Valerie Jarrett: Obama's Consigliere

Jarrett poised to take over for chief of staff who can't make nice

(NEWSER) - Rahm Emanuel’s frustration with the legislative process may lead him out of the White House, but it's not clear whether the president's volatile chief of staff will jump or be pushed. Emanuel, a former congressman, has a famously explosive temper that isn't going over well in the West Wing. Insiders tell the New York Post 's Page Six that top Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett is likely to succeed him. More»

Prez promised to call out detractors, and that he did over Olympics claims

(NEWSER) - In an unprecedented move, the White House has excoriated one of its most vocal opponents in a blog post ripping Fox News. The post singles out Glenn Beck, saying his "program has shown that nothing is worthy of respect if it can be used as part of a partisan attack to boost ratings" and proceeds to refute arguments the lachrymose talking head has made using the labels "RHETORIC" and "REALITY." More»

When Jarrett weighs in, prez listens

(NEWSER) - When the president has made up his mind, there’s one person who can change it: Valerie Jarrett, who acts as his “intermediary to the outside world,” Robert Draper writes in a hefty New York Times Magazine profile. “There are two people he’s not going to say no to: Valerie Jarrett and Michelle Obama,” says a state campaign manager. Every administration has one: she’s “The One Who Gets the Boss.” More»

Look out for these White House plugs next Wednesday

(NEWSER) - President Obama's savvy advisers may scoff at his 100th day as a "Hallmark holiday," but they're happy to tell reporters how to cover it. Politico lists what the White House is spinning:

• Obama's not overambitious, just a promise-keeper—right down to that new pup.
• His broader vision is unclear because it's so different.
• He's in touch with the people.

Firms salute efforts of White House 'consigliere'

(NEWSER) - Valerie Jarrett wears many hats in the White House: “If there’s a consigliere, it’s Valerie,” says the head of President Obama’s transition team. Lately, however, the longtime family friend has chiefly been Obama’s ambassador to big business, Bloomberg reports. She “picks the brains” of executives from Wall Street to Disney—and they appreciate the connection. She’s a “tremendous asset” to the president, says American Express’ CEO. More»