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DEL.ICIO.USThe Obama administration takes shape
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
President-elect Barack Obama’s first personnel decision, naming U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff, is both smart and a little dangerous, a description you could also apply to Emanuel himself.
Obama knows Emanuel and trusts him, and nobody ever questioned Emanuel’s intelligence or work ethic. But he also has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to achieve what he wants, which can be real trouble in a job as powerful as chief of staff.
On the other hand, one of Obama’s biggest challenges as president will be exerting discipline on a Democratic Congress. President Bush refused to perform that executive function, allowing congressional Republicans free rein, to the detriment of himself and Congress as well.
Emanuel should prove helpful in keeping the congressional Dems in line.
Typically in transitions, names are leaked for publicity or symbolic reasons — rumors of Colin Powell being offered a Cabinet post and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being named to head the Environmental Protection Agency probably fit into that category.
Kennedy’s appointment would be a disaster. He has been very effective as an environmental activist, but the EPA doesn’t need an activist as its administrator, and Obama knows it. Business and industry want and deserve a fair hearing at EPA, and they aren’t likely to feel they’re getting one if Kennedy is at the helm.
On the other hand, the suggestion that Obama keep Robert Gates as secretary of defense deserves serious consideration. Gates has done an excellent job for the American people in trying to repair the damage done to U.S. policy and to the U.S. military under Rumsfeld, and that experience at unwinding the mistakes of others could be invaluable for President Obama.
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Comments
By getalife
November 7, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Rahm is a Clinton fighter and a great choice.
President Obama restores the Constitution like promised
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
This is one reason I supported Hillary.
She would have been able to put together an excellent cabinet. But Obama shuold be able to as well, but it will take a little more time.
Emanuel shuld be fine. You have to have someone tough to withstand the constant onslaught from the opposition and to manage the president’s time.
By G
November 7, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Sarah Palin would make an excellent Ambassador to Russia.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I had an initial negative reaction to Emanuel. Then began listening to others and doing a bit of reading. Seems he’s not quite the firebrand detractors paint him to be. More moderate than many give him credit. Sure, he had some episodes in the Clinton Administration, but that was fifteen years ago and I trust he learns from past mistakes.
Many make a lot of ‘partisan’ - but plenty of behind-the-scenes examples of bipartisanship exist. Tough? Given his first major function was as a fundraiser and how people don’t want to part with their money (I read one report he called George Soros ‘cheap’), ‘tough’ is a desirable attribute to develop.
One of the keys of leadership is to adapt one’s style/personality to the situation. We’ll see how he does.
Exert discipline on Congressional Democrats? I’ve written in the past about the inherent tensions between the Executive and Legislative. This will be a fine example. Seems a fine line, here. Discipline? Or wield power? Or influence? Somehow I don’t think Spkr Pelosi and Sen Reid will take kindly to having someone exert ‘discipline’ over them when they don’t get what the want. But another good reason to have Emanuel there.
Interesting differences between Gates and Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld didn’t fire any generals, far as I remember. Army Chief of Staff Shinseki announced his retirement months early (before his ‘troops needed to secure Iraq’ remarks) and if anything, Rumsfeld used a passive-aggressive style to hasten departure, not outright confrontation.
Gates has fired the Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff (okay, they resigned… didn’t have a choice). And has laid down the markers for others. Gates is the only reason the AF is now expanding Predator operations to nonflyers who don’t have multimillion dollar flight training, eight years of flight experience and bonuses of tens of thousands of dollars a year. Guess some generals really can get innovative when their careers are on the line.
So I agree, keep Gates right where he is. He’s been remarkably nonpolitical - not at all a cheerleader like his predecessor.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
oh, and Jay,
Your description of Emanuel? Sounds a bit like your description of fighter pilots and Sen McCain. Has the temper, too. Just hope he’s not too unstable for the job…
:-)
By RealityKing
November 7, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Emanuel is a Chicago liberal, a dirty political infighter that has worked hard to widen Washington’s partisan divide. A very ironic choice for a president-elect who is promising “to change Washington, make politics more civil and govern from the center”
Is this change we can believe in or a setup for a good cop/bad cop hollywood routine directed straight from the White House??
By Morningstar
November 7, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Another good column Jay. Appointing Rahm as chief of staff was an excellent decision. Rahm is a knowledgeable, strong leader. GREAT choice!!!
“Joe the Electrition” from previous thread. Teacher best be playing turn the globe with students.
“Corporal” @ 10:57 - Obama elected because of skin color? I don’t know a single soul who cast their vote for Obama based on skin color!
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
..But he also has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to achieve what he wants,
A touch of Lenin, you might say.
