Without a doubt, the new administration is facing many challenges as it enters 2009. The topics front and center with the American people are also those that influential bloggers are buzzing about. But the blogosphere has some interesting takes..

Some highlights:
The economy is being widely discussed with more than 1,050 blogs mentioning “Obama” and “economy” in their posts. Noting the not so pretty legacy being left by the former President, our analysis found over 20% of the influencers making mention of Bush in their posts.

Obama’s blackberry addiction is one many of us technology workers can relate to, and bloggers were no different by dedicating more posts to Obama’s “crackberry” than to his decision to close Guantanamo. TechDirt, the most influential blog chimed in discussing its new look as well as the strictly personal restrictions he will have. Only friends and family need apply.

When looking at conversations about the inauguration, influencers were fascinated in particular with the First Lady. Michelle’s classy and fashionable style stimulated 19% of the conversations about the inauguration to also mention her inaugural ball gown…white, floral and modern, truly classy and beautiful.

Also interesting to note and reflective of the grassroots movement Obama tapped for his campaign – the most influential blogs pertaining to “Obama” and “presidential inauguration” were not traditional media sites, but rather grassroots (and somewhat crunchy) blogs, including The Peace Moonbeam Chronicles, Peace Corps Polygot, and Queen of the Girl Geeks.

Check out PR Week for the full report – with many more tidbits and insights from the influencers.