November 14, 2008
Posted: 06:10 PM ET

(CNN) — Valerie Jarrett tells CNN contributor Roland Martin that President-elect Barack Obama offered and she accepted a position in the Obama administration – she will be the Senior Adviser to the President and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Liaison.

The offer was made Friday but will be announced Saturday by the transition office, Jarrett told Martin. Jarrett is currently co-chair of Mr. Obama’s transition team and was senior adviser for his Presidential campaign.

Filed under: Obama transition • Valerie Jarrett


Lizz   November 14th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Obama is really a smart leader who knows how to utilize the smart people around him. He has made and confirmed good pick.

But Sec. of State (important position) is not finalised….
Some names has been thrown around such as Clinton, Richardson or even Mc Cain….

I suppose what supporters or non-supporters can contribute to comment on the suitability of these options to help Prez Obama to made the wise choice.

SUSAN/ FLORIDA   November 14th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

go obama2008 and 2012 you can get it together for us

Richard   November 14th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

What a great appointment. Ms. Jarrett will bring more steadyness to the Obama administration. What a breathe of fresh air to experience such wisdom in our President-elect! Go Obama/Biden.

Peter (CA)   November 14th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

"No Hillary" and "Dan, FL"—-there is a website called Fox News where you can hang out with people as delusional as you.

You complain that he is hiring "insiders"–experienced people. If he hired neophytes, you would complain about that. Why do you hang out here and spew? Want an intelligent discussion? How about giving us some FACTS as to why these choice are wrong?

bottom line   November 14th, 2008 10:52 pm ET

For those of you who conveniently point out that Valerie Jarrett was not born in the USA. Like its an issue, heres your buffer: John Mccain was not born in the USA either (He was born in Panama Canal Region)… How do you like those apples…?

Solid choice on the part of Obama… Keep up the good work!

Texas Teacher   November 14th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

Obama is stacking the deck with intelligent people he can trust! I think he will do just fine… thank you very much… making his own choices. And I sincerely hope that McCAIN is NOT one of them!

Angie-OHIO   November 14th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

President Obama, you are one smart man. Surrounding yourself with smart people you can trust. Welcome aboard Valarie.

chuck   November 14th, 2008 10:10 pm ET

Valerie Jarrett is as cool as cucumber and fits the post.Congrats valerie.

J. Orfield   November 14th, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Regarding the "she was born in Syria" comment: people should really get their facts straight.

"Jarrett was born in Shiraz, Iran, where her father, Dr. James Bowman, ran a hospital for children as part of a program that sent American doctors and agricultural experts to developing countries to help jump-start their health and farming efforts. At age 5, the family moved to London for one year, then returned to Chicago in 1963."

This "she was born outside of the USA" tactic just doesn't work in the post-Bush era. People will no longer be governed by fear.

Dan, FL   November 14th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

Another liberal is being appointed. We know that the country to going in the wrong direction. Is this the change we need?

Independent for Obama   November 14th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

There was news earlier this week that she was favored by Obama to replace him in the Senate. I guess all the speculations by the media are totally unfounded. This is like a game of Chess that Obama is playing. Nobody knows his next move. I hope everybody in the media stop the guessing game and enjoy the flow. Oh, well, that's their job.

no party affiliation   November 14th, 2008 9:32 pm ET

Very interesting. Remember where she was born, people…not in the USA. Can you say Syria?

Gia in Los Angeles   November 14th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

She's another smart pick in a line of smart picks and offers/considerations. To those who say "Where's the change?" because Obama is picking and considering a lot of heavy hitters who have been around politics for a while, he's picking people who know the landscape and the WAY he uses them is how he will accomplish change. It's also smart, because people who don't think he has enough experience to be President can see that he's picking a lot of people who have a lot of experience, and those people will be calmed down by his picks of wise and experienced people who can accomplish change because they are knowledgeable of how things work and of what needs to be changed and how to change it.

Helen   November 14th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

Does anyone have Gen Powell number on hand. President -elect Obama has an opening I believe he would be a good fit for.

Bill Charlotte,NC   November 14th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

Great; she is absolutely tops!

OBAMA 4 President   November 14th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

I would have liked her in the Senate instead of the Jackson kid who really belongs in the house.

Jarrett is more polished, more calm, and loyal.

SHe would have been a strong voice for Barack in the senate, I'm not sure Jackson will be because he doesn't really have any strong convictions, he just wants the limelight.

Cynthia; Bham   November 14th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

I think it is great that he is also surrounding himself with some people that he can trust.

New England Yankee   November 14th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

to No Hilary=No Obama-SHUT UP!! You had 8 years, now it's our turn. If we don't do the job, we're out!

Daryl from Seattle   November 14th, 2008 9:03 pm ET

President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton or Richardson, Secretary of Defense Kerry, Head of Homeland Security McCain(??), and Education Czar Powell….. I LOVE THIS GUY!!!

No Hillary = No Obama   November 14th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

Obama is stacking the deck with insiders. Do these people have any world view or are they just Obama promoters and defenders?

