Articles

The Obama White House May Be a Crowded Mess

January 28, 2009

On the campaign trail, Barack Obama criticized Washington for being "obsessed with the perpetual campaign." As president he is the first occupant of the Oval Office to give his director of political affairs -- who coordinates the president's involvement with his party and other campaign related activities -- an office in the West Wing.

Many Americans may assume that the president's entire staff is in the West Wing. It's not. The West Wing is actually a very small place, so the vast number of people who work "at the White House" actually have offices across the street at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB).

Under Mr. Obama, the political director won't be in the EEOB, where other presidents have placed him. He'll occupy a West Wing office usually given to the head of presidential personnel. That's a sign of the importance of politics for Team Obama.

This is one of many of Mr. Obama's changes to the management structure of the White House that will likely undermine his stated aims and create a more centralized and possibly incoherent policy process.

FULL ARTICLE: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123318823268126605.html

Related Article

4cef5f0e9ca9889e328da780a78d0636
September 11, 2025 |
Article
Mike Rogers seeks to win the party a seat for the first time since 1994. ...
Be15b4038d4dab2059531b1d02ccdf06
September 04, 2025 |
Article
Independent voters, the economy, and candidate quality will all be crucial factors. ...
5e3bd78b14b679466ed307cc9c8fdb19
August 28, 2025 |
Article
My wife, Karen, and I hosted dinner at our Austin home for 42 guests on Aug. 20. As they greeted each other with hugs and handshakes, there was sadness and weariness in the room—a mixture of anxiety and hope. ...
362a198591bf5b2ec40881c4dd3eb381
August 21, 2025 |
Article
So much about Ukraine seems in flux since President Trump landed in Alaska Friday. It’s been nonstop action with a growing cast of world leaders jumping in. ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance