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02/22/2009: "Rahm Emanuel is chief of United States?"
In recent months, he has played a crucial role in the selection and courtship of nearly every cabinet member and key White House staff member.
Renowned as a fierce partisan, he has been an ardent ambassador to Republicans, including Mr. Obama's defeated rival, Senator John McCain of Arizona. He has exerted influence on countless decisions; in meetings, administration officials say, Mr. Obama often allows him to speak first and last.
"You can see how he listens and reacts to Rahm," said Ron Klain, the chief of staff to Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. "You can see that his opinion is being shaped."
[ He pretty much IS the president then. ]
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/us/politics/25emanuel.html?_r=1