CHANGE?

Posted at 4:08 p.m. ET

Rahm Emanuel, a member of the House Democratic leadership, has accepted the president-elect's offer to become White House chief of staff.  He therefore gives up a rising career in the House, which could have taken him to the speaker's chair, and a chance to go to the United States Senate upon Mr. Obama's resignation. 

Emanuel was a Clinton loyalist.  Although a fellow member of the Illinois congressional delegation, he did not endorse Obama in the primaries.  Neither did he endorse Clinton.  He is known as a fierce partisan, someone not known for "working across the aisle."  He is also volatile and a hard curser.  Not a candidate for sainthood.

The speculation will now begin as to what "signal" this appointment sends, especially from a president-elect who pledged to be conciliatory.  We decline to participate in the speculation.  Emanuel and Obama are friends, and Emanuel is known for running a tight ship.  Maybe that's the whole thing.  Knowing how he's operated in the past, we can assume that he will quickly become the most powerful man in the administration, other than the president, but may, as a kind gesture, take Joe Biden's calls.

There is considerable talk as to who will replace Obama in the Senate, and it's taking on racial overtones.  The governor of Illinois, Rod Bladojevich, who, in the tradition of Illinois governors, is the subject of some embarrassing investigations, will make the choice.  He has said he'll be influenced by Obama's recommendations.  Translation:  Obama, in conjunction with Chicago political figures, will make the selection.  Black leaders are applying intense pressure to have another black named, especially since Obama is the only African-American in the Senate.  But that creates an awkward situation for Obama, who could then be accused of creating a "black" seat.  Further, the obvious choice would be Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., with a name not universally beloved.  Watch this one.

November 6, 2008.