Rahm Emanuel as White House Chief of Staff:

[FlyingSquirrel]

I've heard lots of differing opinions - some who dislike Emanuel nevertheless feel that this move helps us achieve our agenda by taking him out of Congress, preventing him from blocking progressive legislation there, and enabling us to possibly replace his seat with a more progressive Democrat.

Your feeling:

[Bucky]

1. They're friends. Rahm's connected. And he can kick ass.

Hopefully he'll stay off the tables and won't stab anyone this time around. On the whole a very good choice.

[billyoc]

2. Emmanuel's a fucking dickhead. But it's Obama's call.

[Dr Fate]

3. I'm going to trust Obama on this one. I'll certainly defend Rahm against media lies.

They are trying to paint him as some raging, partisan Liberal when in fact, he has agreed with Republicans on many issues...

Like it or not, and despite GOP/media spin, an Emanuel pick is consistent with Obama's theme of governing from the center..

[tblue]

6. The Republicans lost. They're FIRED. Or didn't they get the memo?

Who gives a shit what they think? Me thinks they are scared because Emmanuel takes no prisoners.

The nerve of them. Obama can put whoever the hell he wants in his cabinet. His cabinet appointments are not required to make them happy.

[Dr Fate]

8. You said it! n/t

n/t

[demokatgurrl]

4. Emanuel is a hard-ass

Obama needs that if he is going to be the nice guy.
And Emanuel knows his way around the White House, and will have some influence in Congress.
And most importantly, they are friends and Obama trusts him.

It's all good

[RichardRay]

5. I'll go with excellent because Rahm's OK and he's Obama's pick

So far, I haven't gone wrong with that model.

[nemo137]

7. Someone had a graphic with "iron fist - velvet glove"

over a picture of Rahm and Barack. I think that about sums it up. Excellent choice.

[Bryan]

9. Emanuel is an SOB

CoS is a good place for an SOB, and the job neutralizes his rise in the House. Emanuel's experience in Congress should help avoid the many stumbles of Carter and Clinton's early administrations; also, Obama thinks Emanuel has his back, and Obama has demonstrated excellent judgement so far.

Besides, even if Emanuel is a negative influence, CoS is a high-burnout position, and he may not want to stick around for the whole term if he's not having a good time. On paper, it looks like a reasonable decision.

[BlooInBloo]

10. It's the perfect good-cop/bad-cop duo.

[Imalittleteapot]

11. Gotta trust Obama.

Remember when everyone was screaming that he wasn't being tough on McCain? That was a decision that paid off. #44 knows what he is doing!

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

12. My honest opinion is that the congressional dems will be his biggest problem...

There is a strong risk that they will over reach. I think Emanuel will be the sergeant that keeps the troops in line...

[haele]

13. Would you rather he be in the legislature as a deciding vote?

Or in the Administration as one of many voices that are advising an equally strong minded, but wise leader.

He'd do less DLC damage in the White House than he would in the House or the Senate where he could affect or change legislation.
And he really is a good "enforcer" type, would probably make a great Chief of Staff keeping things on track...
(edited for spell check)
Haele