this selection is exactly in line with what president elect obama promised the electorate….a qualified individual who has no problem letting the president elect know how he feels about an issue — whether he agrees or disagrees…emanuel is arguably one of the most effective members of congress over the last four years and will be instrumental in the actual governance needed to execute changes over the next several years….seems obama is going to make selections based on credentials — not patronage like many of the recent chief of staff appointees have been

as for rep. boehner — if he spent less time crafting partisan talking points and more time paying attention, he would know that emanuel is a centrist whom has challenged the lefties on the democratic side of the aisle since his days in the clinton administration….can't wait to see how rep. boehner and others start responding when republicans start filling spots in the obama administration….although i'm sure he and others are prepared to undermine the credibility of such republican colleagues as well….

Will somebody please tell Joe Scarbough so that he will stop whinning?

It is a great pick!

There has been a large amount of criticism directed at President Bush due to his actions and inactions while in office. That coupled with the widespread losses Republicans have experienced in Federal government all but guarantee that President elect Obama will be criticized throughout his tenure regardless of how well or poorly he may do. However there is no need to start the criticisms already. Chief of Staff is a trusted position that works closely with the president and while I am sure President Obama will likely include Republicans in many higher level positions, his appointments will be based on what the administration feels is needed from each position and the candidates qualifications. So he chose a Democrat for Chief of Staff. Deal with it and realize this constant partisan bickering is exactly what the American people just voted against

My goodness…..the guy just gets picked for a new job and the Republicans are already crying foul. No wonder the Republicans lost the election…they're a bunch of crybabies on top of being inept and incapable of doing the job.

Emmanuel has the skill and temperament for this position, and Obama has the good judgment to know that. Boehner obviously has none of those traits for his position, as evidenced by his performance during the initial legislative "bailout " fiasco.

"Smart choice. This is the first step in restoring the prosperity similar to the Clinton era."

Uh, I think we can blame a lot of our lack of prosperity on Clinton.

@Paul:

You said you will never accept Obama as your president. What country are you moving to and when??

so the first guy he hires is Jewish born of Israeli parents. So much for the muslim terrorist, "he's anti-Israel" argument.

Another former Clinton-ite…. just as predicted, the "change" he touted was just a replay of the Clintons regime… hope the USA can survive this bout… we barely got through "W"…

DuncanM, he is JEWISH, you idiot.

Conservatives fight back…….

Not all of us Democrats trashed Bush even though we did not agree with him. Some of us took the high road and gave him the respect that the office of the president deserves. Why don't you give that a try?

Oh, and by the way he is everyones president, not just OURS……that includes you too.

If he were to pick all inexperienced people the republicans would be deriding him for that. Sounds like sour grapes to me, especially since Clinton's presidency was so successful.

Sounds to me like Boehner is a bit scared of Emanuel. He's no nonsense sort of guy, but in the direction that Obama wants to go.

The GOP (and Dem leaders on the Hill for that matter) better get used to the idea of working in a government that will try to get things done from now on.

Good call Pres-Elect Obama!

I like Raph Emanuel, but the guy looks like an undertaker.

Not that Karl Rove looked any better, mind you.

To Conservatives Fight Back:

Our President veruses Yours? I do not think Bush has done a good job by any means and I did not vote for him, but I still consider him to be my President. How can we come together as a nation when people think this way? If McCain had won, he'd be my President and I would respect that.

John Boehner is a blowhard that is now irrelevant – so I guess he'll go cry in front of congress again? Go away, John, no one is listening any more.

Good choice in my opinion.

Hillary has already publicly stated that she want's to stay in her present position in the Senate and do the work that is so needed there.

You know John Boehner is complaining because he feels this pick maybe too partisan, but in this particular position (maybe more so than any other) Obama needs someone that he can trust implicitly and without question and although I think Obama definetely needs to choose some Republicans for his team this is not the position to do it in (unless there happens to be a Republican that he can trust implicitly and without question and there isn't one that I can absolutely name that would be good for this position). I would've loved for Tom Daschle to be in this position, but I think this is a very good choice.

