White House Begins Staff Overhaul

New economic team, defense chief as Obama eyes reelection

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 24, 2010 9:03 AM CST

(Newser) – President Obama is readying a reorganization of his staff, altering his economic team and choosing new defense and press secretaries, among other changes. The aims: an executive branch operating at its full potential, progress with a Republican Congress, and an eye on reelection, the New York Times reports. “This is a bubble,” said adviser David Axelrod. “There’s an advantage to bringing in folks who have a fresh set of senses.”

As previously reported, Axelrod will be replaced by former campaign manager David Plouffe as Obama’s chief political adviser. Meanwhile, the president is looking to Treasury adviser Gene Sperling or investment banker Roger Altman to take over for Larry Summers as director of the National Economic Council. The administration is also hiring new lawyers to address potential oversight probes from the incoming Congress. Up to now, this White House has seen far fewer staff changes than recent administrations, the Times notes.

Sen. Tom Harkin, from left, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, President Obama's 2008 campaign manager David Plouffe and White House adviser David Axelrod, right, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, in Indianola, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, right, stands with senior adviser David Axelrod, before President Barack Obama signed the health care reform bill, Tuesday, March 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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White House Begins Staff Overhaul

New economic team, defense chief as Obama eyes reelection

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