Speaker Nancy Pelosi is setting clear parameters for how she expects the Obama White House to work with House Democrats now that former lieutenant Rahm Emanuel will be chief of staff, Politico reports. When Emanuel recently offered advice on a leadership race, she replied that it is “an internal House Democratic Caucus matter, and we’ll handle it.”
Though Pelosi and Obama say they share an agenda, she’s making sure Emanuel doesn’t work behind her back. Says one source, Pelosi “is not going to allow Obama to triangulate her”—that is, make himself look pragmatic at her expense. Pelosi promoted Emanuel to the Democratic leadership, and OK’d his jump to the White House, but she wants it clear: He works for a new boss. (More Nancy Pelosi stories.)