FYI
Harry Truman was a VP from MO. He knew nothing about war or the world but he savrd all your sorry( not even thought of 0 Butts.
I am not a Democrat but only later in life when I grew up did I realize how great he was at his job.
Sarah Palin never had the chance to be VP but who knows if she learned enough and became President someday she wowould be well schooled.
I have no respect for Democrats of today who say honor the office now tha they are in power when they didn't give President Bush a chance
They showe such disrespect for this prsident I don't know whay anyone wants to run.
Maybe now that their guy is tin office I hope he developes a thick skin he'Ll need it.
But we Republicans Independents ect must show Respect Huh.?
Well lets see him earn it
WHICH I DOUBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great pick! I prophesy that President Obama's presidency will have the greatest success in modern history, during our generation and this century. May God bless this administration and may God bless America!

What I have noticed so far from all Republicans, especially the radio commentators is that they are in full support of Obama as long as he does what they want. So essentially they think they are so great that Obama should just ignore the fact that over half of the country voted for his ideas and switch to the Republicans ideas, which are the minority. We're just going to have to get used to it, Republicans always dig and dig and dig to try to oust Democrats, the fact that he apparently isn't allowed to pick a Democrat for a position in his administration shows just how quick they want to jump on him.

From what I hear is that Rahm is no nonsense and a guy who says "Get things done or get lost".

That's what we need right now.

I am ok with this choice.

I would not be surprised if CNN censors or omits any Anti obama comments, because God knows they omitted a ton of negative things about him during the campaign. The Wealth Redistribution radio show from 9-6-01 was not EVEN REPORTED. The Anti Coal comments, the Joe Biden Gaffes were downplayed. And the irony is, CNN wasnt even near as bad as MSNBC.
We r watching CNN. Do you even have an ombudsman? We will do our best to drive you out of business because you violate the cardinal rule of journalism; you try to shape the story instead of report it.
On the nice side, I do hope Obama does what he said he'd do, because it is so cockamamie when people find out about it they will feel the same as I do.

Congrats to Emanuel. I have every confidence that President Elect Obama will select the best people in his Administration.

I am no authority on this Mr. Emanuel, I'm just an older white lady from the south, and I don't really remember much of what all the discussion is about from way back when, so I will defer to my new leader, and believe that if he got this far in such a hard tough time, he must have some idea of how to continue the trek. I was a different person 10 years ago, and I know that time alters everyone, and I do mean everyone. Give Mr. Emmanuel a chance. So, "KEEP ON KEEPING ON" Mr President-elect. If all the rest of us were as smart as some think they are, they would be in your shoes right now instead of where ever they are. Got no time for arm chair quarterbacks and backseat drivers. To all of them, put your time and energy where your mouth is. This country will need help healing and growing, so find something that meets that criteria, and contribute some of yourself to it. Let the man get on with the business of fixing this mess. He's leading, so get out of the way. May your God/Spiritual Being bless America and bless us all.

Diversity is the key.. Keep it up Obama…

With all that is on Obama's inherited plate, he is going to have to take a disciplined approach to even get a portion done of what he wants. Sometimes you have to blend end before you can break free.

EXCELLENT PICK!! I am SOOOOO excited for our country! You rock Rahm! Go Obama!

Republik party is still tryin' to figure out the controls on the "way back machine". Good luck with that.

Oh…and if ya' hadn't noticed, GOP, the reason there's nobody around listenin' to ya' is 'cause America has left the building (as in moved on).

Gawd, could you guys get any more irrelevant!!!

So now the republicans want to complain about this choice too. Look the bottom line is that the Republicans are going to complain about anything and everything until the next presidential election.

I believe they were hoping that Obama would not bring tough minded people with him. The choice for chief of staff is a good one. President Obama is making sure he surrounds himself with people who knows the process and can hold their own during the next term.

I am glad that Pres.-elect Obama is choosing a staff that will get things done. I am reserving judgement for when he actually gets in office, unlike all of the people who are attacking him before they've even seen results. I voted for Obama because I trust him. I am not going to start doubting him now.

I'm with you, Mr. President(-elect)!

I was a McCain supporter so I may be a bit bias, but…..

I are you supposed to CHANGE Washington by filling your administration with career politicians and Washington insiders? Next thing you know he will be making John Kerry his Secretary of State.

I am starting to lose HOPE for Obama's promise of CHANGE,

Awesome! How about a nice cabinet job for Hillary? She is a real professional, a real soldier, and President Obama would benefit from her help a great deal!

Emmanuel just better let Obama Administration folks go on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Oh, and don't let him dance. He's horrible at that.

The Daily Show – the best F*&(king news team on television. WAY better than CNN and no phony holograms, either.

