Arch-DLCer Rahm Emmanuel pegged as Obama's Chief of Staff

[Romulox]

WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama's campaign has approached Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel about possibly serving as White House chief of staff, officials said Thursday as the marathon presidential race entered its final, frenzied stretch with a Democratic tilt.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/30/AR2008103000486.html

http://www.ndol.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=254682&subid=110&kaid=103

[regnaD kciN]

1. More like "rumored" than "pegged," IMHO...

Let's win the damn election first, then worry about who serves on the WH staff.

[cali]

2. charming. spreading rumor as fact . fuck that disgusting bullshit tactic.

Obama's campaign and Emanuel have both denied this. If it is true, Emanuel wouldn't be a bad pick at all in that largely administrative role. He's tough as nails and no idiot.

[Romulox]

3. It's the headline on this morning's WaPo. Sorry it's unsettling. nt

[cali]

6. oh yes, because the WaPo wouldn't stretch the truth in a headline.

why the powers that be there would never do any such thing. And as I said, should it happen, I'd be fine with it. I'm not one that's deluding herself into thinking that an Obama administration is going to herald an era of pure liberalism. It's clear from who Obama is that that isn't in the cards.

[Romulox]

7. So are you mad at Obama, or mad at me for bringing it up?

:shrug:

[cali]

10. I'm annoyed with the WaPo. Nothing new there. I think it's a rag.

[Romulox]

4. BTW, how can it both be a disgusting rumor and "not a bad pick" at the SAME TIME?

:wtf:

[cali]

8. hello? rumors are disgusting in the political context.

it has little to do with whether the rumor is palatable... or not.

[endthewar]

52. Next time don't skip your dose

:rofl:

[cali]

61. shove it-

painfully. As someone who spent years advocating for the mentally ill, I find your type of slimy comment, revolting- not to mention mindless and limited.

[endthewar]

65. Good grief...

Your posts in this thread so far are nothing short of mind-boggling.

:rofl:

[riqster]

88. Keep him on a short leash and he'll do a fine job,

...if this were to actually happen.

[wyldwolf]

5. and what a good one he would make

:)

[Romulox]

9. Change! nt

[wyldwolf]

11. you're going to be so disappointed

[Romulox]

13. As are many people who took that slogan literally. nt

[wyldwolf]

14. the disappointment will be with those who...

1. Believe they'll be owed a say in what Obama does
2. Didn't take the time to learn Obama's politics on a tactical and policy level.

[Romulox]

19. "Believe they'll be owed a say in what Obama does"--LOL, as if this were a DEMOCRACY or something!

[wyldwolf]

23. LOL - as if a candidate's supporters are owed a say in staff decisions

Uh, Romulox, is it ok with you if I appoint Mr. Emanual? No? Ok, I'll run my next choice by you then...

:rofl:

But, hey, we don't need to argue about it now. Wait a few weeks and see if Obama is listening to you.

[ikojo]

29. The only ones who will receive payment for their

contributions to any political candidate are the big money donors.

[bread_and_roses]

31. The people who elect Obama will expect a return - and rightly so

I am not a Democrat, and neither naive nor ignorant of the constraints of political "realities." I am well aware that we really have only two versions of one Party in the US - the "Piss on You" Party and the "Scraps and Bones for You" Party.

But for all your gloating and condescension, there is one possibility you do not seem to entertain - a remote possibility, I freely admit, but a possibility nonetheless. Obama's campaign may have unleashed forces that could alter your complacent, status-quo rules forever scenario (one that I have noted you touting all the years I've been here, and touting with a seeming glee that is utterly mystifying to me).

Obama has not only raised hopes and expectations, but more importantly has mobilized - what? hundreds of thousands? - of volunteers and given them a taste of activism. And winning, he'll have given them a taste of activism that gets results. That's a heady brew. It gives people ideas. It gives them energy. Even scarier - it gives them skills!

The great social changes in this country have not been gifted to the people by their elected leaders. They have been driven by the activism and demands of the people. The Voting Rights Act being a prime example. The reforms and rights driven by the Labor movement another.

I have supported Obama since Edwards dropped out. However, I expect nothing from him other than what we demand so loudly, persistently, and effectively that he (and the pusillanimous Congress) has no option but to comply.

