There could be trouble brewing and an impending shake-up in the West Wing.
White House Chief of Staff William Daley announced he has turned over much of his day-to-day management responsibilities to senior aide and former interim Chief of Staff Pete Rouse. The shift comes following a turbulent political period, where the White House has struggled with a weak economy and a hostile Congress.
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| Pete Rouse |
Mr. Daley is a former banker with deep connections on Wall Street. He was recruited by President Obama last fall to help smooth relations within the business world. But after the administration’s failure to strike a deficit-reduction deal with Speaker of the House John Boehner, and with citizens throughout the country protesting big banks with “Occupy Wall St.” movements, Mr. Daley has found that his particular set of skills are becoming obsolete. Daley had planned to return to his home in Chicago following whatever the outcome of the 2012 election. But with a tight reelection expected, his departure from the White House could come much sooner.
Mr. Rouse is a low-key but highly regarded administrator who spent most of his career as an aide on Capitol Hill. His brief tenure as interim chief was considered a success, until the White House felt it necessary to go with the “name” appointment of Daley.
Can Mr. Rouse right the ship?
