Posted by
James Burns on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:52:54 AM
On Monday Barack Obama went to the White house to meet with President Bush and to get a tour of his residence for the next four years. The two held a "private meeting" regarding things each one wants during the transition. While this was supposed to be a private meeting, information was leaked to the media by an anyonomous source. Anger over this has been expressed by the Bush adminstration. Both sides have said that no bargaining over issues happened, but the damage was done by the leak already.
So who do I think is to blame? The mouth of Chicago, Rham Emanuel, Obama's soon to be Chief Of Staff. Why do I say this? Rahm Emanuel is known for being very partisian. He is also known to be a media butterfly. He loves to talk to the press, he loves to be in front of the camera. He is also out for number one. Arrogance flows from this man like water. His image is more important to him than anyone or anything else. He is aspiring to be in Obama's position one day.
I heard Dick Morris tell a story about Mr. Emanuel when both were part of the Clinton administration. A situation took place and President Clinton called Dick Morris and asked who he told about the situation, because the only ones who knew were Morris and himself. Morris told Clinton that he told Rham and another individual, I cannot remember the other individuals name. Clinton's response was "you should of just held a press conference." Clinton also stated he could not trust the other man or Emanuel. So why put these people in your administration? This right here should tell Obama he has chosen some one he can't trust.
What I don't understand is how a president can appoint people they cannot trust to high positions in their administration? Shouldn't he surround yourself with people who he can trust? These are going to be the people who he will confide in. Go to for advice. These people will be prievy to information that must be kept secret, but without basic trust how can that happen? Is a situation like this a danger to national security? We have all seen what leaks to the media can do to an administration trying to resolve a crisis.
The bottom line is this, if there can be an undoing of the Obama administration, it will be at the hands of Mr. Emanuel. He cannot restrain himself, especially if he is not in agreement with the president. Rahm Emanuel will be Obama's Achilles heel and can cause Obama's downfall if need be. I have no problem with this as long as the American people and national security are not put in jeapordy by it.