Some encouraging signs from Rahm Emanuel.

[Cronopio]

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/state_of_change/382517/emanuel_makes_the_right_move_on_colombia_trade_deal?rel=hpbox

Emanuel Makes the Right Move on Colombia Trade Deal
posted by JOHN NICHOLS

This column has expressed plenty of concern about the selection of Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel to serve as President-elect Barack Obama's chief of staff. Emanuel, whose record and reputation are those of a rigid "New Democrat," was the pointman for the Clinton White House's free-trade agenda. And, in Congress, he has been a reasonably steady supporter of the Bush administration's trade policies. ...

In an appearance Sunday on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Emanuel offered a signal that he intends to carry the Obama program forward -- as opposed to the Emanuel program. ...

In his final debate last month with Republican John McCain, Obama made it clear that he opposes a deal with Colombia, a country with a tragic human rights and labor rights record. But, since the election, President Bush and his aides have been suggesting that their "price" for advancing a new stimulus package might be inclusion in that package of the Columbia FTA.

Emanuel was blunt and specific in expressing opposition to the Bush blackmail, arguing that it was essential to avoid creating policy conflicts that might slow the work of extending unemployment insurance and providing healthcare assistance to economically-embattled states.

"You don't link those essential needs to some other trade deal," explained Emanuel. "What you have to deal with is what's immediate here, and the lame duck is for immediate things that are important. That's what should be the focus, right now. There's an economic recovery package in front of the Congress. Washington should get it done."


I'm still wary of Rahm, but this was a good first move for him and Obama. Let's hope it continues.

edit: spelling

[tkmorris]

1. I agree, this doesn't look bad at all

When Emmanuel is the one calling the shots he drives me nutso, I can't stand the way he looks at politics. However, if Obama keeps a firm hand on actual policy decisions and just sends Emmanuel forth with the instruction "get this done", he could be quite the asset. I am waiting to see how it all plays out.

[theboss]

2. Every president needs his Luca Brasi

I think this was a role Rahm was born to play.

[Le Taz Hot]

3. Like urging Obama to forgive Lieberman?

I'm anything BUT encouraged. There will be no indictments, you watch!