CQ Politics' Web Picks

New York Times: Obama's Partisan, Profane Confidant Reins It In

How will Rahm Emanuel, the feisty, bombastic and at times impulsive former congressman, blend with the cool, collegial and deliberate culture of Obama World? And one that is trying to foster bipartisanship? President Obama's chief of staff is brash and outspoken but Emanuel has a deep comfort level with his boss.

Baltimore Sun: Steele Has a Shot at the GOP Chairmanship

Over the years, Michael Steele has gained a large following in Republican circles, even though he has never won a major office on his own. That rather unfortunate distinction, however, could be about to change with his bid for the chairmanship of the Republican National committee.

Wall Street Journal: Delays in Cabinet Nominations Demonstrate GOP Resolve

President Barack Obama chose his Cabinet nominees with record speed, but since his inauguration the process of securing their Senate confirmation and building his government has slowed markedly.

Slate: Will President Obama Have a Personal Computer?

Barack Obama completed his first full day as president on Wednesday. Pictures of the historic occasion showed Obama sitting at a gleaming Oval Office desk. Will all that empty space eventually be filled by a personal computer? Probably not, if recent history is a guide.

New York Post: Kennedys Livid as Gov Asked Caroline to "Lie"

An "apoplectic" Kennedy family is seething over the rough treatment that heiress apparent Caroline got from Gov. Paterson's office and is spoiling for revenge. Among Paterson's offenses was a request that Caroline lie about her unexpected withdrawal for "personal" reasons, according to NY magazine.

Chicago Tribune: Mideast Envoy George Mitchell No Stranger to Conflicts

During a grinding 18-month stretch in the 1990s, U.S. envoy George Mitchell crossed the Atlantic more than 100 times in a dogged search for peace between Northern Ireland's Protestants and Catholics. Now, President Barack Obamahas turned to Mitchell in a new effort to settle the ancient conflict between Israelis and Arabs. At age 75, Mitchell faces two adversaries apt to be suspicious of his efforts but is widely considered up to the challenge.

Boston Globe: For Top Chefs, Food Policy is on the Menu

Rick Bayless, the chef of Topolobampo, one of Obama's favorite Chicago restaurants, says Obama's comfortable demeanor at the table - slumped contentedly in his chair, clearly there to enjoy himself - bodes well for the nation's food policy. While former President Bush rarely visited restaurants and didn't often talk about what he ate, Obama dines out frequently and enjoys experiencing different foods.