November 22, 2008
Posted: November 22nd, 2008 04:19 PM ET
 Barack Obama has named Robert Gibbs his press secretary.
Barack Obama has named Robert Gibbs his press secretary.

(CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama's transition team on Saturday announced several key appointments to his communications team.

Ellen Moran, the executive director of EMILY's List, will serve as Obama's communications director. Moran worked for the AFL-CIO, coordinating "Wal-mart corporate accountability activities," before returning to EMILY's - an organization dedicated to helping Democratic women get elected to office.

Robert Gibbs, an Obama campaign spokesman who also has acted as spokesman for the transition, will become Obama's press secretary - one of the most highly visible roles in the administration.

Gibbs, an Auburn, Alabama, native who has worked for Sen. Fritz Hollings, the Democratic Senatorial Committee and Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign, was communications director, then a senior strategist, for the Obama campaign.

Dan Pfeiffer, current communications director with the transition team, will be Obama's deputy communications director. He began work with the Obama campaign in January 2007 as traveling press secretary before returning to Chicago to work as communications director.

"These individuals will fill essential roles, and bring a breadth and depth of experience that can help our administration advance prosperity and security for the American people," Obama said in a written statement. "This dedicated and impressive group of public servants includes longtime advisors and a talented new addition to our team, and together we will work to serve our country and meet the challenges of this defining moment in history."

Full story

Filed under: Barack Obama • Transition 2008


JNC, California   November 23rd, 2008 5:49 pm ET

No Hillary=No Obama...You will never be satisfied....Rock on Pres. Elect you are the right man for the job!!!! 08' 12' YES WE CAN!!!!

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 23rd, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Gibbs is the same man who tore Limbaugh and Hannity to pieces – this is going to be good ole fashion, slap their faces when they spew non-sense politics!!!

Justin   November 22nd, 2008 10:04 pm ET

Hey Bridget from New Mexico, as to where will the money come from? Probably from the 10 billion a month we are spending on this war Iraq! At least Obama wants to improve and fix things over here in the US. I can't wait till President Obama takes the job. What a breath of fresh air it will be from the last 8 years! President Bush and his administration have dug are country into a deep hole! Obama is sorrounding himself with some very intelligent people. (unlike bush)

earl,florida   November 22nd, 2008 9:21 pm ET

The first thing on Mr. Gibbs agenda ,would be buying a suit monday morning ,and for goodness sake get some suspenders....

Maggie SC   November 22nd, 2008 9:11 pm ET

Is that Ellen Moran close to Moron?

Bridget, NM   November 22nd, 2008 9:06 pm ET

What about the job creation plan?

This morning President-elect Obama mentioned that he will create new jobs by reconstructing tumbled roads, bridges, etc. Where does the money come from? Also, reconstruction of roads-bridges will take 1/2/3 years. After that what happens to these workers? Break the roads-bridges and reconstruct those again? This is just a band-aid solution and lacks vision.

AP   November 22nd, 2008 8:47 pm ET

No Hillary = No Obama November 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Guess what – this is not going to be the most open Presidency with transparent accountablity as people think. I think people are going to be surpised at how tightly bolted down Obama's reign will be. It will be another same old.

----------------------------------

I can't say I disagree with this person. I doubt this will be the most open Presidency. Afterall, they do say, the way a candidate runs his/her campaign is how they will run their administration.

mjc   November 22nd, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Gibbs is an excellent choice!

Defense Secretary McCain   November 22nd, 2008 8:38 pm ET

I was not an Obama supporter but I'm slowly feeling better about his win. My biggest regret about the win was that a great man like John McCain had to lose to make it happen. But Obama may turn out to be a good president. I'm approving of his cabinet picks as they seem centrist for the most part. I'm happy that he's getting advice from experienced politicians of both parties. I approve of Hillary as SoS. Obama is on track to practice the unity that he preaches. Now if only we could have Defense Secretary McCain, the political world would be perfect.

The Real Issue   November 22nd, 2008 8:27 pm ET

The president-elect is brilliant. He carefully selects intelligent people to work with him. The selection of his cabinet has been cautious, expeditious and intelligent.

Due to his selections and his intelligence, I look for him to be one of the most outstanding presidents in history. My fellow Americans, give him some time and you will see a turnaround in our present situation!!!

Sanity has Returned   November 22nd, 2008 8:26 pm ET

With as much scrutiny that the RW media/pundits are going to throw at President Elect Obama, he will need the best team in order for Obama's plans to be communicated appropriately so that there is no room for the pundits to spin it. I'm happy with all the picks so far.