Which is exactly what’s needed to go up against the right-wing thug machine.
Did someone say ‘extremist’?
By Mr Snarky
November 7, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Can we suspend Alaska’s status as a state? They could be like a Virgin Islands of the north. They’re acting more like some kind of third world country by endorsing corruption and re-electing Stevens.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Soixante
I’d be willing to bet he’ll need those skills more to take on his own Party’s power brokers than the remnants of “the right-wing thug machine.”
By E
November 7, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Emanuel is a skilled politician, a close friend of President-elect Obama, and has the intimate knowledge of Congress that is required to shepherd Obama’s agenda through the House and the Senate.
By GreenJeans
November 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Morning, all:
My first thought upon hearing the above news was that Obama will be the velvet glove to Emanuel’s iron fist.
Probably a necessary and prudent decision. Emanuel’s tool chest houses a hard-nosed diplomacy which will come in handy, too, when dealing with the minority party. They understand and respond to that.
And leave Gates where he is. I like him.
By Greg Mendel
November 7, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Jay, your observation on RFK, Jr. and EPA is astute. One of the countless transgressions of the Dubyadministration was putting political ideologues and cronies in charge of the federal bureaucracy (Brownie at FEMA, for example).
The various departments and agencies are there to do a non-partisan, non-political job. We don’t need a wingnut or organic fascist in charge of the safety of our food supply or public transportation.
In short, making the best interests of the nation — as opposed to the best interests of the Republican or Democratic Party — a priority is the “change” we need.
For the past eight years, we have effectively operated without a Department of State. Bush’s answer to diplomacy was to turn it over to a Department of Defense that should have been called the War Department.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I’d be willing to bet he’ll need those skills more to take on his own Party’s power brokers than the remnants of “the right-wing thug machine.
I was just going to add…
There are plenty of thugs to be kept in line and plenty who will go wobbly.
We’re not ushering in a utopia here.
What’s to be done here is merely to contain damage and keep a space open for the future.
Besides, we’ve got a perfect storm bearing down on us right now - and we’re just in the eye of the thing. The worst is yet to come.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
The Emanuel choice also highlights one of Obama’s glaring shortcomings - experience in the ways of Washington. Well, that Clint Eastwood silent cowboy said “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” Good thing Obama does - and has the good sense to compensate.
By @@
November 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Well jay! if you can overlook the fact that Rahm’s pockets are “rahmed” full of money from individuals and political action committees in securities and investment businesses than from any other industry, you’ll be very excited with the pick.
This comes after a presidential campaign that saw Obama frequently criticize Wall Street and blamed lack of government regulations for the economic crisis that hit the country in mid-September.
Obama’s Pick for Chief of Staff Tops Recipients of Wall Street Money
OBlahMa, The Wealth Redistributor-in-Chief is off and running.
I have no problem with Gates.
Robert Kennedy’s dealings with Hugo Chavez (cheap oil for America’s poor) causes me concern.
The defeat of green initiatives on state ballots, California included, presents your PrezE with a huge obstacle I’m certain he didn’t anticipate. His green jobs initiative has been called out of bounds.
It’s shaping up to be an interesting first term for your guy.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Paul, I meant to write that he has plenty of problem children to keep in line both inside and outside his party. Actually I wouldn’t mind seeing him bang some Boehner and Pelosi heads together, for ex., just to keep some order.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Well, the head of Ford says they have enough cash to survive. Their share of the $25 billion is ‘just in case.’ He also said it’s a loan, to be paid back. Not a bailout.
By RealityKing
November 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
In 92 the Isreali army deemed Emanuel unfit for anything but cleaning the rusty brakes of old jeeps! Talk about irresponsible choices!!
But hey…, lets all affirm Obama’s pass on this one too..
By Paul
November 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Soixante 12:03
Now that would be fun to watch.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t agree with you more, Paul.
But just so Joe Lieberman keeps sleeping with the fishes.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
RealityKing
I’d imagine the soldiers riding the vehicles into combat situations would take issue with your assertion that the guy who maintains the vehicle is unfit for anything important.
As the crew chief said to the arrogant fighter pilot who was strapping himself in before the launch: “Excuse me, sir, what color roses do you think goes best in a funeral bouquet?”
By Dusty
November 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I guess Emanuel is OK. Sounds tough. Crooked? Maybe he will get the Stevens “cure” if he really is crooked. If he gets tough with Pelosi, Reid, Durban, Boxer,Dodd, Schumer. Waxman etc. I would be quite fond of him.
But R. F. Kennedy jr. for an office? Isn’t he the one who ran into safety barriers at 4 in the morning and was on something stronger than alcohol? Not trying to dig up scandal. Just trying to think what will come up in his case.
