At Least Give Him a Chance to Fail

So John Boehner had this to say about Obama's pick of Rahm Emanuel as his Chief of Staff:

This is an ironic choice for a President-elect who has promised to change Washington, make politics more civil, and govern from the center.

There's only one salient reply to this so far as I can tell: Rahm Emanuel hasn't actually done anything yet. The only criticism you could make of such a pick, given this fact is whether or not the individual is qualified to serve in the position (which Emanuel indisputably is). Now if Obama would've staffed this position Palin-style, with a high school buddy with no relevant qualifications, then I think criticism would be warranted on that ground. Otherwise I think anyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, regardless of their party affiliation.

Secondly, since when does the Republican leadership think that bipartisan appeal is important? Does anybody remember Tom Delay? Or the kinder and gentler Mitch McConnell era in the Senate?

Barack Obama is a newly elected president whose electoral success was predicated upon people's interest in his largely progressive agenda. Call me crazy, but when you're trying to advance said agenda I think you'd need someone who's primary qualification extends beyond hooking up with the first daughter (and yes, I realize he's deputy COS, but still...).

Maybe he will turn out to be a hyper-partisan hatchet man of the first order, who's inability to reach across the isle will become an obstacle. But until then, I have less faith in John Boehner's ability to predict that eventuality than I would a magic eight ball.