Rahm Emmanuel as Chief of Staff?

It's a great pick. The Chief of Staff is a very, very important position. He/she basically stands between everyone and the President like a watchdog and any President bounces everything off their COS before making a final decision. Obama values differing opinions and apparently he knows political talent when he sees it. He likes to listen - the complete opposite of Bush in that regard. Republicans are largely having a fit about Emanuel for two reasons. One - he's a tough Democrat that knows where all the bodies are buried, and two - he's incredibly effective. Really impressed with this choice by Obama. Off to a good start.