ace..I would suggest that McCain only has an advantage if he intends to keep many Bush political appointees (particularly at the sub-cabinet level) and intends to have similar policy goals for the numerous departments/agencies.
Otherwise, I dont see the head start. The process is long and cumbersome....vetting thousands of appointees, holding security briefings for many, training on general personnel guidelines for most, setting agency agendas, etc.
But what I disagree with most in your initial reaction was the suggestion that Obama was doing it "to impress people"....but you're entitled to your opinion. IMO, the fact, that by most accounts, Obama's transition plans are farther along than McCain sounds like a more thoughtful, deliberative approach.
BTW, Bush announced his
transition council today.....to impress people?