How can all of the sheep here keep spouting "change" when you have a Clinton crony and one of the longest running senators on his staff? What exactly will he change anyways? Will he come up with a new way to run the economy? Will he find a new way of being the Commander in Chief of the military? The president can change little in case you didn't know (and it looks like most of you here don't). Reid and Pelosi have the real power and they will bring the change you are asking for, though it will most likely not be the change you want. Higher energy costs, the "fairness doctrine" and gun rights going away is what we can expect over the next few years.

I guess the republicans have learned nothing from the whipping President-elect Obama put on them Nov 4th. They just can't be nice. I thing MOST of them have acid tongues. Too bad. What they should be doing is sitting back and taking notes on how to run a campaign and win a election.

GO PRESIDENT OBAMA.
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

What are you saying, Boehner? "Be reasonable – do it my way?"

We've already had eight years of that. Thanks, but no thanks.

Time for YOUR party to come to the center.

Reflecting on the day after the presidential election,2008.
This morning, I tried very hard to put myself in the shoes of a young African slave, and woundered how would it be possible to dream a day, when a son of one of us, slaves, be the commander of chief.
what a remarkable day is Nov, 5th, 2008!!!!
Congratulation American!

The mouth on some of you people. Get over it. Get a life!

The Critisism is so errelevant!

REEEMIX

GOBAMA

Rahm Emmanuel is a smart committed no-nonsense public servant. He has no hidden agendas.
John Boehner needs to chill – if the electorate had wanted same old business as usual in DC, we would have picked John McCain.

Chill already!

I am so Godly proud of America and her citizens for doing what we all know was the right thing to do. It fills my heart with pride. Just as America has done the right thing and made the correct choice, President Obama will not let us down. He has used exceptional judgement over the past two years and he will continue to do so over the next 8 years. I am excited to see him surround himself with the most talented, qualified, dedicated, and loyal men and women of integrity. Go President Obama, I am with you every step of the way

Sure I have feelings and sympathy toward humans, but the Bible gives us all rules. WE are all govern by rules to make us complete.

Even the UNiverse is governed by laws….

FIRST: Great choice! He is tough and sensable.

SECOND: Didn't the Republicans learn ANYTHING from tuesday…..We want you to WORK TOGETHER, stop the absurdity and WORK TOGETHER!!!! THAT'S WHY YOU GOT KICKED OUT.

An open Letter to Obamamaniacs
Hey, I dont hate Obama, in fact, I feel pretty good about him.
BUT Be forewarned, we are going to give your president the same respect u gave ours. We will stifle, slander, undercut and disrespect him because we LEARNED FROM DEMOCRATS that it works. I have never seen a man so villified and pilloried as GW Bush. There wasnt even any debate on it. And it started from Day 1. We might not have the Media on our side as u did, but watch out Conservative r usually dignified but that has ended. EVEN IF IT HURTS our country, we will do it to show you how debilitating you have been to our country for the last 8 years. The Politics of divisiveness will continue., Now it is our turn. And it is to show u how bad it is. U reap what u sow. Get ready,.

Obama is NOT picking "Yes" men like his predecessor.

Change really is coming to Washington!

it's great to see President-elect Obama at work. WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD.

Bob,
Please shut up and go away…If you can't make an honest statement or for that matter a FACT…then get off this site and move to Canada..I'm sure you can find something to complain about over there. Yoy are extremely rude and all of us would be better off not having to listen or read your BS…Goodbye!

Congrats Obama on your 2nd great pick!! Great choice for a CHANGE!

Swell, his 1st choice is another Daley stooge who used city workers (paid overtime with taxpayer money) to win his congressional seat, who made 18 million dollars in only 2 years of influence peddling on Wall St. after leaving the Clinton administration. Bipartisanship? He's known as the pit-bull of the Dem. caucus and is widely disliked -even by people in his own party. Great choice Obama! I can't wait to see your cabinet picks.

Oh how quickly they forget. I haven't forgotten Tom DeLay. I don't remember Boehner complaining about DeLay.

In the Bible, the jews used to make sacrifices to God in the Temple. As a priest, if you are not holy enough, you will DROP dead in front of God.

My friend is angry at God, but God cant help it if he is Holy. It's part of his attribute. It's what makes him God.

It's like a skunk. What makes a skunk is his STINK.. Pepe La Pew is special becuase of his stink. It's what embodies his name.

