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No.  I don't think you're correct there.  You have to understand it in the context of this NOT being your kind of system.  We have one Head of State, and 3 sep. branches of government.  CoS is the person who does all the dirty work because they are not accountable to the public.  It an Executive, not Legislative role.  They don't decide policy, they advise, and then do whatever needs to be done once the Prez makes their decision.  

Also, re: Drew and Josh Lyman.  Lyman was actually Deputy Chief of Staff.  And I'm pretty sure the only reason anyone outside DC knows about these positions if because of the West Wing.  An aside, Vladislav Surkov was the Deputy Chief of Staff to Putin and Medvedev.  Who besides me has ever heard of Vladislav Surkov?  These are not public personae.  They are not public personae for a very important reason.  And that's probably what Rahm's mulling over at the moment, career as powerful insider or famous Representative who could get in line for the Presidency.  

Rahmbo may make a good CoS, because being a heartless prick appears to be an asset in that role.  And I mean that in the kindest way possible.  OTOH, he has an atrocious track record.  I hope he's more of a henchman than an advisor.

Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

by poemless on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 05:47:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Yes.  The CoS's job is basically to give advice and then go beat the shit out of people on the Hill to get it done.  And, to be fair, the latter area might actually be a good fit for Rahmbo.

You're right, Leo was CoS, not Josh, but I think Josh would've been the logical choice in the Santos administration.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:18:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Josh was the choice for Santos. Yet more spooky West Wing prognostication.

Regards
Luke

-- #include witty_sig.h

by silburnl on Fri Nov 7th, 2008 at 08:05:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]
Although, adding, if you ask me, I want whomever Toby was based on, just because Toby ruled on the West Wing.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:19:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Toby was the speechwriter.

I loved Toby - he was my favorite, non-looks-wise. ;)  Josh was HOT.

Come, my friends, 'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

by poemless on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:20:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]
That's probably fair.

I miss the early years of that show when Sorkin was still doing it.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:23:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I liked the tall woman - whatshername who became COS after Leo - she was also brilliant in Primary Colors as the teacher who kept falling over herself.  The West Wing was the only TV other than Rugby I watched.  I need it back.

Vote McCain for war without gain
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot dotty communists) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:50:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]
CJ.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:55:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Also, re: Rahmbo. I'll happily take Rahmbo, in the hopes of busting a few heads and getting some shit done, over do-nothing uber-wimp Tom Daschle, who'd also been rumored to be in the running.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
by Drew J Jones (blahblahblah@blahblahblah.com) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 06:31:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I would still argue that a strong CoS -it does depend on the personality - is the most central and influential figure in an administration after the President - always assuming he retains the President's trust. He tends to get involved in all the key issues - whereas other high ranking officials - State, Treasury, Nat. Security  - tend only to be influential in their specific specialist areas.  He controls access to the President and advises on many appointments.  He is the key link between the Exec and Legislative branches and often shapes what can be done - not what the President/congress want to see done.  The reason Obama filled this position first is because almost all else flows from it or through it - to a degree never envisioned in any formal constitution...

Vote McCain for war without gain
by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot dotty communists) on Thu Nov 6th, 2008 at 07:00:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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