Robert Gates? PLease hang on to him. Way back I wanted him to run for the Presidency but never heard that idea ever mentioned. Maybe he was not interested.
We shall see whom Obama chooses. He has not made the best decision with friends and coworkers in the past but maybe he learned something. Hope so.
By Pogo Possum
November 7, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Emanuel’s Role at Freddie Mac » President-elect Barack Obama’s newly appointed chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, served on the board of directors of the federal mortgage firm Freddie Mac at a time when scandal was brewing at the troubled agency and the board failed to spot “red flags,” according to the government reports.
So, when does this self-serving idiot hire Barney the “goat” Franks, for sectary of pond scum?I don’t think the American people are going to like giving this thief the keys to the Country. Bad, bad, bad…Choice Barak…. Honestly, I could not be more pleased with this choice of good old boy favoritism and reward.
The independent investigator will write the next legacy as “The most corrupt administration in history, well since President Grant held office”. Or every weasel gets a free pass to the hen house via the ACLU…….
By Paul
November 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Dusty
Different Kennedy. A Congressman. I know, there’s a lot of Kennedys and a lot of train wrecks to keep track of.
Betcha there’s one family trust that isn’t subject to income redistribution!
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Ah yes, the inevitable front spread with the words echoing - in inverted form - the Conservative rallying cry during the early Buckley era: ‘The Conservative Crackup’
With an image of a withered elephant with its trunk and head raised upward in mid-roar.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
With an image of a withered elephant with its trunk and head raised upward in mid-roar.
As if to say: God, why have you forsaken me?
By Shawny
November 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Change is coming to Washington… or pick Rahm. Change is coming to Washington… or we may need to pare back those tax breaks a bit.
By Dusty
November 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Paul. 12;27
You are correct that I can’t keep the Kennedy’s in government “straight”. It is a relief that the one I thought he was ISN’T. Don’t believe I got that “straight” either. Maybe I need to play that James Taylor number again.
Soixante,12:33
That elephant died at the zoo. She never made it to Washington. BUT there are still plenty of elephants in this country. Somebody is gonna have to keep it straight. We are ready and able and don’t you wish we weren’t. Just call it a sabbatical if you must!!
By RB from Gwinnett
November 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Wow Jay, thats the first balanced piece I’ve seen from you. You actually had something nice to say about a R and something critical of a D. And it was based on some rational logic. And in print. I’m proud of you Jay. Keep it up!!
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
To Morningstar
Then you have been living on another plante.
To Jay
You know I always agree with you when you are right. Rumsfield was an unmitigated disaster for the Bush Administration as McNamara was for Johnson. Due to his idiotic handling of the Iraq war invasion probably 75% of those Americans killed in battle since then did not have to be. He needs to be held accountable.
By leni
November 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
You guys are kind of dull. Told my kids I don’t think anyone of you smart enough to join our Glasperlenspiel.
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
The headline reads: Obama to meet press for 1st time since election.
Sorry, but they mean for the first time since long before the election. He hid out for weeks and refused to do a press conference as he would have to get off his teleprompter and answer tough questions during a campaign.
You call that leadership?
By @@
November 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
leni:
You guys are kind of dull.
No one is stopping you from REGISTering your MAGnanimous LUGI elsewhere.
By College Professor
November 7, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Colin Powell as national security advisor. How about either Bill Clinton or Sam Nunn as Secretary of State? Or Nunn as Secretary of Defense. I also like Bill Cosby as Secretary of Education. Just my two cents.
By College Professor
November 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Colin Powell as national security advisor. How about either Bill Clinton or Sam Nunn as Secretary of State? Or Nunn as Secretary of Defense. I also like Bill Cosby as Secretary of Education. And Warren Buffet as Secretary of the Treasury. Just my two cents.
By College Professor
November 7, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Colin Powell as national security advisor. How about either Bill Clinton or Sam Nunn as Secretary of State? Or Nunn as Secretary of Defense. I also like Bill Cosby as Secretary of Education. And Warren Buffet as Secretary of the Treasury. Just my two cents.
By jeremy
November 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
nothing says change like putting the same old washington in crowd back in power again. I thought Obama was going to change Washington? Hard to do that when your enforcer is a long time washington insider. Oh well he is elected now so promises mean nothing.
By GMAN
November 7, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Oh “Corporal”, there so much venom in your tone. But then what more could be expected of a sore loser. Be a man and admit total domination!
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
So not being available for news conferences is now a sign of a lack of leadership?
Does anyone else detect a little jealousy and resentment because their candidate was so inartiiculate?>
By What
November 7, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry Jay, please clarify — your first two paragraphs are describing Rahm Emanuel or Obama???