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 14th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Sweet!
Can't wait for January 20th!!!!!!!

Finally!   November 14th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Good!

Susan Pottstown, Pa   November 14th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

Good for her! I'm sure she'll do a splendid job.

Susan   November 14th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

Smart move with smart people!!!

Democrats No Matter What!!   November 14th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

Good. I want him to put trustworthy, honest people next to him.

JAN   November 14th, 2008 8:23 pm ET

Valerie is very intelligent…excellent choice!!!

Richie   November 14th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

She is a harvard graduate and has been close to Obamas. A very good person for the job!

This gonna be the real America,my America!

Tina   November 14th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

A very smart lady for a smart man!

Jewel   November 14th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

One of the Greatest and most powerful think Tanks… Hope She is gonna stay ..out of Limelight….for the betterment of Change..

Great Choice as a Senior Advisor to the President..

Isaac Vancouver, Canada   November 14th, 2008 8:18 pm ET

Oh yes, success breeds success. After such a great campaign it is good that an advisor, female makes it to the Whitehouse. Remarkable story & journey of a good partnership is what will be a successful Whitehouse

Nick   November 14th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

Now that is change!

New Day   November 14th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

McCain: Secretary of Homeland Defense??? Secretary of Veterans Affairs???

Secretary of Energy: T. Boone Pickens? hehehehe

Ms Ajaye   November 14th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

Excellent Choice!

voter   November 14th, 2008 8:03 pm ET

good news. I like Jarrett and I am glad to see that Obama is hiring people that he is close to and not just clinton's folks.

Alex   November 14th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

Nice Obama! Finally, someone who is not a Clinton Cronie!!! I applaud your sensibility, now start looking at Warren Buffet and other qualified NON-Washington Insiders!!!

Yes, Keep The Team Together   November 14th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

Great choice, smart woman. Congrats future president.

Soccer Nana   November 14th, 2008 7:57 pm ET

Congratulations Ms. Jarrett. Excellent choice President-Elect Obama.

God bless you and God bless America!

dizizi31   November 14th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Very nice choice President Elect Obama – nice to see you don't forget those who helped you succeed.

Rebecca   November 14th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Fantastic! I have been so impressed w/V.Jarrett since i saw her on Meet the Press. It is absolutely beyond refreshing to see someone speaking on behalf of the President (Pres-Elect in this case) sound thoughtful, measured, and dignified, not to mention to speak w/ respect for the people as opposed to sounding secretive and distrustful of the electorate.

In terms of smooth governance, i'm thrilled to see such a caring and respectful rapport between her and our Future Pres.

Adding another great source of competence to the Administration! Can't wait to see the rest unfold.

Richard   November 14th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Congrats. Valerie….you will do a great job. Good Luck

Patricia in Las Vegas   November 14th, 2008 7:46 pm ET

Congratulations Valerie! I am already emailed my resume to the Obama-Biden administration. I would love to work for you! People who want a strong and intelligent woman in the White House, just got their wish.

Rebecca   November 14th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Fantastic! I have been so impressed w/V.Jarrett since i saw her on Meet the Press. It is absolutely beyond refreshing to see someone speaking on behalf of the President (Pres-Elect in this case) sound thoughtful, measured, and dignified, not to mention to speak w/ respect for the people as opposed to sounding secretive and distrustful of the electorate.

In terms of smooth governance, i'm thrilled to see such a caring and respectful rapport between her and our Future Pres.

Adding another source of great competence to the Cabinet! Can't wait to see the rest unfold.

Susan in Delaware   November 14th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

How many more of his friends will get the cushy jobs? Glad there's no politics involved in his changed administration.

Paco - Tucson, AZ   November 14th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Is it just me thinking this, or does Mr. Roland Martin already have something in the way of a hotline connection into the new administration. Good show.

Anyway, Many Americans like myself welcome into the White House the caliber of competence and intelligence that Valerie Jarrett has offered to Barack Obama over the years. Cheers to eight more in the White House.

[ Now asking myself: why do I sound so British in this post? ]

great move!   November 14th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

This is a great move for this administration. I have complete confidence that every person that is on this team is ordained by God. This will be the turning point of our nation. I am praying for the President elect, his family and his entire staff. May God bless you as you prepare to lead us to great change and progress.

Bill in Ct.   November 14th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Who didn't know that was coming, good man Obama, Jarrett has been there with you since the day of time, LOL , Go get them Obama, you're going to make a great " PRESIDENT " (((((((((((((((( HISTORY )))))))))))))))))

Matt   November 14th, 2008 7:07 pm ET

Former Deputy Chief of Staff for the honorable Mayor Daly. Another wise choice by Mr. President-elect.

California girl   November 14th, 2008 7:05 pm ET

Yahoo. She will bring on a new game to Washington that is much needed. I watched her interview with Don Lemon, and she is very qualified to be Obamas right hand. Congrats!

California Gold   November 14th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

Congratulations to the new Administration and to Ms. Jarrett.

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