CQ Politics' Web Picks

New Yorker: Don't Mess with Rahmbo

Unlike recent chiefs of staff from the Bush and Clinton eras, who tended to be relatively quiet inside players, Emanuel is a former congressional leader, a Democratic Party power, and one of the more colorful Beltway celebrities. He is a political John McEnroe, known for both his mercurial temperament and his tactical brilliance. In the same conversation, he can be wonkish and thoughtful, blunt and profane. Besides Obama himself, Emanuel did the most to get the stimulus bill passed.

New York Times: Hold the Eulogies, Kennedy Says

Since the diagnosis of his brain cancer last May, and as as he endures grueling treatments, Mr. Kennedy, who turns 77 on Sunday, has been intent on racing time rather than looking back on it. Friends who have seen Mr. Kennedy describe him as driven and focused on work. He speaks frequently -- and often on his trademark issue, overhauling the nation's health care system -- to President Obama. He checks up on the Senate "chatter" with lawmakers.

Los Angeles Times: Obama's Biggest Challenges in Afghanistan

Many officials believe Obama has one primary shot at remaking Washington's war strategy and overhauling its policy in the region. The administration said last week that it would open that review, which is due in April, to Afghans, Pakistanis and European allies.

Nola.com: Governor Walking Tightrope with Speech

Hurricane Gustav denied Gov. Bobby Jindal his nationally televised debut before the American electorate last summer at the Republican National Convention, a turn of events that may yield better political drama Tuesday night for those not consumed by the final hours of Carnival.

Wall Street Journal: Two Governors and the GOP Future

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is mooted as a GOP presidential contender. During the stimulus debate he told President Barack Obama, to his face, that the Palmetto State wanted no part of a spending blowout that would be harmful to the economy. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is mooted as a GOP presidential contender. During the stimulus debate, he made clear the Sunshine State couldn't wait to get its hands on the stimulus booty.

The Root: Why Holder's Race Speech Was Better Than Obama's

Eric Holder's confrontational speech to members of the Justice Department on Wednesday spoke plainly and bluntly about the level of racial discourse in America. Why did Holder's words seem so confrontational, so angry, so "un-Obama"? Most notable was Holder's unequivocal habitation of the black perspective. Obama's careful speech was eager to embrace many sides.

Chicago Tribune: Feds Interview Burris

Sen. Roland Burris was interviewed by federal authorities for several hours Saturday as part of the ongoing corruption investigation into charges that former Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to sell a Senate seat for personal or political profit, sources familiar with the talks said. He has been informed he is not a target of the probe.

San Francisco Chronicle: Battered California GOP Gathers to Plot Future

The 1,400 Republican activists heading to Sacramento this weekend for the twice-yearly GOP convention will be united by a single concern: how to lift the state party out of the deep hole it's dug in recent years.

Governing.com: Torts for Tots

Perhaps the most important court decision in the country last year was one you probably didn't hear much about. But it is likely to have long-lasting implications -- for state courts and legislatures and for the regulatory process at all levels of American government.