Edward Luce of the Financial Times has an incredible article up on Barack Obama's White House, an absolute must-read for all Obama Watchers. Luce talked with dozens of Obama's allies and discovered that the old Chicago gang is running the show in Washington. Of course, we told you that months ago, but it's great to see a journalist finally do some legwork on this. Luce found that, other than the president, the people who command the president's attention are Rahm Emanuel, David Axelrod, Valerie Jarrett, and Robert Gibbs. This Gang of Four has unprecedented power in Washington. Luce writes:
"And barring Richard Nixon’s White House, few can think of an administration that has been so dominated by such a small inner circle."
With the exception of Gibbs, the members of that inner circle are all old cronies from Chicago.
"The president, who is the first to keep a BlackBerry, rarely holds a meeting, including on national security, without some or all of them present."
Emanuel used to be a congressman, but how the hell do the other three know anything about national security?
Luce also reveals that Obama's cabinet members are often shut out in favor of his Chicago dream team, particularly Emanuel who has alienated many others in the administration with his bullying and profanity.
John Kennedy trusted his talented brother and attorney general Bobby. Richard Nixon was advised most closely by the brilliant Henry Kissinger. George W. Bush turned to Dick Cheney and Condoleeza Rice. When Barack Obama needs advice about governing, he turns to three old Chicago hacks and a pompous press flack from Alabama.
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