Rahm Emanuel had the political experience and intellectual brilliance to become one of the most effective presidential chiefs of staff since the creation of the White House staff in 1939. But, like "Mighty Casey," he struck out.

Strike one: Passion for anonymity. When the Administrative Reorganization Commission created the White House staff and the Executive Office of the President in 1939, it stipulated that their personnel should have a "passion for anonymity." That is, they should place the president's interests above their own, and they should shy away from publicity that would detract from the president and his agenda.

A passion for anonymity Rahm Emanuel does not have. It is speculated that he has viewed his position as White House chief of staff as the launching pad...