According to John Podesta, a leading member of Barack Obama's transition team, the incoming President would use special powers on stem cell and oil drilling policies, to force through rapid changes.

In an attempt to wipe away some hallmarks of the Bush years, including a ban on embryonic stem cell research and moves to open new lands to oil drilling, Obama will reverse executive orders pertaining to such issues.

Though Podesta, who also served as White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton, refused to "preview decisions that he Obama has yet to make", he nevertheless said: "We're looking at - again, in virtually every agency to see where we can move forward, whether that's on energy transformation, on improving health care, on stem cell research."

Singling out restrictions applied by George Bush in 2001, Podesta said that the Bush administration continues to move aggressively to do things that are not in the interest of the country.

About Obama, Podesta said he is "a transformational figure, and I think he's going to transform the way government acts as we move forward."

Obama transition team's co-chair, Valerie Jarrett, also said the Democrat - who has already appointed a chief of staff and is mulling options for key posts in treasury and defense - is busily crafting a diverse cabinet.

According to the Washington Post, a team of about 50 Obama advisers have worked for months identifying some 200 Bush policies that are possible targets. Other areas of action may include reproductive rights, food and drug regulation and immigration enforcement.