Emanuel bids farewell to White House

Emanuel’s decision to quit the White House and run for mayor of Chicago had been so well known that even Obama mocked the lack of suspense. But it still felt like the most important transition to date for the Obama operation, which has been fueled for nearly two years by Emanuel’s demands, drive, and discipline.

At an emotional farewell, Obama said, “We are all very excited for Rahm, but we’re also losing an incomparable leader of our staff.’’ Emanuel choked up as he said his goodbye.

Into the breech steps Rouse, an Obama senior adviser known around the White House as a problem-fixing, media-shy strategist and organizer. Rouse is expected to serve as interim chief for several months and may eventually get the job permanently, as the White House is in the midst of reviewing a broader shake-up.

Considered the most consuming and influential staff job in American politics, the chief of staff shapes nearly everything at the White House — how the president spends his time, how he pursues his strategies on foreign and domestic policy, how he deals with a deadlocked Congress and a skeptical electorate.

Distinctive, profane, and combative in his approach, Emanuel was a bruising but successful manager often known simply as Rahm. The contrast between the outgoing and incoming chiefs of staff was on full display as Obama spoke of both men in the grand East Room.

Emanuel waved to colleagues, whispered to his children in the first row, and stood familiarly with his hands on hips, as if ready to get going. Rouse was quiet and stoic except for the occasional smile. He almost seemed to shy away into the background even as Obama lauded his skills and his results.

“It’s fair to say that we could not have accomplished what we’ve accomplished without Rahm’s leadership,’’ Obama said. The president singled out Emanuel’s work on the health and financial overhauls.

Emanuel choked up when his turn came. He spoke of his family’s immigrant background, the opportunities he’s been afforded, his pride in Obama. “I want to thank you for being the toughest leader any country could ask for,’’ Emanuel told his boss.

In a nod to the political sensitivities of Emanuel’s move, he never directly mentioned that he was running for mayor, and Obama didn’t touch that, either. Emanuel, sure to be cast as an outsider by his competitors in the upcoming mayoral campaign, did not want to announce his run from Washington.

He is expected to formally announce his bid in the coming days, already the biggest name in a crowded race.

Rouse is not expected to become a public face of the administration or do the activities he has long avoided — appearing on the Sunday talk shows or attending political dinners. But as a veteran of Capitol Hill politics, he offers Obama continuity and comfort, having served as his Senate chief of staff, campaign adviser, and White House fixer.