Trusting Bill Daley

Opinion: January 12, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Chicago Tribune: As President Barack Obama enters the second half of his term, his dreamy honeymoon with Congress and the American public long over, what a relief to see the sensible William Daley at his side. Daley has the experience to excel at one of the nation’s toughest jobs. And yes, he’s a pro-business Democrat, which galls the liberal wing of the Democratic Party.

This choice for chief of staff is primarily based on competence and Washington experience, but it probably reflects a shift in the White House’s approach to government too.

Daley played that role for President Bill Clinton, both as unofficial problem-solver and as commerce secretary. Daley was key to winning congressional approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement. He’s a political centrist who has warned Democrats that their left wing is out of touch with much of the nation.

Amen.

A need for change

Obama seems to recognize that his business-bashing rhetoric of the last two years made him look small-minded and undermined the confidence of job-creators. Daley, who leaves a senior executive post at JPMorgan Chase, understands that businesses small and large — yes, even Wall Street banks — are not the enemy. America depends on hiring and investment to jump-start an economy that is just beginning to create jobs again. Employers need to gain confidence in an administration that has pummeled them with an onslaught of new regulation.

Daley’s selection signals a willingness to compromise in the interest of avoiding legislative gridlock. That’s a simple bow to reality: Republicans control the House. The calm, understated Daley should help to head off distracting political battles.