Obama Gives First Interview to 60 Minutes

Says he forgot 'leadership isn't just legislation'

(NEWSER) - In his first post-midterm interview, President Obama offers an analysis of missteps over the past two years, one that echoes his day-after press conference. "We were so busy and so focused” that we forgot “leadership isn’t just legislation,” he tells 60 Minutes . It’s also “a matter of persuading people. And giving them confidence and bringing them together. And setting a tone. And making an argument that people can understand.” More»

(NEWSER) - Among the families around the world gathering tomorrow to celebrate the beginning of Passover with a dinner, or seder, will be a high-profile group: the Obamas. The White House seder tradition started on the campaign trail in 2008, when then-senator Barack Obama surprised three staffers by showing up for their makeshift celebration in a Pennsylvania hotel basement. Last year's seder was a bit more impressive, with close to two dozen friends, relatives, and staffers gathering at the White House. More»

Kristen Jarvis came up in Obama's Senate office, and has proven stellar

(NEWSER) - Kristen Jarvis has had tough jobs. She joined Barack Obama’s office in 2004, when he was a newly minted senator. But that was nothing compared to last year’s presidential campaign, when she was given a different charge: Michelle Obama. As her "body woman," Jarvis did everything from watch her boss pace before her clutch DNC speech to keep her well-coiffed on the campaign trail. “Hairdressers in every state!” Jarvis exclaims to Newsweek of the trials of finding experts in black dos across the country. “It was a struggle.” More»

Letterman veers from apolitical-leaning-right to full-on liberal

(NEWSER) - The most telling thing David Letterman has said in a while may have been a brief comment he made last Monday, as he wrapped up an hour with President Obama: "I can't tell you how satisfying it is to watch you work," the famously crotchety Late Night host said matter-of-factly. George W. Bush lies behind the transformation of Letterman from a Clinton-bashing admirer of Bob Dole and John McCain to an unabashed Obama fan, Brian Lowry writes for Variety. More»

Obamas wrap up White House visit, though details are scarce

(NEWSER) - The First Couple and the First Couple-elect met at the White House this afternoon. After the Bushes greeted the Obamas, President Bush took Barack Obama to the Oval Office for a private meeting, while Laura Bush showed Michelle Obama around the residence. The meetings lasted about an hour, the Chicago Tribune reports. More»