Mr. Sununu was typically tough; at one point, he tracked down Sen. Kennedy on a boat for a blunt phone conversation to break a logjam in Senate-White House talks. John Sununu , President Obama '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 decisions . 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 . Nevertheless , some Democrats and Republicans alike believe that Sununu with his combative style may still be accumulating too many enemies for his own good .
John Sununu , President Obama '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 decisions . 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 . Nevertheless , some Democrats and Republicans alike believe that Sununu with his combative style may still be accumulating too many enemies for his own good .