We’re going to have more on this shortly. But as this political battle over Daschle unfolds, it’s critical to remember that Daschle has been a critical figure for Obama for some time. Well, before there was any discussion of building a cabinet or even starting a longshot presidential bid. Daschle lost his seat in the same election Obama entered the senate — 2004. And as Daschle was closing up shop, a number of his key staffers went over to Obama to get his senate operation started, most notably Daschle’s former Chief of Staff, Peter Rouse. Rouse is now an Obama ‘Senior Advisor’ whose office is just a few steps down from the Oval Office.
Whatever you make of the substance of the tax and lobbying issues threatening Daschle’s nomination, I think it will take quite a lot for Obama to pull the plug on his nomination.
