So, I've been thinking about the Rahm appointment to CoS...

[Lumpsum]

At first I hated the idea of it. Yesterday I posted a thread about Rahm and his hard stance on drug laws which I admit now was a silly thread - I was just being reactionary.

But now the more I think about it, I'm starting to think Rahm is a great choice. Someone on CNN just said he's a "bad cop" - in that a lot of people will be wanting to get to Obama, to see him, etc. And while Obama's character may not allow him to always say no, he'll have Rahm around him to say "NO" when needed. Of course, some are still concerned about Rahm's connection to DLC, but CoS doesn't legislate, so it won't be a problem.

Anyway, I know Obama is getting criticized today by some on the right and the MSM because of Rahm - but I think in the end it will work out for the best.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

1. Well, that's the long and short of it.

The President's job is to say, "Yes." The CoS' job is to say "No."

[Captain Hilts]

2. Exactly. He's a good choice. nt

[polichick]

3. Yep, I'd much rather see him doing Obama's bidding than writing legislation.

[eshfemme]

4. Well, also the Chief of Staff being the bad cop allows Obama to be the good cop

It helps in allowing Obama to be bipartisan and presidential while the CoS is more partisan.

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. Well, there is that

[firedupdem]

5. I think it's a good choice. n/t

[jwirr]

6. I think he is a good pick for several reasons: first what you just said

and then he knows his way around the congress - he will make an excellent ex-assistant. I think that if there is a philosophical difference Obama can prevail.

[justinaforjustice]

7. Wonderful to Have Rahm Out of Congress -- Maybe Obama will Take Out Sten Too.

Rahm was a decidedly non-progressive power in the House. It will be a relief to have him out of there and Obama will be calling the policy shots in the White House, not Rahm. Would it be too much to ask that Sten Hoyer be kicked upstairs too? Having the two of them out of Congress would do wonders for the progressive agenda!

[derby378]

9. Putting Rahm in charge of Obama's staff? Don't like it one bit

We need a President that is accessible to the public. Emanuel ain't gonna let that happen.

[Fire_brand]

10. Obama needs veterans of the senate and house

to help him get his agenda passed. He's only been in the Senate a few years, he needs some help in that area.