Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

[Amiens]

Rahm Emanuel has accepted the position of Chief of Staff in the Obama White House.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/ ... 54796.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel

What do you guys think of the choice?

[SuzySunshine]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

He seems like he has the experience, congress, Clinton's staff, etc. but I'd like to know how much of his voting record has crossed party lines if Obama really wants a bipartisan tenure. I think the Chief of Staff has a lot of power and of course constantly has the president's ear so if Obama really wants a bipartisan tenure I'd like to see him choose democrats and republicans that are willing to work with both sides.

But he seems like a decent choice.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

After reading a few profiles...I was initially put off.

He seems very partisan for a bipartisan administration -- but he is a centrist Democrat (Clinton era). He has a reputation for speaking his mind no matter who he's addressing. (In fact, in the profile I read President Clinton said that the worst thing that Rhom Emmanuael had ever said to him was "unprintable". Apparently, he's got a mouth on him. ) I think having a force like that in charge of a bipartisan staff might be a good move. He doesn't seem timid or unable to stand up to another powerful figure. Also, I think Obama doesn't want yes men around him. This guy sounds like he will bust your chops even if you are president. :huh: That's the positive spin. On the negative side, he is a total political operative and a partisan with a vendetta against some Republicans.

I'm still holding out for bipartisan picks in the remaining cabinet. I defer to the decisions of Obama's people and the man himself. He might no a bit more about the guy than me....even though I did vet him through a five minute google search.

[Amiens]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

I would have hoped Obama would have picked someone more moderate and not as left-leaning. I say this based on what I have read about Emanuel's voting record, and Obama saying he would be centrist and bi-partisan. Then again we are talking about one of the most liberal senators being elected president.

http://www.ontheissues.org/IL/Rahm_Emanuel.htm

http://www.votesmart.org/voting_categor ... n_id=33530

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_c ... n_id=33530

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Rahm Emanuel has accepted the position of Chief of Staff in the Obama White House.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/ ... 54796.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel

What do you guys think of the choice?

Mmmmm...I don't know. Obama has been promising to work with Republicans and reach across the aisle. (I know, I know, they all make this empty promise.) But, given it's his first announcement, it does not bode well for keeping with that representation. Rahm is a notoriously partisan player who often is in acrimonious relationships on the Hill.

But I bet he'll run that place ship-shape.

[Amiens]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Based upon his speech last night about being bi-partisan and working together, makes one think that he would be more centrist. I don't believe this for a minute. All you have to do is look at Obama's voting record, which after careful reading Emanuel's record mirrors Obama.

Oy! It's going to be a loooong four years.

After doing some reading I am not holding my breath that Obama will pick any Republicans or conservatives, let alone moderates.

[Amiens]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

I would have hoped Obama would have picked someone more moderate and not as left-leaning. I say this based on what I have read about Emanuel's voting record, and Obama saying he would be centrist and bi-partisan. Then again we are talking about one of the most liberal senators being elected president.

Just curious, what would make you think Obama would be centrist? His voting record is about a left leaning as you can get and has no record of reaching across the aisle. What positions would his supporters want him to reach across the aisle on anyway? :huh:

I agree. I am not holding my breath that Obama will appoint even moderates to cabinet positions.

[DCJenn]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Uh, it's an internal position. Why wouldn't he pick an experienced manager whose style he clearly thinks works. The job is to protect and manage the President. It's not to welcome everyone to the White House with tea and cookies.

and seriously, oh my panic stricken Republican friends, THAT job need not be bi-partisan at all. Think back to the last 30 years of presidencys (at least) and find ONE Chief of Staff that wasn't a die-hard _____ (insert D or R)

We're not talking about the Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State here. I fully expect him to have a diverse and bipartisan group of people.

Jenn

[Sheherezade]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Well, I also read that Emanuel was despised by the far left and has not been on speaking terms with Dean. Ditto lousy relationship with Pelosi. Who knows if this is true - but his arguments about the Democratic party have been to abandon a non-existent left leaning base and to go after centrist (read:republican/independent) voters. So....as for that he is centrist. In fact he authored a book about centrist policies.

Of course, if you view Clinton (with his free market/trade and welfare to work programs) as far left, you would think this is far left. :huh: I guess how far left the far left is depends on where you place the center.

I did state that he was partisan as hell in my post....and that I was wondering why this pick. :huh: As for the Republicans on the cabinet, my bet would be on Dick Lugar. I've seen others on the lists floated earlier but can't recall which specifically. I'll try to dig up the list.

ETA: Also Chuck Hagel in some articles. And (less plausible) Bloomberg or Guiliani (that one gives me giggles!) for Treasury/Attorney General to clean up the financial mess. My MIL swears by these rumors.

Here's the Politico list. http://www.politico.com/news/stories...142_Page2.html

Most troubling in the Hollywood producer/director as a speechwriting person. I do think the speechwriting on West Wing was far more entertaining that actual State of the Union addresses, though.

