by Christi Parsons
Barack Obama hopes to lead the nation as the hopeful, inspirational figure who won the election.
But he clearly has no intention of assuming a deferential position in Washington.
Two of the first top White House jobs will go to scrappy partisans -- Rahm Emanuel and Robert Gibbs -- who are not at all shy about a tough fight. And they're certainly not worried about their reputations to that effect.
Emanuel, a Democratic congressman from the North Side, once joked that the literal translation of his first name was "Go screw yourself."
A Democratic operative a few months back described Gibbs, an Alabama native, as "Northern ruthlessness and Southern charm combined." Gibbs said he laughed when he read that in the Tribune.
Read the full story by Mike Dorning, John McCormick and me in today's Tribune.
Comments
Looks like Obama's hardball, is shaping upm like Chicago's city Hall-
Posted by: Inky | November 7, 2008 9:20 AM
Let's also not forget that Rahm Emanual is a religiois Jew with very close ties to Israel - his parent are Israeli. This should help reassure Barack Obama's commitment to Israel. This is a good by product of his selection.
Posted by: Mark G | November 7, 2008 9:55 AM
Obama will need to make a lot of tough decisions fast. He'll need transition team that understands the mechanics of Washington to get up to speed quickly. He likely can use some hard nosed types to counterpoint his style. I think these were wise choices on his part.
Posted by: Mel | November 7, 2008 10:21 AM
We desperately need hardball players who are not afraid of taking a position. New and strong regulations on the financial industry should be designed to keep honest people honest. Trust God, but lock your car. ..........
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/11/07/trust-god-but-lock-your-car/
Posted by: Ohg Rea Tone | November 7, 2008 10:48 AM
The complaints from Republicans about this selection, ("He's tough to work with"), tells me that Obama made a good pick. As someone once said, "Never bring a knife to a gunfight."
Posted by: Southside Bob | November 7, 2008 10:54 AM
So much for "Change" huh? Emanuel represents everything that is wrong with Washington and Cook County Politics. He is the Dem version of Karl Rove. Emanuel was part of the Tomzack corruption trial. Tomzak admitted to forcing city workers to campaign and get out the vote for Emanuel at mayor Daleys request. Like I said so much for change huh? Meet the new boss same as the old boss.
Posted by: Vinny | November 7, 2008 12:03 PM
Nancy Kaszak, the TRULY LIBERAL GRASSROOTS opponent of Emmanuel for his seat is the person to replace him.
Posted by: That's change I can REALLY believe in | November 7, 2008 1:57 PM
The White House = City Hall
City Hall = White House.
More corruption is coming!
Posted by: Black And Gray | November 7, 2008 7:07 PM
Only those who are unsure of themselves use fear, believe fearmongerers and fold to fear.
Fingerpointing and Vigilence are NOT the same. Give Obama a chance at the least.
It's only been four days, and already, I hear in your words a lack of belief in and unwillingness to work together!
Never ASSUME; it makes an ass out of U and ME.
Posted by: Cheryl | November 7, 2008 7:40 PM
"Rahm Emanual is a religiois Jew with very close ties to Israel - his parent are Israeli. This should help reassure Barack Obama's commitment to Israel. This is a good by product of his selection."
Rahm Emanuel's a psycho. Israelis aren't impressed with psychos. Use of Iraqi airspace, help with early warning radar systems, continuing to gather support for sanctions against Iran,no negotiations with Iran without preconditions. This is what Israeli's want. They could care less about Obama having a Jewish Chief of Staff. The worlds gonna line up to test Obama, and having people like Rahm Emanuel isn't gonna help him. I wish him the best of luck, God Bless America.
Posted by: Matt | November 7, 2008 9:34 PM
Cheryl--I donated money. I worked for Obama. I traveled for Obama. I'm further left than he is. AND DO NOT PRETEND TO THINK YOU CAN SHUT THE LEFT UP.
Posted by: we made that mistake by thinking (Bill) Clinton was our messiah too | November 8, 2008 12:39 PM
Gee I thought we all were going to play nice and in the same sand box. Looks like Obama is bringing change instead of hardball right it's hardball left. Good guys remember you voted for him.
Posted by: peter glon | November 20, 2008 7:18 PM