New type of politics: Obama wants unqualified crony to replace him in Senate

posted at 5:00 pm on November 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The crony in question: Valerie Jarrett, who’s never run for public office in any capacity as far as I can tell but has earned appointments as chairman of the Chicago Transit Board and as a trustee of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Which, in fairness, makes her more qualified to hold high office than The One.

Rep. Rahm Emanuel, the incoming chief of staff, said Sunday that he had not seen the report from Chicago’s WLS-TV that named Jarrett as Obama’s top pick, but he praised her as a “valuable ally.”

“People should know that Valerie Jarrett is — and people do know — she is a very dear friend of the president-elect and a valuable ally of his, not only prior to running for president, in his Senate life, and just personally for Michelle and Barack,” Emanuel said on ABC’s “This Week.”

How close is Jarrett to Obama? From TNR: “Jarrett’s cardinal role on the Obama campaign is to serve as an extension of the candidate. She is Obama’s eyes and ears at meetings and events. When she speaks, it is in his voice. She is often the one to deliver harsh truths to Obama–and to others on his behalf. And, when there is courting of vital constituencies to be done, Jarrett is an undisputed master.” Exit question: If we’re going to put Obama’s most dependable lackey in the Senate, why not cut out the middleman and just let him retain his office? There’s no reason to believe Jarrett would ever vote against his wishes. Just drop the pretense and let him be President/Senator.

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