Barack Obama’s plans to “spread the wealth” go well beyond the tax code. His election yesterday signals a tectonic shift in power - political, geographic and generational.
The full impact will take years to become plain, but major changes are likely to come quickly. The president-elect is under pressure to fill key positions as soon as possible to maximize stability in the markets and in foreign affairs.
Those for whom muckety is up include:
Chicago. Many long-time loyalists from Obama’s hometown are likely to land important posts in the new administration. ABC reports that Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois has already been asked to serve as chief of staff.
Campaign strategist David Axelrod and fundraiser/confidant Valerie Jarrett, both Chicagoans, are also expected to advise Obama in the White House.
Mitch McConnell. Ironically, the thinning of the GOP ranks may transfer more clout to the Senate minority leader, whom Politico calls “the most powerful Republican in the country.” McConnell squeaked by his opponent yesterday to win a fifth term in the Senate.
Al Franken. There is no clear winner yet in the Minnesota Senate race. A recount could take another month. Yet Franken’s serious run against Republican incumbent Norm Coleman proves that he is good enough, smart enough and doggone it, Minnesotans like him.
Patti Solis Doyle. After years of working with Hillary Rodham Clinton, Doyle’s firing as Clinton’s campaign manager at first seemed a career killer. Then the Obama campaign hired her.
Those whose muckety is down:
Sens. Elizabeth Dole and John Sununu, incumbents toppled by the anti-Republican wave. A Dole campaign ad, accusing her opponent of being godless, apparently backfired.
Steve Schmidt, who took charge of McCain’s strategy at the start of the summer. In the weeks since, the campaign trajectory resembled that of a pinball machine.
Joe Lieberman, who jumped to the sinking ship. The Democrat-turned-independent-turned ardent McCain supporter said today it was time to “put partisan considerations aside.” He’s scheduled to meet Thursday with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to discuss his future in the Senate Democratic Conference.
Gavin Newsom, the San Francisco mayor who endorses gay marriage. Supporters and opponents of California’s Proposition 8 spent a record $73 million on the campaign. The vote isn’t final, but results so far indicate that Californians supported the ban on same-sex marriage.
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