and tax evader Marc Rich, and the Washington Post’s Richard Cohen makes the case that the pardon should disqualify him from the post.

The New York Times points out that, as secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano may end up directing a national ID program akin to that which she strenuously opposed as governor of Arizona.

The Boston Globe opines that Obama’s promises of support to business and workers is "likely to achieve one result that has been unthinkable for 75 years: It will make the Democrats the party of Big Business." The war in Iraq and the Republican social agenda have also contributed to "alienate many Wall Street executives from the Republican Party even before the recent financial meltdown."

Most of the nation's governors will meet with Obama today to ask for federal help in getting through the recession.

Politico reports on Biden’s first press conference since the election.

Despite being called "the billion-dollar man" by Politico, The National Journal notes that Obama's fundraising for his transition team is "barely on pace to cover the estimated $12 million price tag" of the next 49 days. Obama's initial transition funding report, released yesterday, included 1,776 donors, a number NJ found "suspiciously fortuitous."

Despite Obama’s claim that he won't go "around checking people's political registration" when hiring for his administration, the Politico observes that applicants are asked for their party affiliation when applying through Change.gov.