The odds are long, the forces alligned against progress almost immeasurably powerful, not least the eternal optimism of Americans that a change at the top will work magic. But thousands have had an education in organizing during this campaign, and a taste of success. So, though without much hope, I am not hopeless. The real work starts after the election.

[wyldwolf]

57. "there is one possibility you do not seem to entertain" and you as well

You seem to believe the only people "electing Obama" are some once-hidden part of the electorate that thinks like you do.

[bread_and_roses]

82. Nice try, but much of the US "thinks like [I] do" on a number of major issues

Not to mention that your post makes a ridiculous assumption about what I "believe." As usual, anyone who offers you even the slightest difference of opinion must be too stupid and inexperienced to understand political dynamics. *shrugs*

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Romulox]

20. While I agree, you can see from this thread that no one wants to hear it...nt

[pecwae]

25. Best post in this thread.

[dionysus]

40. someone's still bitter about the primaries...

:rofl:

[demnan]

12. The man has a lot of skill politically

Look at this from the standpoint of that skill. I think its a good pick.

[TornadoTN]

15. I may not agree with his tactics, but there's no denying he is a political force

Chief of Staff would be a good position for him to be quite honest. He's a skilled politician, is very well connected, and would do well in that position. He already knows the power structure and that's exactly what a good chief of staff needs to know the most.

I never thought I'd be defending him, but I don't think this is as bad as anyone is going to make out.

[wyldwolf]

16. Imagine the press conferences

Reporter: Mr. Emanuel, it is true Obama wants to set a socialist agenda?
Emanuel: Hey, FUCK YOU! If you don't stop with that shit, I'll kill you. Does that sound like a socialist, you putz? Next question...

[Romulox]

22. Setting aside the minor fact that "socialism" is as repulsive to Emmanuel's ilk as it is to

any "compassionate conservative"...unless it is socialism for Wall Street, naturally! :hi:

[wyldwolf]

26. Find me 3 Democrats elected on a national level that embrace it on a widespread scale

What you'll find by far are supporters of a mixed economy... like Obama. And Emanuel.

[Romulox]

27. Civics lessons? Can you name me 3 Democrats IN TOTAL "elected on a national level?"

:eyes:

[wyldwolf]

28. Every US senator - they hold a federal office - are you going to dodge the point further?

[Kalyke]

34. But they're not elected on a national level.

They are elected for a national office, representing a state. They're elected on a statewide level.

OK - back to your discussion. That wording just bothered me.

[wyldwolf]

37. elected state-wide TO a national level.. whatever...

:shrug:

[Romulox]

67. Hatter: "Why, you might just as well say that, 'I see what I eat' is the same as 'I eat what I see'"

- Lewis Carroll

[wyldwolf]

77. so, instead of actually discussing the point, you've gone from semantics to Alice in Wonderland

:rofl:

[Romulox]

79. Your "point" was based on your ignorance of simple civics; my correction addresses it adequately. nt

[wyldwolf]

80. no, you argued semantics but won't answer a simple question...

..because, well, we know why... :)

[Mudoria]

18. Emanuel would be a great pick as CoS

[BeyondGeography]

21. That's it, I'm voting for Nader

:dunce:

[Deep13]

47. *delete* wrong place

[sampsonblk]

24. Fine by me

Seems a good fit for him.

[genna]

30. I have liked Rahm Emanuel from the first time I saw his high strung self

I may not like the policy positions of the DLC, but Daschle may have been too much in regards to the day to day grind of the WH. At 60+, he might want a reduced role. Perhaps he wants to handle just one area?

Is he thinking about coming back to the Senate?

[Tatiana]

32. Actually, he would be a very competent CoS. He's a smart man.

The question is, can Obama trust him?

[olkaz]

33. The only winner in that scenario is the State of Illinois

Since we'd be rid of him locally.

I have a laundry list of things I don't like about him, but one that particularly sticks out is how he and a few other people tried to take all the credit for the Dean strategy in 2006.

Obama, you can do better.

Aside: This is putting the cart before the horse, big time. Let's win first.

[VenusRising]

46. Taking credit away from Dean is the problem I have with him, too.

And that he is a DLCer.

I know that Obama is going to be bi-partisan in choosing his administration, but we don't need anyone that will undermine the work of Howard Dean, DFA, and the grassroots.

[olkaz]

49. Exactly.

I don't want to move back to the old losing strategy of "republican-lite fighting for three swing states".

