The most sizzling D.C. rumors this summer involve potential comings and goings of senior staff surrounding President Obama. A tantalizing tidbit was even floated (quietly by the White House?) involving Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who "has actually surpassed her boss in likeability, the latest polling indicates," per UPI.com.
For the sake of President Obama's reelectibility, I hope the rumors are true because, frankly, it's all good. Implementation of these staff changes could not only bolster Obama's abysmally sagging credibility, but could hopefully end his crippling reliance on jaded political hacks rather than hands-on policy experts and dedicated public servants.
Rahm Emanuel, Obama Chief of Staff
Over the weekend, London's Telegraph.com reported that "Rahm Emanuel... is expected to leave his job later this year after growing tired of the 'idealism' of Barack Obama's inner circle."
To which I reply: FANTASTIC! Can't happen soon enough. Why wait?
Famously foul-mouthed Emanuel offended a myriad of disparate groups, including Special Olympics organizers, last year when he disparagingly referred to progressives as "retards." And that's just the start of a long litany of offensive behavior routinely acted out by Obama's arrogant, abrasive Chief of Staff.
But Emanuel's bad behavior is only part of the story. He's a compromiser and conservative appeaser extraordinaire to the point that one wonders if he holds any principles at all, outside of "bare-knuckles" winning at all costs.
Emanuel argued vociferously for the President to push "a less-ambitious (health care reform) measure" but was thankfully out-flanked and out-ranked by House Speaker Pelosi. And some sources are reporting that, in the wake of BP's oil debacle in the Gulf of Mexico, "Rahm persuaded the President to play it cool on climate legislation." Huh?
As a woman, a mother, a Christian and a liberal, I feel almost continually offended by Emanuel's maneuverings and mean-street comportment. Obama's support among Democratic faithfuls will only strengthen once Mr. Emanuel is gone from his administration.
So I'm hoping it's "Adios" for Emanuel. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.
David Axelrod, Senior Advisor
Over the past year, Washington denizens have periodically whispered that Senior White House Advisor David Axelrod, considered "Obama's closest adviser," is permanently packing his bags to return to his family in Chicago. While I haven't heard these whispers in recent weeks, I would welcome the departure of this former newspaper reporter turned insider political hack.
Axelrod's expertise is in crafting political campaigns and cleverly framing political messaging, particularly for African-American candidates. "The key to Axelrod's success in electing African-American candidates is his ability to sell them to white voters," per the Washington Post's WhoRunsGov.com.
President Obama is one of only a handful of U.S. presidents who elevated a political hack, rather than one or more respected, experienced, well-educated policy experts, to be the top White House senior advisor. The only other recent example, of course, is Karl Rove in the Bush administration... and we know how well that charade went.
If Mr. Obama previously believed that his formidable intelligence and insight precluded the need for policy advisors, I fervently hope that his abject failure in managing the Gulf of Mexico oil-spill disaster has finally disabused him of this self-destructive notion.
David Axelrod most assuredly should be demoted in influence. Or even better, sent back to Chicago to enable the President to make a fresh start with a political strategist less jaded, less cynical, far less boring, and more likely to say something of actual substance during his constant media appearances on behalf of Mr. Obama.
Vice President Hillary Clinton
The juiciest of recent White House staffing rumors has been that suggested by longtime D.C. insider Sally Quinn in a recent Washington Post column:
"It would not be out of the question for Clinton and Biden to switch jobs sometime after the midterm elections..."Another scenario is that Obama could wait and choose Hillary as his running mate for 2012 and then have her step down as secretary of state so she could start campaigning... Take it seriously. "
Joe Biden has been a sensational Vice President by humanizing Obama's icy, intransparent administration with his gregarious smile and hilarious, well-meaning if ham-handed wit. You can't help but love Joe, who is also competent and experienced beyond measure.
Biden is constantly traveling the world for Obama, handling diplomatic matters with polished aplomb while the President tends to urgent domestic matters. During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Biden helped shape U.S. security and foreign relations policies for decades. In short, Biden would make a superb Secretary of State.
Hillary Clinton would be warmly welcomed by the Democratic party, especially liberal women, with open arms as Vice President. At last.: the first female Vice President in U.S. history. And if she wants it, a serious shot at the presidency in 2016.
I love this terrific idea, and dearly hope that it's true.
Rebooting the Promise of Obama's White House
Dumping hard-headed, expletive-spewing, progressive-hating Rahm Emanuel would be a fantastic start toward renewing Obama's presidency.
Minimizing or ending the enormous White House influence of political campaign consultant David Axelrod could cause Obama to stop basing his agenda and actions first on polling data and political messaging.
And if they both want it, switching Secretary of State Clinton and Vice President Biden would be a terrific, fresh move to reboot excitement among Democrats for the promise of the Obama administration.
I hope all three rumors are true. Viva la change!
(Photo #1 of Hillary Clinton: Justin Sullivan. Photo # 2 of David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel: Jeff Haynes/Getty Images)
Comments
I like all three possibilities, particularly the Rahm Emanuel part. I sense that mixed signals regarding Israel/Palestine derive from his influence. Nothing specific, just a feeling.
Deborah,
Go to hell! Hillary should NEVER be second to the asshat clown Obama. It’s Hillary at the TOP of the ticket!
Hillary 2012!
What fantastic changes! I feel energized already. God please lead President Obama to make these changes for the Country for the Presidency and for the World.
Deborah, Rahm has never been a friend or supporter of liberals or liberal goals. I think he’s only been there when he felt he could get something from us. I predict the Biden/Clinton job swap could come just after some big foreign policy triumph which will see Hillary in the spotlight, that is, more than she is now is in the spotlight. Axelrod’s departure would only make sense if he can be replaced with somoene better than he has been. But the big question is if Obama will seize these opportunities or if he has some other unknown strategy in play.
God help us if Joe Biden was actually in a role with real power. If Obama’s approval rating dips into the low 40’s, look for Hillary to explore a primary challenge in 2012.
Axelrod is a campaign guy, he should have been shown the door long ago. Speaks to the President’s poor judgment.
I hear Rahm is unhappy with the cool-aid guzzling true believers that the President listens to. Had liberals listened to him on a less ambitious health care bill, they might have had more luck with cap & tax, and probably wouldn’t be staring into the electoral abyss this November.
Interesting that you didn’t mention that Peter Orszag quit in protest over out of control spending and the fact that Congress and the Administration won’t be bothering to pass a budget this year, ironic considering his role in the failed stimulus spending and ObamaCare. Or perhaps it was his “colorful” personal life.
Obama and liberalism are why the county looks and feels the same as FDR’s failure during the early reconstruction period of the great depression. Unfortunately we no longer have the industrial might of the 1930/40’s to help pull us out of it. When will you liberals learn that spending money blindly to “help the little guy” only leads to bringing down the whole by increasing national debt..