John Sununu, President Bush's chief of staff, is a combative, conservative Republican. So he had a White House photographer snap a shot of the scene, later inscribed the picture accordingly and gave it to Mr. Bush -- who was so amused he immediately hurried to the White House press room to show it off. Although his brusque style rubs some people the wrong way the brainy former New Hampshire governor is now given credit for acting as a detached broker in policy debates. This represents a striking change from the administration's opening months when many wondered if the chief of staff would survive. Many political analysts believe Sununu has moderated his brash style, but he insists that it is Washington that has changed. The White House says Obama will not be distracted by any internal squabbles and will focus on domestic issues.
John Sununu, President Bush's chief of staff, is a combative, conservative Republican. Although his brusque style rubs some people the wrong way the brainy former New Hampshire governor is now given credit for acting as a detached broker in policy debates. This represents a striking change from the administration's opening months when many wondered if the chief of staff would survive. Many political analysts believe Sununu has moderated his brash style, but he insists that it is Washington that has changed. The White House says Obama will not be distracted by any internal squabbles and will focus on domestic issues.