So the Messiah's first pick is someone called Emanuel?

Is this pandering to the Evangelicals?

Why not pick someone who knows what they are doing?That doesn't mean that he has gone back on his word. He is in charge and will decide how Washinton is run! You people make me sick!

Hoorah, Emanual is a fantastic choice. Smart, level headed, and knows what direction we need to take this country. Obama keep up with the excellent choices, and even the repugs will see you know what you are doing. Next lets bring Hagel and Luger into this cabinet.

next choice HILLARY WATCH!

This comment is to Scott:

Emanuel's selection is a foregone conclusion. Anyone closely following this race knew he was the guy Obama wanted for the job, and we certainly knew it before November 4th.

If it bothers you that much, then why did you vote for Obama in the first place, or have you not been paying attention?

wow… so much for nonpartisan politics… pick the former head of the DCCC, one of the most left-wing anti-bipartisan insiders around. Good change, good change. We now see what Obama was almost like, at least what most of the blind sheep couldn't.

President-Elect Obama is constructing a team that knows how to get things done in a no non-sense type of way. He knows that we are in tough times and the American people are looking for solutions.

I am a 100% Disabled Vietnam Veteran and have been fighting the Department of Veterans affairs for 25 years. I am also a staunch Republican that fought hard for John McCain. Now that Obama is the President elect I hope he keeps his promise to the Veterans of this country. I think the first thing he should do is announce that he will be keeping James Peake on as Secretary of veterans Affairs. General Peake has done more for the Veterans of this country in his short term than all of his predicessors others have done in the past 40 Years.

As a woman i must state the OBVIOUS

So far 3 very good looking men in the Obama administration!

A great choice ….but would not expected less from a brilliant Pres Elect!
Of course the GOP House Minority Leader John Boehner wants to rain on the parade…already so sad they have to start the criticizing when McCain asked for his supporters to rally together behind the new President Elect.

Homosexual movements…

As a Christian, I strongly oppose it. It is a sin and God is against it. If you understand the basic principle of God, you'll know it is wrong. God is HOLY and God is Light and God is Love!!

Holy – We are forever separated from God because of our sins.
Love – Only through Christ are we One with God and can appear in prayer, in front of his Throne to ask for favors
Light – There is no darkness in Him… He is all Good

Citizen November 6th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Anybody saw Joe the Plumber?

Yes, he is in training, license office refused to give him a license without knowing how to do the job.

No, just kidding.

I really Enjoy Watching the Republicans whine, cry, stomp their Feet after the last 8 years of a Horrible president and Political Hell the more the GOP WHINE the more I smile LOVING IT!!!!

BREAKING NEWS….North Carolina votes are tabulated and the state goes to President-elect Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rep. Rahm Emanuel is one of those guys that gets the job done. Is he a nice guy that is beloved by everyone? No, the GOP'ers hate him for good reason. To be honest, the Chief of Staff is a job where you are not going to get popularity points. You need someone that does not "give a rip" about being popular but takes the President's agenda and executes. Great pick in my estimation…

Besides, his picks of Press Secretary and Chief of Staff are one thing, I am an Obama supporter that would like to see bipartisan pics at the Cabinet level.

How funny. The Republicans had a two year smear campaign saying Barack was anti-Jew or anti-Israel, and then his first move is to pick an Israeli Jew as his chief of Staff.

Gobama!

Great choice President Elect Obama

Partisanship really isn't all that relevant to the post of Chief of Staff. The fact that he is hard-nosed implies that Obama wants his White House to be a tight ship.
I think he was named FIRST to send a message to all those Republican pundits who refused to recognize Obama's clear mandate, often declaring that the country is still "center-right". So the timing may have been a political message, but it is his rigid determination, not his rigid partidanship that makes Emanuel well suited for the job of Chief of Staff.

I think in the following weeks we will see President elect Obama selecting competent people for his staff and cabinet positions, people with knowledge of the office they will be serving who will serve the best interest of the American people. It is refreshing and has not been the case for eight years now. I just hope they can do some good in the short amount of time they have and that they are not thwarted by the extreme right, who will want to sabotage the work they do in behalf of all of us. I am so relieved that Obama won and hopeful we can get this country back on track again. Bush took this nation way down in the last eight years and it is going to take a superhuman team to bring it back.

