Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.President Barack Obama named JP Morgan Chase executive William Daley as his new White House chief of staff yesterday.
Announcing his decision at a White House ceremony, Mr Obama said he hoped Mr Daley – who was commerce secretary under former President Bill Clinton – would help energise the US economy. "He possesses a deep understanding of how jobs are created and how to grow our economy," Mr Obama said.
Mr Daley was not part of the White House inner circle, but – at a time when fixing the economy is Mr Obama's greatest challenge – the President needs a politically savvy businessman at the helm as he prepares for his re-election bid in 2012.
Mr Daley, whose appointment was welcomed by business leaders, was campaign manager for Al Gore in his 2000 presidential campaign. He was also was president of SBC Communications and more recently ran operations in the Midwest for JP Morgan Chase.
Mr Obama had been urged by some in his party to bring in fresh blood after the Democrats were routed in last November's congressional elections. He joked that Mr Daley has a "smidgen of awareness" of how the US political system works.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments