Desiree Rogers, White House Social Secretary, Steps Down

By GottaLaff

I had a feeling this was coming, but remember, "change" is a good thing:

Politico reports that Desiree Rogers, the White House social secretary, will be stepping down next month.

Rogers, who took criticism after a couple breached security at the White House's first state dinner, told the Chicago Sun-Times: "As we turn the corner on the first year, this is a good time for me to explore opportunities in the corporate world."

As Ben Smith notes, "the upshot of her departure is to chip away at a Chicago inner circle, headed by Valerie Jarrett and David Axelrod, that has been increasingly the target of Democratic critics who feel Obama has been unable to make political adjustments on the national stage."

Meanwhile, an administration official tells ABC News the leading candidate to replace Rogers is Julianna Smoot, who was the national finance director for the 2008 Obama presidential campaign.

As I've been reading, I've noticed a new talking point is starting to take shape: Obama's losing his inner circle, drip drip drip, his presidency is doomed... again.

Keep in mind, several of the president's staff stated early on that this would only be a two year gig. They're, you know, keeping their word. Remember that? It something that rarely happen for eight long years.

VIDEO: Robert Gibbs' tense exchange with April Ryan

By GottaLaff



Cringeworthy:

However, the one that took place Wednesday between White House press secretary Robert Gibbs and April Ryan of American Urban Radio, in which Gibbs essentially compared Ryan to a petulant child, is among the most heated (and entertaining) in recent memory. [...]

Ryan claimed that there have been whispers around Washington insinuating that Rogers had overstepped the traditional role of her title at the event to become the "belle of the ball," thus "overshadowing the first lady." Frustrated by Ryan's tabloid-y line of questioning, Gibbs instructed her to "calm down" and to take a deep breath," adding "I do this with my son and that's what happens."

Squirmitude.

America's first African American White House social secretary

By GottaLaff

The Obama touch:

Desirée Rogers, a prominent Chicago businesswoman and Harvard MBA, will be named the first African American White House social secretary, sources in the presidential transition office said yesterday.

Rogers, 49, is a friend of Michelle and President-elect Barack Obama's, and a leader in Chicago corporate and civic circles; her appointment signals that the first couple consider the job crucial to how they introduce themselves to the country and the globe. She was a major fundraiser for Obama.

"This appointment sends a strong message that the Obamas want to use the White House strategically, to maximize its use in a way that is consistent with their philosophy -- [to] open it to a broader range of people, " said Valerie Jarrett, an Obama intimate and friend of Rogers's who also will work in the White House. "Desirée is a heavy hitter -- she comes with her own range of contacts from around the country. She's close to Michelle and she knows everyone who will be working in the West Wing, so she will be able to create a synergy." [...]

[T]he social secretary's office is responsible for every event or ceremony that occurs in the White House or on the grounds.

Ann Stock, a social secretary in the Clinton White House:

"It's like running a small agency," said Stock, who briefed Rogers on the job last week. "Her business savvy, her marketing skills will all come into play. Her close relationship with the Obamas is very important because she comes to the job already understanding their preferences." [...]

Rogers is also committed to making the White House a fun place for the Obama daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, sources said. Most important, the Obamas and Rogers will develop creative ways to bring a broad spectrum of people through the White House, "so it's the people's house again," Jarrett said. "This campaign engaged a lot of people in ways they had not engaged before. This is about continuing to capture that excitement."