Who cares if Obama's cabinet is not diversed!Blac people need to chill out! I of course would love to see Colin Powell in his cabinet, but he doesn't want it!

You show the naysayers, Barack! You can better our economy – I'm sure of it!

And if BillO and LimBaugh are on heavy, and the Bush crew is lurking to make more money and say you can't do this without them – We, who have backed you and continue to do so, will tell them, "Yes, we can."

So he hired a Clinton crony from the 90's? Add Biden to the mix and that is some real change. Obama needs more new blood, not the same old same old.

Excellent Choice!!

To JL:

So long as he is picking people with a brain, people that have an outstanding resume, i don't care who they've served!

We need change and change will come by picking intelligent people!
So far:
Obama
Biden
Emanuel

are all excellent choices!!

God Bless them all!

Change he can believe in. Wait, not really a change so much.

NBIC NANO BIO INFO COGNO TECHNOLOGY
mOUNTAIN VIEW, CA

WHAT IS THIS? wHO ? wHERE? nATIONS? sPIES?

BRAIN STATE TECHNOLOGY AND OTHERS IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ WHAT DO THEY TAKE OUT OF THE VETERANS MINDS, MIILTARY, PUT IN, WHAT ALTERED BEHAVIOR? WHO ELSE? YOU?
NATIONS, LEADERS?

THINK TANKS. WYNGATE BY WYNDHAM OF SCOTTSDALE AZ HAS THEM AS A BUSINESS THAT STAYS THERE FREQUENTLY.

ARE THEY IN YOUR MIND? IN YOUR MIND A NAME OF A BOOK.
HARVARD OBAMA MIND EXPERIMENTS.

And exactly what business is it of Boehner's who Obama picks as HIS chief of staff?

Great choice. Obama is focus to fix this economy.

Mike
Washington

This just continues to demonstrate that Barack Obama has the intellect, rational mindset and determination to make his new administration be one of change and forward thinking. Alot has been made of his "lack" of experience but in order to be president one needs to have a sharp and agile mind, strong will and thick skin and the ability to bridge gaps in an equaitable manner.

These are again exciting times in America and its great to be apart of it!

We trust and love you Obama great choice!

I trust the choice of my President…. now this does not mean my trust is blind we all know where that gets us….. I think it appears to be a great pick though. We are all behind you President Obama … thank you for staying steadfast…. we are in a big mess and I support your leadership in getting us out of it!

First Biden, then Emanuel. Next is Gibbs as press secretary, finally — we're going to have a white house full of good people with the interested of regular Americans at heart!

Are we sure?

Barrack and Rahm, my two childhood friends from the neighborhood.

I trust the choice of my President…. now this does not mean my trust is blind we all know where that gets us….. I think it appears to be a great pick though. We are all behind you President Obama … thank you for staying steadfast…. we are in a big mess and I support your leadership in getting us out of it!

Could be good, a real tough guy. Of course, as a WSJ piece today points out, Rahm used to drive around with a monogrammed car. Hillary lobbied to get him fired before getting him demoted. Maybe he'll have been a bit humbled since then …

The Repugs are not going to like anyone Obama picks because they can't control them. Tough @#$%

John Boner's off to a good choice. If HE were about "country first", he'd shut the hell up and do whatever he could to make this all successful.

John Boehner recently referred to Senator Obama as "chickensh**" So that tells you what he considers to be civilized.

What does Boehner, the House GOP leader, know about being moderate when the party he leads lost 18 seats on Tuesday?

He needs to check HIMSELF!

I'm happy with the chief of staff choice as well as the press secretary choice!!

Tactiful, smart and knowledgable, all the things the current administration doesn't have.

great choice!
we are on the right track

A,,,,,,,,,,,,PARTISAN,,,,,,,,,,,HACK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WHO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,WAS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

IN,,,,,,,,,,,CHARGE,,,,,,,,,,,,OF,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,RAISING,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,,,,,ZILLIONS,,,,,

THAT,,,,,,,,,THEY,,,,,,,,,,,,,USED,,,,,,,,,,TO,,,,,,,,,,,,COMPLAIN,,,,,,,,,,,,ABOUT,,,,,,

CORRUPTING,,,,,,,,,,,THE,,,,,,,,,,,,SYSTEM

Well, I haven't congratulated ALL the Obama supporters yet so let me say I am proud to have cast my vote for him. I support anyone he chooses as I know they will all be good in their positions.

