Photoshop :: Barack Obama's Website Background Image

I have a few questions about the attached image.

1. MOST IMPORTANT: How would you go about creating the cloudlike heavenlies that surround the main rectangle. Obviously there are more clouds behind the Obama logo to create more contrast...but how do you get that heavenly light effect...Everything I have tried with cloud textures and pattern overlays has produced a very 'cottony' effect --- not a heavenly one.

2. How do you think they accomplished the center image white blown out effect? It seems inverted and then washed out -- but each thing I try creates basically a less opaque version not a less saturated white image? Please advise.

3. How do you think they created the Light Rays coming out of the center image...all tutorials I have found produced an effect that doesn't match up with the background image. I assume once I answer number 1 above I will be able to accomplish this --- but still how would you do it?