The Dean strategy works, and it is only in its infancy still. People are just now getting involved. To turn on this would be suicide, but I guarantee DLC'ers are just salivating at the thought of claiming the win for themselves and go back to their losing ways.

[grantcart]

35. right all of a sudden the Obama campaign has sprung leaks

and is passing out its staff picks before the election in order to signal to people that the election is over.


Puhleeze.

[Renew Deal]

36. I think he'd be a good choice

Rahm is tough and smart. I think he'd be able to help Obama.

[yellowwood]

38. No, No, No Rahm Emanuel!

Here in Illinois, he was one of the Superdelegates who held out for Hillary long after other Illinoians had committed to Obama, thus prolonging the misery of the pre-nomination. He waited until the last dog died. He certainly wasn't representing Illinois.
He's full of ego and has been jockeying for higher political office for a long time and is not to be trusted to represent our interests.
No, no, no! I would really be disappointed to see him in Obama's inner circle.

[CreekDog]

39. Obama's the boss and Rahm knows the White House

and it will keep him from sniping. :think:

[Clio the Leo]

41. How would Axelrod, Plouffe and that dreamboat Gibbs fit into all of this?

This isn't really related to the OP but I dont think the question merits its own thread. What titles would the top Obama strategists have in a new administration?

ANd is there ANY chance I could be appointed the Ambassador to Bloomingdales? What'cha think?

[Recursion]

43. I thought Axlerod was just in it for the campaign

I don't have any solid info on that, though

[Recursion]

42. That's fine; keep him inside the tent pissing out

Rather than outside the tent pissing in.

[Deep13]

50. +1

:D :thumbsup:

[Jennicut]

44. Why oh why are we starting this crap now? The man has not even been elected

and already the infighting has started. Some here need to get over the primaries aleady (not naming names, just saying) and some here need to realize Obama will pick who he needs politically to help him, DLC, Rethug or ardent follower of all things Obama. LOL...some people just need to chill!

[DevonRex]

45. What do you think a chief of staff does? Run the government? nt

[Deep13]

48. Obama can pick whomever he wants.

Apart from not crediting mere rumors, there would be specific reasons to choose a consumate insider as CoS.

1. Fist, obviously, he has the insider knowledge of how Washington works that O doesn't have.
2. There's the whole big tent thing. Remember that the D in DLC stands for Democratic.
3. If the DLC is an "enemy" then remember the proverb: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Putting this guy on the payroll will keep him on a short lease.

[onenote]

51. For those of you so upset about this rumor

just think ... if you haven't already voted you can still switch and support McCain (directly by voting for him or by staying home or voting for McKinney or otherwise throwing away your vote). I'm sure that if McCain is elected, he'll pick a chief of staff you'll like.

NOT.

[Blue_Tires]

53. hopefully it is just a rumor

[eshfemme]

54. The thing is Rahm Emanuel doesn't seem to be of the "no drama" ilk

Besides the objections DUers have to him in that he's a DLCer and a drama whore when it came to the 50 state strategy, why would the leak-free Obama team be leaking this to the media? This lede originally came from the AP which is headed by the oh so unbiased Ron Fournier too (which WaPo then picked up).

I'm thinking that everyone who will work in an Obama administration will be treated very similarly to campaign workers and be initiated with a NO DRAMA speech. I mean, c'mon, he's No Drama Obama!

[madfloridian]

55. Remember "Kiss the Ring"? From GQ magazine?

If this is true, there has been no change in the party at all. If this is true, then I have made my last donation to them.

Kiss the Ring

That's what we need for for the WH...someone who utters f*** every other word. Someone who detests the netroots and fought them at every turn.

[Name removed]

81. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[madfloridian]

83. You must have me confused with someone else.

I have no clue what you are talking about.

Please post a link about it to help me understand.

[Lilith Velkor]

91. Nope.

You know damn well what I'm talking about.

Play dumb all you want.

[madfloridian]

94. No, I do not know what you are talking about.

I would like for you to prove what you say. I will wait.

[madfloridian]

90. I am waiting for you to explain how I did not want Latina women to vote.????

That is an accusation, I think you have the wrong person, and I would like an answer.