Change you can Xerox! You Obama supporters are in for a rude awakening and now we all have to suffer.

jeff- Hillary would NOT have won IN, VA, NC, CO, NM, NV, NOR COMPETED IN MT, GA, TX, AL, ND, SD, NE

Btw, Obama ONLY has Bill Clinton's economic advisors and other few members, the rest in President Obama's administration are Republicans, Independents, Dems

As Gergen points out, Bam's setting up a a good cop-bad cop approach. I wish I could collect all the "woo-hoo"-ers' comments and save them for when this administration begins to crumble under the weight of its "greatness."

To Jeff –

Of course this would be an excellent pick. Why not pick the Chief of Staff who was in office during the success of the Clinton Administration…..this only shows that Obama is truly putting his country first.

…and get over it, she lost.

Anybody saw Joe the Plumber?

Boehner starts the whining for the congressional [R]s already? How pathetic. Obama can't even pick his own chief of staff without mindless, divisive comments from the bitter right. For those, including Boehner, who do not like this, you deserve all the self-imposed distress you can inflict on yourselfs. Personally, after living through the political hell of the last 8 years, the more you neo-tards are distressed, the happier I am.

John Boehner's immature knee jerk comment is laughable. Keep that garbage up and right wing fanatics will become even more irrelevant.

I'm just glad Obama got those drapes measured ahead of time.

EXCELLENT!

I mean really really excellent choice. Let's go to work!

Pragmatist = a practical approach to problems and affairs — what is wrong with that??????? I

Awesome, Mr. President: We have been with you since 2007, and will be with you until 2016!

Great choice!

That's not surprising. Great choice

Here we go … Bam's ready to Rahm it down …

Boehner's a blowhard… who cares what he says. Now that the Dems have it they need to push the Democratic agenda and scale back on what the Republicans brought in, as the Republicans did when they took over.

What will happen if Obama does live up to his promises that got him elected. Please do not forget the dems pretty much control all 3 executive branches so they should be able to move his agenda along
1) Troops out of Iraq in 16 months.
2) Universal and affordable health care. He did say the cost would ne $2500 less per family
3) Tax CUTS to people and families making less than 250 grand for the tax year 2009.
4) Help for main street in the 1st year that allows people to stay in their homes.
5) 5 million Green Jobs by the end of his 1st term.
If he does not live up to all these promises what will his supporters say
6) Energy independance.

Rham Emmanuel is a great choice. Obama will put together an awesome team. Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, the Repugs are already slinging mud!

May the force be with our prez-elect!

I thought Obama was for change, that is why I voted for him, BUt what does he do, picks a hardline Washington insider, that has the charm of a shark. SO where is this change he promises. Emanuel is about
partisan politics all the way. Just remember OBama, we elected you, four years from now you can be kicked out. YOu work for us now. Do us right,

Awesome choice! A chief-of-staff is not supposed to be "mr. nice guy" but someone who can get things done. I see the typical Republican response from Boehner, like he is non-partisan and lives to work w/the Dems. Boehner and has ilk will have to get used to REALLY not being in charge and start putting America ahead of their (rejected) policies and politics. America has spoken and it wasn't for you Boehner. As Napoleon Dynamite said "Idiots. Gosh".

Obama picks an attack dog for Chief of Staff. Really sets the tone for a new kind of politics in Washington. But I suppose the 'palace guard' lap dog national media will spin a positive story out of it for him.

great first choice.

a partisan washington insider and a wall street investment banker.

What an awesome choice!

President Obama's admnistration will reflect his core message: change. The experienced Emanuel, mind you, A+ experience, will bring that change.

President-elect Obama has set the tone, and that tone will be reverberated through all of his picks, no matter how a part of "the establishment" they have been.

Emanuel is brilliant and is known to get the job done and he has two brothers that are just as smart as he and successful, it must run in the family. Great pick Mr. President for 2008 and 2012 and the Republicans know this.

GO ahead…. whine and cry "no fair" republicans HAHAHAHAHA

my my my…have the tables turned hehehehe

May Emanuel serve you well President Obama!

Excellent choice. He won't take any crap from anyone. Excellent!

I think this is a great choice….I do hope they pick some of the best DEMS and REPUBS for the cabinet….However I am hearing that the Repub party is already trying to complain and make things tougher for everyone. Not smart in my opinion when the majority of the country wants to see things get done in a bipartisan manner.

