Open war over Rahm Emanuel, Barack Obama's master of the dark arts

[CHIMO]

Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's outspoken chief of staff, has become embroiled in a public row with his critics amid accusations that he has damaged the standing of the presidency and undermined his boss.

Emanuel has become the subject of an intense war of words between those who blame him for the failings of Obama's tough first year in office and those who insist that Obama should have listened to him more. If the controversy deepens any further, some feel that he may be forced to resign.

The development has been remarkable for a man in Emanuel's job, which calls for him to adopt a behind-the-scenes role similar to that of a Mafia boss's consigliere, whispering advice in the ear of the president and then strong-arming political targets into obeying his master's will.

But critics say the row shows just how much of a strain Obama's first year of office has taken on his top White House team after a series of political setbacks, especially over healthcare. Officials in Obama's administration, who once appeared so united, now seem to be in siege mode and starting to fight among themselves.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/07/war-rahm-emanuel-barack-obama

[theoldman]

1. I don't know who has been giving Obama advice.

All I know is that it has not been very good advice assuming that he has taken advice from someone other than his wife. In my opinion Obama's biggest fault is that he is too nice. He appears to have learned a little but it may be too little and too late.

[cutlassmama]

2. Michael Moore offered to take his place.

[KoKo]

10. I think either Michael Moore or Howard Dean would be an Excellent Replacement

for Emmanuel.

[Birthmark]

3. If Rahm Emanuel...

...fell into a black hole and disappeared from this universe entirely, I would not care one iota. Let the other universe have their fair share of him.

[WhiteTara]

4. +10

[snagglepuss]

5. +1

[glitch]

6. How do you think he got here? nt

[Demeter]

8. LOLOLOL The Man Who Would Be Rove, If He Only Had a Brain, a Heart, and the Nerve!

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[patrice]

7. The first year didn't HAVE to be like this. "Off with his head."

[KoKo]

11. Agree...the first year of Obama's Administration should have been Golden!

His Campaign was managed in part by a Dem Think Tank: "Center for American Progress" and Obama had an INCREDIBLE amount of support SWEEPING IN with VOTES from All Across America...Across Racial Lines and Party Lines.

He had the "Golden Apple" in his Pocket! He was INCREDIBLE.

Then he died.. I have no understanding that can make sense in my constant Nightmares about this...as to how he could have wasted that MOMENTUM?

It's just beyond me......

[glitch]

12. Maybe his role was to diffuse that momentum. :( nt

[Enthusiast]

16. I call it suspicious. nt

[northernlights]

9. who's been insisting Obama should have listened to Rahm more?

Rove? :wtf:

[rpannier]

15. Dana Milbank is one I know of...

Beyond that I don't know

[Enthusiast]

17. Well then Fuck Dana Milbank and Fuck Rahm. nt

[northernlights]

18. seems like the only one....nt

[Vidar]

13. Emmanuel is every bit as evil as Rove, but nowhere near as effective.

[w4rma]

14. More war on Rahm, until he goes, can only be good for the nation! Get rid of the little weasel! (nt)