[PBS Poll-435]

56. ROFL - "Arch DLCer"

:rofl:

"American families are struggling to get by. The cost of gas, food, education, and health care are skyrocketing. Yet millions of Americans aren't claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and losing out on the tax benefits that could help them make ends meet," said Emanuel. "We can't sit by and let hard-working Americans leave $14.5 billion on the table. Our bill is a common sense plan that will help ensure the American people get the tax benefits they deserve."

Though the bill has not yet been scored by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), it has the potential to put more money in the hands of low-income Americans without adding any extra costs to taxpayers. Based on how similar legislation has been treated by the JCT, the EITC Information Act of 2008 will likely have no revenue effect.

"The federal EITC is the best provision in the tax code for working families, and we should do everything possible to make sure it reaches everyone who is eligible," Schumer said.

Schumer's and Emanuel's legislation is backed by a broad coalition of labor organizations and businesses.


:rofl:

[LostinVA]

58. He is a DLCer

[wyldwolf]

60. so?

[PBS Poll-435]

63. Exactly

The very fact that the OP links Raum to Chuck Schummer tells me everything I need to know.

Plus the article was about increased access to the EITC.

[Romulox]

69. The OP doesn't link them; their membership in the "centrist" Democratic Leadership Council does.

They were jointly named "New Dem of the Week" by the DLC for July 9, 2008. :hi:

[PBS Poll-435]

71. I can read.

I have no problem with Rahm or Chuck.

Perhaps you should look at their voting records...

[Romulox]

72. Great. Synthesis is the next step.

"The very fact that the OP links Raum to Chuck Schummer tells me everything I need to know."

[PBS Poll-435]

76. Yep

The Original Post links to an article on the DLC webpage.

An article involving legislation enabling more families to benefit from increased access to the Advanced Earned Income Credit.

The legislation was sponsored by two great Democrats.

Both are close friends of the Clintons.

[PBS Poll-435]

62. Yeah

So is Hillary Clinton, Kathleen Sebelius, Bill Ritter, Tom Carper, Brian Schweitzer and many, many others.

[TheWraith]

59. I would imagine Rahm as being more of a deputy Chief of Staff, actually.

Somebody particularly well suited to pushing the White House agenda through Congress.

[progressivebydesign]

64. It's been SOLIDLY DENIED by his office. WHY are people pushing this?

Obama is kinda busy right now, running a campaign. THis RUMOR was put out there with the context that McCain is BUSY talking about the ECONOMY and Obama is... hiring staff.

Leave this shit alone. It's an unsourced rumor.

[PBS Poll-435]

66. 4 days to go! Must split party.

Durrrrr

[Romulox]

70. Umm, if this is *GOOD* news, how does it "split the party"?

Cognitive dissonance!

[PBS Poll-435]

73. Because the DLC is (irrationally) not well-liked in some Democratic circles....

And if Rahm is DLC, then he must be a saboteur.

[Romulox]

74. Then the split is already extant. nt

[PBS Poll-435]

75. Only among Democrats

Who voted for Nader.

[ecstatic]

86. lol nt

[Occam Bandage]

68. "Pegged" is the new "rumored," eh?

[ChiciB1]

78. PLLLEEEEZZZEEEE...NO, NO, NO!!!! n/t

[DefenseLawyer]

84. Can you wait til Wednesday to start calling President Obama a sellout?

That's all I ask. After Wednesday you can go Green Party all up side his head for 4 years. Am I asking too much?

[KingFlorez]

85. He'd be a good choice

[Sebastian Doyle]

87. I don't really like the guy, but it might be a good idea for two reasons

1) He wouldn't be a Senator

2) He wouldn't force any more Repuke/DLC'ers into congressional seats.

[TTUBatfan2008]

89. This thread is hilarious to read...

The whining and infighting are quite amusing to observe. No wonder the Republicans have a stranglehold on the Presidency in this country.

[ieoeja]

92. Future Speaker of the House -or- current White House Chief of Staff?

Not much of a choice there. No f'ing way would Rahm walk away from the House just to be a White House staffer again. He has moved way beyond this.

[RollWithIt]

93. OMG, HIDE THE CHILDREN!!! Anyways, He'd make a good CoS

The job of the CoS is to help negotiate with Congress. I can't think of someone better for the job than Rahm.

And also, I fully expect Obama to have some Republicans as cabinet members. So get over it. He isn't going to run the Administration like a left wing George Bush.