President Obama we trust your judgement…..
No matter what the GOP thinks…

I have no doubt the Republicans will have something bad to say about EVERY choice Obama makes.
Obama needs people he feels he can trust around him and these are his choices to make. I will support whomever he feels will be the best for him!
He has done pretty well so far.

he will build the best cabinet ever (trust me people) get behing ths man he will need our help. Don't be suprised to if you see hilary heading up the healthcare part of his plan

Already the Republicans are starting to put down Obama's choice for his administration……..The GOP is going to have to start learning to work together and to work with all people in Obama's admistration and stop trying to find fault with everything the President does and say, just like they did for the 8 years that Clinton was President…..right now the country just voted and showed the Republicans that we have had it will all of them, we want change and we want it in the House and Senate…….and if they can't get on board and try to help make the changes that this country needs we will put them OUT of office when they come up for election……..We want Obama to pick the kind of men and women that can step in on day one and run this country like they have been doing it for years…….and Obama can do it………

Great pick!

Not to play into the negativity but Boehner is just an idiot… He is always attacking people who aren't on his extreme right-side of the fence. He needs to go!

Good choice Pres-Elect Obama! And congrats to Emanuel.

Boehner is a moron. Can he wait a week before he starts criticizing.

Great choice!

At least I am reasured that Republicans will not highjack the process of changing this nation.

More tough Obama, More.!!!!! Don't let the Republicans tell you want to do. IF they know what to do all along, they should have told bush.

First two decisions — Biden and Emmanuel. Robert Gibbs as press secretary will make it three for three! I believe President Obama's team will be almost as impressive as he is.

Only a Republican like John Boehner would find a pragmatist as an issue as chief of staff for our new president. Rham is a great choice and certainly someone our new president can trust to work for our country

Congratulations President-elect Obama!

Great choice – Rahm Emanuel will rock in this role – the first of many smart people to be part of the team

Boehner get over it and get on board.

The country is in a lot of trouble. We don't have time to play around trying to make you happy.

YOU AREN'T PRESIDENT.

Grow up and play with the big boys. Yes your little feelings might get hurt, but good grief, how old are you?

Rahm will guard the front door, the back door and the trap door at the White House.

Boy, Obama likes to surround himself with members of the former Clinton administration. Yet, DNC didn't want Hillary. What gives, an experienced female Clinton not good enough ?

Awesome pick President Obama. I think that was a great pick and you are off to one heck of a start. Keep it up…

obama…what a liar! His first official act, and he does what he said he would not! Do not expect change for the good! I voted against him, and will never ACCEPT him as my president! He lied and now he is showing his true colors. Shame on all you who voted for him!!!

Great Choice .. Yes you can… We're behind you all the way..

John Boehner is a chump, a partisian hack and partner with lobbyists of big business and coruption. Soon, you're time will come John. He's stood with GW, Cheney and the other neo-cons the entire time he's been in office. He's still busy playing politics even though it's over.

Finally, a President who can provide leadership. Great choice and best of luck President Obama.

What A choice Great one Now Things will get done in Washington!

God Bless them both. I think that was a brilliant choice.

I think he is an excellent choice! I do admire him for taking the time to consider is family and what is also best for them!

TREASURY SECRETARY:

My vote is Jamie Diamon!!!!!!!!!! He is well versed in every way for this responsibility and obligation. I hope President-elect Obama will choose him!!

Boehner needs to get over it. Thats 1 position that has officially been filled and there are how many staff positions???? Maybe you should show a little patience and see who he picks for other spots. CNN jsut showed earlier that he has 2 Republicans in mind already -Hagel and forgot the other, btu I'm sure thats jsut he beginning. Save yoru criticism till he is finished and deserves it.

WOW! No rest for Obama! He is already following through on his promises! No more extended vacations in Crawford! GO OBAMA!!!!

very pleased

Excellent choice for Chief of Staff, Mr. President-Elect Obama!

This presidential term is going to prove to be exceptional! God's special Blessing upon President-Elect Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and little Miss Sasha Obama and Miss Malia Obama; and God Bless the United States of America!!! What a wonderful place to live!!

Nothing like a Jewish Liberal activist to shake things up in Washington. Emanuel is an excellent choice, a loyal civil servant, and hopefully, this choice will start us down the road for change.

Well done, Obama.

