Obama’s new chief of staff an expert on executive powers
With the appointment of Jacob Lew as his new chief of staff, President Obama chose a Washington veteran who is well-liked on Capitol Hill, but — just as important for dealing with hostile Republicans in a election year — is also an expert on the executive powers Obama can use to advance his agenda without lawmakers’ cooperation.
Lew, who replaces William M. Daley, steps into the role after a year of fierce partisan battles that saw Obama’s policy goals largely stalled in Congress. More and more, the president relied on executive orders to enact small pieces of his economic, education and housing proposals.
Lew is skilled in such practices. For two different presidents, Bill Clinton and Obama, he has headed the Office of Management and Budget, whose mission includes putting in place rules and regulations that don’t require congressional approval.
As Obama’s fourth chief of staff, he’ll be positioned to carry out the White House’s pivot away from engagement with Congress in favor of unilateral action. The approach jibes with a reelection strategy that includes running against a deeply unpopular Congress.
“Clearly, since Labor Day, there has been this turn from talking to [House Speaker] John Boehner and [Senate Republican leader] Mitch McConnell all the time — Velcroing themselves to Congress — toward using all the tools of government to move the agenda forward,” said John Podesta, who was chief of staff under Clinton and worked closely with Lew.
“All the executive orders and initiatives and regulations move through OMB, and Jack is extremely experienced with that. He’ll be able to shape and guide all the assets of the government to move the economy forward for the middle class.”
Obama’s appointment of Lew fits a pattern of hiring chiefs of staff suited to the needs of his presidency at a particular time.