Rahm Emanuel Possibly Chosen as Chief of Staff

Once the euphoria and historical platitudes fade away from the Barack Obama victory, the talk of the day will turn to what Obama will actually do as President. A key clue to that discussion will be the team he picks for the White House staff. These selections are no small thing and can make quite an impact, as the Bush staff selections of Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, John Ashcroft, Karl Rove and others over the years proved. Speculation for Obama's team now has at least one name in the middle, as Rahm Emanuel may be the first official member as Obama's chief of staff.

Since the election was called for Obama, there was instant speculation and rumors that Obama would offer Rahm Emanuel the chief of staff job. Reports are now coming out that Obama officially made the offer to Emanuel this morning, but there has been no word on Emanuel's response. It is unlikely that he would refuse, however.

Rahm Emanuel being the new chief of staff fills expectations for Obama's two key groups of allies. Emanuel is a Democrat from Illinois, so Obama is sending a message that his Chicago helpers will have a role in the administration. Emanuel was also a member of the Clinton White House, as Obama will still need the support of the Clintons and their people to make his administration go smoothly.

Emanuel first made a name for himself fund raising for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1989. He became Director for Finance in the 1992 Clinton campaign, then was a senior advisor in the White House until 1998.

Emanuel went onto to become Congressman for Illinois in 2003, then became the Democratic Caucus Chair after the midterm victories of 2006. Emanuel was a superdelegate for the 2008 primaries, but Hillary Clinton conceded before he could officially pledge support for either candidate.

Emanuel showed a cautiousness to not look foolish when he advised Democratic House freshman to avoid appearing on Stephen Colbert's "Better Know A District" segment of The Colbert Report last year.