With Emanuel, Obama Could Be Sending Signal to Israel
Barack Obama has reached out to Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, a prominent Jewish congressman, to be his chief of staff.
FOXNews.com
Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Barack Obama, by tapping a prominent Jewish congressman to be his chief of staff, earned renewed support from the Jewish community here and abroad.

His choice, Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, has already accepted the job, according to Democratic officials, though Emanuel would say publicly only that he's still considering his future. Obama's offer could be an early signal to the Middle East that the new president intends to follow through on his promises to uphold the U.S.-Israeli alliance in his administration.

"It's just another indication that despite the attempts to imply that Obama would somehow appoint the wrong person or listen to the wrong people when it comes to the U.S.-Israel relationship ... that was never true," said Ira Forman, executive director of the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Forman said Obama's selection of Emanuel helps build confidence that the United States will be vigilant in responding to any threats to Israel posed by Iran.


SOURCE

Emanuel Accepts Offer to Be Obama's Chief of Staff
Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel has accepted Barack Obama's offer to be his White House chief of staff, sources say.
FOXNews.com
Thursday, November 06, 2008

Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel, a former aide in the Clinton White House, has accepted Barack Obama's offer to be his chief of staff, Democratic officials say.

Emanuel serves in the House Democratic leadership and will have to resign his seat and put aside hopes of becoming House speaker. But he accepted Obama's offer to run his White House staff Thursday after struggling over family and political considerations.

"He is the perfect choice. He knows the Hill, he knows substance, he knows politics, and most importantly, he can get the job done," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement Thursday.

SOURCE

It's a good first pick. Emanuel is one of the few guys with sufficient experience, both at the White House and on the Hill, to avoid the kind of mistakes Carter made in dealing with Congress.

He's also one of the few who can say "No" to Pelosi when she's out to lunch without thoroughly pissing her off.