Rep. John Boehner is going to say anything he can in a critical light while he still holds the Minority Leader role. He is bitter over the loss of seats to the Democrats, and is going to be a crybaby for the next 2 years at a minimum. We all might as well get used to it.

And the boo-hooing begins…

That's one selection Boner. Give him time

Wonderful news. . .his first choice. Indicative of Emanuel's respect for our President-elect Obama. Emanuel gave up a great deal to serve. Tough guy and we need tough. YES WE DID. Congratulations America, we finally got it right and so will he. Go Obama, you rock.

Superb choice. Here we go, change on the way.

I am very excited and I am following the process STILL I look forward to the transition stage and starting to understand the all processes of government. He has so many of us engaged!!
This is great!!

Smart choice. This is the first step in restoring the prosperity similar to the Clinton era.

It is funny how Obama is taking all of Bill Clintons people with him.
I think it should have been Hillary

Rahm Emanuel is not bi-partisan from his record on the House and what he did to get more money for electing dems to the House. Actions speak louder than any words!

Great choice – The governor has to think twice now – I am scared – LOL –

I am with you John

I thought he'd take the job. Good choice.

AP reports that Obama won North Carolina. It seems that the remaining provisional ballots are not enough for John McCain to finish ahead.

RE: California Gay Marriage vs Church Involvement

Our constitution is very clear about separation of church and state. If a church politicizes from the pulpit, it has entered the realm of "state" or politics and thus is eligible to have its tax exempt status revoked.

I challenge the incoming Attorney General to investigate the churches involved in the politicizing of the gay marriage ban and start court proceedings against removing their tax exampt status. (I have given up on any fairness from the present inhabitants of the White House.)

I, for one, as a heterosexual female, am sick of the targeting by some churches of the gay element of our population. Perhaps if they had to pay for their hate sermons through taxation, they might moderate their unchristian stand. One can only hope.

Katie, Seattle, Washington

Superb choice. President elect Obama means business.

where is all the change we have been hearing about?

we do not need insiders

Rahm is an outstanding choice and will be an outstanding chief.

Excellent! I have confidence that he will compose an excellent team!

Good choice. Emanuel is very smart. Hope his family will move to D.C.

Great choice, he has experience needed to implement policies well.

EXCELLENT CHOICE, CONGRATULATIONS REP. EMMANUEL!

This is a good pick…he will serve obama well.

Let's get John McCain involved. He has a voice. I am an Obama supporter, but can we double down for a US win?

Good choice. Congrats to Emanuel.

Oh, what do you know? Joe Scarborough was making a big deal out of nothing this morning.

I would say good choice, except my girlfriend has a crush on Emanuel. This is not going to help.

congratulations mr. emanuel. God be with you.

It will be nice to see real leadership in America again! God's speed Obama.

OUTSTANDING!!!!!

It's great that he is already keeping the American people informed with even his first decisions as President… Keep us in the LOOP President Obama and we will stand with you and support you…

Good. This guy is intelligent, tough and focused. He will make a good Chief of Staff.

Emanuel will be good, but I really hope that Obama picks fresh people, rather than just recycling old Clinton staffers.

Good for him! He will do a great job and needs to have alot of strenghth to hold that office. GOOD LUCK!

Good choice President Obama!

Keeping with what I expect to be many gestures of bi-partisanship moves,it looks like President Obama will be including members of the republican caucus to help fill out his cabinet.Let's hope that they can all work together to get the country back on track.

first step in the right direction by president elect. We wish him all the best.

Glad to see this, Only problem is, our governor now gets to reappoint two to fulfill seats instead of one. Any time the illinois governor does anything, its scares the heck out of the citizens of this state.

May he serve you well thereby serving America well President Obama!!
woohoo!!

Good choice, this is someone Obama trusts and can work well with thereby focusing on bipartisanship.

AWESOME NEWS…. Go Obama!

Great choice President Obama!

Yet another step in the right direction.

Very good choice.
The new administration is certainly getting organized and the ball rolling quickly! This is so refreshing to see!

Yeah….now Joe Scarborough can shut his stupid face up! See Joe, unlike the Republigan, Democrats think things thru thoroughly before making decisions!

not to be off topic but he's quite the looker.

Bravo Emanuel, bravo. Time to get busy buddy!!

I pleased to see Obama doing his thing. You go

It's a great start for what looks like is shaping up to be the political Dream Team.

Solid choice, makes sense !!