Gibbs: I'm Stepping Down, Becoming Political Adviser

Press secretary will also hit the speech circuit
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 5, 2011 9:40 AM CST
Gibbs: I'm Stepping Down, Becoming Political Adviser
In this Feb. 9, 2010 file photo, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has the words "Eggs, Milk, Bread (crossed out), Hope, and Change" written in marker on his hand as he briefs reporters.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

Robert Gibbs confirms that he's part of the long-rumored White House shakeup today, telling the New York Times that he'll leave the job in early February to become a political adviser. He's also looking to pick up a little loot on the speaking circuit. A successor is expected to be named within two weeks; aides tell the Times that President Obama is finalizing his staff changes today.

“Stepping back will take some adjusting,” said Gibbs. “But at the same time, I have a feeling that I will keep myself quite busy, not just with speaking, but continuing to help the president.” Says Obama of Gibbs: “He’s had a six-year stretch now where basically he’s been going 24/7 with relatively modest pay. I think it’s natural for someone like Robert to want to step back for a second to reflect, retool and that, as a consequence, brings about both challenges and opportunities for the White House.” (More Robert Gibbs stories.)

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