I’m actually pretty pleased by Obama’s pick of Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff. He knows Washington well, he’s tough and independent-minded, and he’s not unwilling to disagree with the President. It’s a testimony to Obama’s ego that he didn’t pick a potential yes-man, such as Tom Daschle. There’s no question that Rahm Emanuel says what he thinks. Also, Emanuel’s close ties to Israel also put to rest the argument that Obama is weak on Middle East issues. Another win. Emanuel is a partisan, but he’s a realist, and from what I’ve read, he has the respect of some on the other side of the aisle.

As for Treasury Secretary, I think Larry Summers would be a huge mistake. He was a bone-headed, tin-eared Harvard President. My preference is for Tim Geithner, who seems a fresher, less controversial figure.