A week ago we posted the story which aired on CNN and outlined the White House threatening insurance companies to keep their mouths shut and don’t talk bad about Obamacare.
When we shared the story we included the following paragraph:

Whenever you see the words “threats” and “directly from the White House” in one sentence or phrase, you can be intellectually confident President Obama’s Chief of Staff, Denis ”The Fixer” McDonough, is the source of the pressure.

Some people took exception, a few even emailed pointing out that Denis McDonough is now the President’s Chief of Staff and would not be the one “out of the office and pressuring anyone”.   It’s simply “not his job to protect policy” and “he doesn’t have time to fill that role” was the essential framework.
Well, we don’t think Treepers are stupid.   Nor will we obfuscate by not pointing to things which -while they might break from traditional framework- are more than likely to be the reality of what’s going on:
If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, sounds like a duck, looks like a duck – it isn’t a flippin’ swan that waddles.

Denis McDonough is the Obama “FIXER”  we don’t give a hoot what is normal, or customary, for the Chief of Staff to do.  This administration is NOT normal or customary. Period. That was a week ago , now today check this report:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking insurance companies to explain to Americans the cancellation letters they’re receiving in the mail.
President Barack Obama’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough, met Tuesday with CEOs from some of the largest health insurers. The White House says McDonough updated the CEOs on fixes to healthcare.gov and problems with enrollment data sent electronically to insurers. McDonough also solicited input on whether the system is getting better.
The White House says McDonough urged insurance companies to “ramp up communication and education efforts” to those who have lost their insurance.
Millions have received cancellation notices, sparking outrage because Obama repeatedly promised that those who liked their health care could keep it. The White House says many of those losing coverage have better, cheaper options through the new exchanges.  (continue reading)