The transition: Rahm, Gibbs and Ax

The Washington Post reports on Obama’s hiring of Rahm Emanuel to be his chief of staff, as well as the likely picks of Roberts Gibbs as press secretary and David Axelrod as senior adviser. “Those early staffing decisions, coupled with reports that a number of prominent and established people are under consideration for Cabinet roles, suggests that Obama is focused more on projecting a reassuring image of continuity and competence than of quickly bringing wholesale change to a nation facing two wars and a severe economic downturn.” More: “Obama's choice of Emanuel -- a veteran of the Clinton years with a quick wit, a legendary temper and a strong grasp of policy -- signaled a potential mood shift away from the serene ‘no drama’ ethos that defined his campaign. It also demonstrated Obama's eagerness to be accompanied by tested allies in navigating his first act in the White House.”  The New York Post’s conservative editorial page praises Emanuel, calling him, yes, a "partisan," but ... (link)