How is the choice of Timothy F. Geithner, the pre-eminent careerist of old-time finance, “change you can believe in”?

Timothy F. Geithner has been at the heart of dealing with the financial crisis. Now, as Barack Obama’s choice for Treasury secretary, he will be thrust from go-between to the head of the table.

The experience that Timothy F. Geithner, former head of the N.Y. Fed and current nominee for Treasury secretary, brings to the table can be looked at as an asset or a liability.

Barack Obama sought to convey an impression of continuity, so that his economic team can “hit the ground running.”

Barack Obama sought to convey an impression of continuity and coordination, so that his administration can “hit the ground running.”

Barack Obama’s economic team has many protégés of Robert E. Rubin, but they are rejecting old orthodoxies.

Barack Obama’s choices for economic advisers are past protégés of former Treasury Secretary Robert E. Rubin, but they are setting aside some old orthodoxies.

The news that Timothy F. Geithner would be named Treasury secretary helped drive stocks sharply higher.

The news that Timothy F. Geithner would be named Treasury secretary helped drive stocks sharply higher on Friday afternoon.

Reports that Timothy F. Geithner would lead the Treasury Department were seen as a sign of continuity to a new administration.