“This is a bittersweet day in the White House,” President Obama said to about 150 people assembled in the East Room, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. “On the one hand, we are all very excited for Rahm as he takes on a new challenge for which he is extraordinarily well-qualified,” the president continued. “But we’re also losing an incomparable leader of our staff and one who we are going to miss very much. Rahm has exceeded all of my expectations.” Yesterday, Emanuel made a formal announcement of his candidacy for Mayor via a new website: ChicagoforRahm.com. Later today he will hit the streets of Chicago for a long day of campaigning.
In his absence, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Peter Rouse has been, at least temporarily, elevated to the main post. The 64-year-old Rouse is a close confidant to Mr. Obama, having served previously as his Chief of Staff while Mr. Obama was a member of the U.S. Senate. Rouse, who was once called the 101st Senator, is known as a low-key problem solver and consummate backroom player whose work is rarely publicized, which is in stark contrast to the brash and public persona of his partisan predecessor.
President Obama is said to be considering several names to fill the slot permanently, including former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former Clinton White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and Obama 2008 campaign manager David Plouffe. But having already established a confident and close relationship with the president, Rouse may very well end up holding the job permanently.
