Obama Cabinet and Key White House Staff
Rahm Emanuel - White House Chief of Staff
(Cabinet-rank position)
Former U.S. Representative, Illinois
Former Chair, House Democratic conference
Former senior advisor, Clinton administration
Appointed: November 6, 2008
Obama’s comments:
“I announce this appointment first because the Chief of Staff is central to the ability of a President and Administration to accomplish an agenda. And no one I know is better at getting things done than Rahm Emanuel.
“During his seven years in the Clinton White House, Rahm was the point man on some of the most difficult issues, from the passage of landmark anti-crime legislation to the expansion of health care coverage for children. In just six years in Congress, he has risen to leadership, helping to craft myriad important pieces of legislation and guide them to passage.
“In between, Rahm spent several years in the private sector, where he worked on large and complicated financial transactions. That experience, combined with his service on the committees on Ways and Means and Banking, have given Rahm deep insights into the challenging economic issues that will be front and center for our Administration. Though Rahm understands how to get things done in Washington, he still looks at the world from the perspective of his neighbors and constituents on the Northwest Side of Chicago, who work long and hard, and ask only that their government stand on their side and honor their values. The son of an Israeli immigrant, Rahm shares a passionate love for this country, and has devoted much of his life to its cause.
“His decision to accept this position is a wonderful reflection of that commitment, for it is not easy to give up the significant position he holds today as chair of the House Democratic conference.”
Others’ comments:
“Emanuel combines political instincts, White House experience and a Chicago tough-guy attitude—traits that he’s likely to need as chief of staff.
His combative style as political director in the early days of the Clinton administration earned him the nickname ‘Rahmbo.’ He didn’t always produce results, though. Emanuel lost that job but stayed on as a senior adviser and oversaw some of Clinton’s top initiatives, including NAFTA and an assault-weapons ban.
“After a lucrative stint in banking, Emanuel was elected to Congress in 2002 and quickly became a major power. He wound up overseeing the party’s House election efforts in 2006 and won a majority for Democrats through tireless fundraising and candidate recruitment.
“‘He’s a good tactician. He’s a creative thinker. But I think what probably makes him most successful is that he has the will to follow his convictions,’ Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., said after the 2006 victory.
“Emanuel grew up in the ritzy Chicago suburb of Wilmette, the son of an Israeli doctor who moved to the United States.
“His start in politics came after college, when he worked for Paul Simon’s 1984 Senate campaign and Richard Daley’s run for Chicago mayor in 1989.
Then he went to work for a little-known Arkansas governor who wanted to be president.
“Emanuel’s fundraising skills are credited with helping keep Bill Clinton’s campaign afloat during some rocky times, particularly the scandal over whether he [Clinton] slept with Gennifer Flowers.
“In 1999, Emanuel left the White House for Chicago to work in investment banking. The firm he joined was soon sold and Emanuel made millions, giving him the financial security to get back into politics.
“When he was tapped to oversee the 2006 campaign effort, Emanuel led a record fundraising effort, bringing in far more money than four years earlier. The single biggest source of money was other members of Congress, which irritated some members who faced fierce pressure to contribute.
“The additional money allowed House Democrats to expand the field, going into districts that hadn’t been considered competitive before. That sometimes meant recruiting more conservative candidates, an Emanuel strategy that generated some complaints.
“But his success in electing a Democratic majority soothed most hard feelings and confirmed Emanuel as a major force in the House—perhaps even a future speaker.”
—The Huffington Post
“Mr. Emanuel’s stint in high finance and his experience in the banking world opens him to some criticism of being too allied with Wall Street, not the image Democrats want to cultivate these days. Critics have asserted he was only able to succeed in the banking world because of his political connections. Since he is part of the Daley circle, Mr. Emanuel’s appointment as chief of staff could also create the appearance of a White House that is too Chicago heavy. His manner can also create enemies, and Mr. Emanuel has ruffled the feathers of many on Capitol Hill, particularly black and Hispanic lawmakers.”
—The New York Times
Approved: Appointment did not require Senate approval.
Appointment Impact:
Run-off election for Emanuel’s open House seat scheduled for March 2, 2009.
“White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will play a key role in trying to find consensus where possible, controlling access to the president, and making sure the West Wing runs efficiently. Emanuel, a former senior White House aide to Clinton and a U.S. representative from Chicago, is expected to form a powerful alliance with David Axelrod, who was Obama’s chief campaign strategist and has been named a senior adviser in the White House. But it will be Emanuel’s task to keep the infighting to a minimum and to enforce Obama’s will. Some of Emanuel’s critics say he is too abrasive to promote conciliation, which is a main goal of the new president. But many who have met with Emanuel recently, including congressional leaders, say he has been courteous, respectful, and a good listener—suggesting that he is changing his ways.”
—US News & World Report
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