Choosing ‘Rahmbo’

What does the new White House chief of staff tell us about the politics of the new Obama administration?

Rahm Emanuel is known for his combative style, his expletive-laced language and his deep desire for partisan victory. As an Illinois congressman and part of the House Democratic leadership, those qualities have proved helpful in extending the Democratic majority and pushing the party's agenda.

But picking the hard-charging Emanuel—Obama's first major post-election decision—seems at odds with the consensus-minded manner of an incoming president who promises to unite red and blue America.

The Republican National Committee greeted news of Emanuel's selection with an e-mail headlined OBAMA'S BROKEN PROMISE. The statement began: "After promising change, Obama selects hyper-partisan wedded to special interests as his White House chief of staff."

But Team Obama defends the choice. "Rahm knows that good policy is good politics," says one senior Obama adviser. "And Barack is confident in his own judgment, that he can tell the different between good and bad advice."

Obama's aides, as well as congressional Democrats, dismiss the Republican attacks, pointing to Emanuel's personal friendships with key Republicans. Among those GOP friends: Josh Bolten, the current White House chief of staff; Illinois Rep. Ray LaHood; and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of John McCain's best friends.

"This is a wise choice by President-elect Obama," Graham said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Rahm knows Capitol Hill and has great political skills. He can be a tough partisan but also understands the need to work together. He is well-suited for the position of White House Chief of Staff.

"I worked closely with him during the presidential debate negotiations which were completed in record time," Graham continued (Emanuel remained studiously neutral during the Democratic primaries and did not officially endorse Obama until after the nomination was sewn up). "When we hit a rough spot, he always looked for a path forward. I consider Rahm to be a friend and colleague. He's tough but fair. Honest, direct, and candid. These qualities will serve President-elect Obama well."

Emanuel himself tackled the question Thursday afternoon. "I want to say a special word about my Republican colleagues, who serve with dignity, decency and a deep sense of patriotism," he said, in a statement. "We often disagree, but I respect their motives. Now is a time for unity, and Mr. President-elect, I will do everything in my power to help you stitch together the frayed fabric of our politics, and help summon Americans of both parties to unite in common purpose."