At the press conference yesterday afternoon, Summers offered a glimpse of how he might use the Harvard presidency to advocate various issues, though he did not state what those issues were.

"I'm sure that when it's appropriate, and in Harvard's interest, I will feel free to speak and write on issues that are of concern to Harvard and issues that are of concern to higher education," Summers said. "But to try to speculate on that at this point would be very premature."

Friends say Summers will likely use the Harvard presidency to push issues he cares about. Late last year, for example, Summers became deeply involved in the push for tax incentives to encourage the development of an AIDS vaccine.

But policy has never been the only thing on Summers' mind.

"He's somebody who cares about his colleagues, cares about what marks he's making and leaving and is strong-willed and is someone who can work well with a lot of people," Podesta said.

"He was viewed as a hard bargainer, and a guy who would press his position, but someone who was always straight and honest," Podesta added.

Indeed, when a controversial memo regarding the disposal of toxic waste,

written by an assistant but signed by Summers, was leaked to the press, Summers didn't hide from blame.