WHITE HOUSE

A Softer 'Rahmbo'

Rahm Emanuel works at making friends.

“Rahmbo” is getting a makeover. Rahm Emanuel, the president’s tough chief of staff, is becoming “more valet than hit man.” In anticipation of the budget vote earlier this month, Emanuel’s West Wing office came to resemble a “legislative bazaar,” as lawmakers peddled their concerns about the bill. And, as he is doing with the entire Obama agenda, Emanuel listened carefully to each person in order to expertly shepherd the president’s budget through Congress. He’s learned to see the best in lawmakers, and, in an effort to garner support for the Obama agenda, makes each person feel as if their voice needs to be heard. He’s become so sweet that one night when the House Budget Committee was working late, Emanuel sent over eight chocolate cakes and a batch of cookies.