That's why I'm wondering who his Machiavelli will be. Rham is mostly targeted at Congress (I mean aside from his role of keeping the White House firmly on message and leak-proof). Since Congress is Democrat controlled, he will be targeting Democrats. This is managed conflict if done with finesse (rare, but Reagan comes to mind) or becomes a dysfunctional shouting match as with Carter.

But the real power lies with Machiavelli. Who will bend the President's ear? Bush had Rove. Clinton had Stephanopoulis (who has miraculously morphed into a "non-partisan" news analyst), Bush I had a committee (which resulted in a hazy "vision thing") and Reagan had Meese. Who did Carter have? I forgot.

Anyway, that roll has huge potential for power. Understanding that person's roll and influence will tell us an awful lot about President Obama.

B