Begala, on why Rahm is so great: "He's also an investment banker. He made millions on Wall St."

[Leopolds Ghost]

Howard Fineman said: "The key word here is excellence, not ideology or catering to narrow special interest groups (such as blacks and unions). He is choosing people like Larry Summers and Rahm Emanuel because of excellence, which is a refreshing change in Washington because it rules out people with egos or their own agenda."

[KG]

1. yea, coz rahm don't have an ego or agenda.

the fantasy world of the DLC. :eyes:

[midnight]

2. I can only equate his name with the continuation of the war

in Iraq. Nothing about him has been that memorable for me. So he made millions on Wall Street. I sure hope it was not from sock or money made off of this war. Does anyone know what his investmenst were?

[JHB]

3. Can anyone remember why anyone should pay attention to Begala?

Anyone?

[madokie]

4. right on JHB

right the fuck on :-)

[scarletwoman]

6. He made a couple good quips back in 2004 when Triumph the Insult Comic Dog

was doing a behind the scenes interview bit after the first Kerry-Bush Presidential debate.

Other than that... I got nothin'...

:P
sw

[Romulox]

11. Because he and Rahm Emmanuel are old buddies and fellow travelers, for one.

All of a sudden, the Begala types have easy access to the President's ear. :hi:

[KharmaTrain]

5. COS Doesn't Make Policy...He Gets Shit Done

He's the guy who will have to handle a lot of the Obama administration relations with Congress...and getting legislation through and passed. I'm no Rahm fan, but his experience of working in both the Executive and in the House is why this is a good pick...he can and will go after repugnicans who stand in the way.

If anything, this removes Rahm from much ability to affect the agenda...he'll be out of the House, giving an opportunity for a more Progressive member into that position and the leadership. And while we're at it, I wouldn't mind if Steny Hoyer was nominated for some non-descript cabinet job or ambassadorship and get a new Majority Leader.

[leftofcool]

7. And he voted for the war in Iraq but I guess we don't care about that now

[KharmaTrain]

8. And That Matters How???

Yes, he voted for the war...so will others who are going to be part of this administration. Joe Biden voted for the IWR. Emanuel also voted in favor of the moves the House made last year to cut off funding and other votes to end this disaster. His vote has no bearing on the job he's being considered for.

President Obama has said he will withdraw our forces from Iraq and it will be his decision alone as to when and how its done. It's what he decides, not Emanuel. Emanuel's job is to "get er done".

The GOOP is already gunning to take advantage of Obama's "inexperience" and having Emauel in this position will make him a big pain in their asses rather than ours.

[theboss]

10. Why does that matter in this job?

He is not there to make policy.

He is there to get policy passed.

And there is nobody in the Democratic Party who has his skill set. He knows how to run a White House. He knows how the House works. He is extremely close with Pelosi. And he will destroy any Republican who tries to get in his way.

[dionysus]

12. wow, you've been upset ever since obama won. banky will fix it;

[stray cat]

9. I helped elect Obama because I think he is competent

not because I thought I would agree with every decision he made or that I could give him advice on how to run his cabinet because I know so much more about the people he chooses than he does. I am under the impression he knows Emanuel and others he is considering better than myself -

[surrealAmerican]

13. I really wish we could get beyond the thought ...

... that making a lot of money makes you a good and intelligent person. Wealth is nice to have, but not a virtue.