[Amiens]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

and seriously, oh my panic stricken Republican friends, THAT job need not be bi-partisan at all. Think back to the last 30 years of presidencys (at least) and find ONE Chief of Staff that wasn't a die-hard _____ (insert D or R)

Just for the record, I'm not panic stricken. I have said over and over that I think the whole bipartisan talk is crap. Stand up for what you believe in and act on it. A huge problem with the republican party is that somewhere along the line they believed they had to be bipartisan to win and be liked. That's just stupid. If Obama is a leftist then he should say it and live it. It's a joke to think Obama will be a centrist, and that's fine, be who you are.

Actually not panic stricken at all, nor am I a Republican, conservative independent, yes. Actually voted for a couple of Dems in the local election. :P Now do I believe Obama or anything he says-- I think the whole bipartisan stuff is crap too. I think when Dems say "Yeah let's reach across the aisle and work together" that is code for "Yeah. my way or the highway, you will take our policies whether you like it or not."

I am trying to be optimistic and taking a wait and see approach. I am of the belief "talk the talk, walk the walk."

[JaneDoe]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Now do I believe Obama or anything he says-- I think the whole bipartisan stuff is crap too. I think when Dems say "Yeah let's reach across the aisle and work together" that is code for "Yeah. my way or the highway, you will take our policies whether you like it or not."

I am trying to be optimistic and taking a wait and see approach. I am of the belief "talk the talk, walk the walk."

I totally understand your skepticism. Didn't Bush say after he was elected the first time that he would reach across the aisle and work togther, but ultimately took the position that it's "my way or the highway"? After that bs, as well as the whole "restoring respect and integrity to oval office" bit, I totally get the skepticism.

I'm hopeful that Obama will bring about the change this country needs, but I'm waiting to see if he delivers. I agree, words alone mean little anymore.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

I remember the same speech post-W election! I was just speaking with DH about that this morning. We were playing a "what-if" game. What if Bush really had reached across the aisle and put Democrats on his cabinet? What if he had made some concessions to the other side and risked the anger of his base? I think I would have viewed him differently. At this point, I wouldn't get angry at Obama if he delayed withdrawal from Iraq (based on new info) or if he made moves to add some limited protections for the unborn. Honestly, I'd be happy to get off the hard line on these two issues. :huh:

How would the base have reacted to Bush installing Democratic cabinet members? Would that have been acceptable? Or would it have been seen as a slight?

I strongly agree that the mandate delivered last night was about Washington stalemates and ego-trip power plays at the expense of real government. I think most of the Obama voters will be very supportive of bipartisan efforts. And if he doesn't follow through.....he will suffer for it. :huh: Several articles have already gone round about Obama's need to "keep listening" or his heavily involved network of supporters will bite him in the ass.

How many Obama supporters got the emails from Obama last night? DH was particularly happy that his said that the email communication would continue - and to expect updates soon from the Obama team. I was also happy that when I encountered difficulties with my ID, I not only emailed the campaign easily but received two responses within hours. Hopefully, his approach will continue to include listening to the people and encorporating their ideas and responses.

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

and seriously, oh my panic stricken Republican friends, THAT job need not be bi-partisan at all. Think back to the last 30 years of presidencys (at least) and find ONE Chief of Staff that wasn't a die-hard _____ (insert D or R)

Just for the record, I'm not panic stricken. I have said over and over that I think the whole bipartisan talk is crap. Stand up for what you believe in and act on it. A huge problem with the republican party is that somewhere along the line they believed they had to be bipartisan to win and be liked. That's just stupid. If Obama is a leftist then he should say it and live it. It's a joke to think Obama will be a centrist, and that's fine, be who you are.

ITA. Not panic stricken. He wasn't honest or upfront about where his political past places him on the political spectrum (he couldn't have been...if he wanted to get elected), but I also don't think that the office lends to one's most radical tendencies. In a different context, he might be able to go super-left, but not as much here. Circumstances and pragmatics will reign him more to the center.

I am a lot more panicky over Pelosi, to be honest.

And, there is always something positive from almost anything...for us conservatives, this pretty much kills off any chance that we'll ever have to deal with the rehashing of Hillary for Pres. She'll be too old to run in 2012. So...win some, lose some, I figure!

[Sheherezade]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Cabinet update: Republican Dick Lugar was asked for Sec of State and declined. Republican Chuck Hagel has not been asked but has stated that he won't rule it out. (Off the political wire) Colin Powell considered for Education or Defense - says he will consider it in CNN interview- but does not expect to be asked.

[Sheherezade]

Re: Emanue accepts top slot in Obama WH

Another update: Emanuel has NOT accepted. Report was withdrawn. He is considering. You can see the update on the original link to MSNBC in the OP