Annjell   November 22nd, 2008 8:14 pm ET

I'd like to see Obama bring in some of his technology team from his campaign to stop the cyber attacks on our defense systems, and other critical departments.

Obama, how about some MIT students?

Wow?   November 22nd, 2008 8:09 pm ET

Finally a choice I like.

melvin   November 22nd, 2008 8:08 pm ET

this guy has only appointed 2 minorities to his cabinet,and it was the minorities that elected him along with liberal whites,78% of the people who voted for him was either minorities or liberal whites,only 22% of his voters was moderate democrats,but his cabinet so far has only 2 minorities and no liberials,is this the change he was talking about.

Walt, Belton,TX   November 22nd, 2008 8:05 pm ET

If only the country and especially the media had done as good a job at vetting Obama as his handlers are doing with his Clintoneesta cabinet members, maybe, just maybe we would have been spared this downturn in our democracy.

Elvis Tackie   November 22nd, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Hey i am not seeing so many blacks as i expected ....

where are the blacks??

rm   November 22nd, 2008 7:59 pm ET

@No Hillary-No Obama:

Are you still around? Get some therapy. Obama is President-elect, ok? Hillary has moved on. If you approached Hillary in the street, she would run. You ooze lunatic.

KJ   November 22nd, 2008 7:57 pm ET

Gibbs rocks!

He's the one that took it to Hannity... "Sean, are you an anti-semite?"

That was the greatest thing in cable news since it was invented.

Go Gibbs!

Tex Ann ~~~~~~~   November 22nd, 2008 7:30 pm ET

You people suggesting names for the Supreme Court- you DO know that there first has to be a VACANCY on the Supreme Court before Obama can even nominate anyone, don't you??? And then the nominee has to be approved by Congress. Right now there are no vacancies.

Brian Hubbell II   November 22nd, 2008 7:24 pm ET

As long as he stops putting former clinton administration people in his, as well as keeps people like the former NY Treasury Secretary out, he might do ok, but the way things are going, he's gonna pull the same / more stuff that clinton did, and contrary to popular belief President Bill Clinton, his administration, and the Democrats are what caused this economic crisis.

Presidential effects on an economy lag 4-10 years behind their implementation of economic plans, and Clinton had nothing to do with the surplus of the 90s. That came entirely from Reagan and Bush Sr's economic plans.

If it weren't for GW Bush's tax cuts, we would have had this crisis start around the time they were implemented, but instead it was staved off for some time and could have been averted but alas, it was not.

barack   November 22nd, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Robert gibbs is a great man . i know he will be a great press secretary

Sue   November 22nd, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Thank goodness. In addition to not having to listen to the
Bush ramblings any more, we will also not have to listen to Dana Perino lie for him. America may have finally gotten it right-let's pray it isn't too late!

J.C.   November 22nd, 2008 6:51 pm ET

President-elect Obama:
Can I ask for a position for Prof. Robert Reich, Clinton's former secretary of labor? He likes to tell the truth and you will need it in your administration. Thanks! BTW, we don't know each other, but I do admire the man's character and intelligence.

Puffin   November 22nd, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Guess what – this is not going to be the most open Presidency with transparent accountablity as people think. I think people are going to be surpised at how tightly bolted down Obama's reign will be. It will be another same old.
__

And you think McCain's presidency would be any different?. Republicans have a chance in just four years. For the time being, try to be kind, Obama is taking on huge mess, give him some room to breath.

faye   November 22nd, 2008 6:35 pm ET

NO HILLARY......................SHE NEED TO GO AWAY.............

USA Patriot   November 22nd, 2008 6:30 pm ET

God job, Mr. President. We are fired up and ready to go!!!!

Jen   November 22nd, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Folks, this picture sends as thousand words. With all the "brain" O is bringing, I think O must go beyond and encourage his most important and closest advisors to also take on some type of a fitness regiment. David Axelrod and Robert (love em both) will be so much healther like their boss if they may be look into getting into shape. We do not want them to have any health problems as O will need them to be functioning at optimal level. What do'yall think?

Peter (CA)   November 22nd, 2008 6:16 pm ET

No Hillary-do you have nothing to do but spew this stuff on all of the blogs.

I'm going to ask you what I ask all the right wingers....give us some evidence. Otherwise, go spew on FoxNews or the Weekly Standard or the National Review. There are plenty of places to spout off.

We are a hopeful lot and are looking for positives. Anything to improve the last 8 years.

Diana Ewing NJ   November 22nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Always have been impressed with Robert Gibbs and how he handles things without ever being nasty, always a smile.

Craig from NC   November 22nd, 2008 6:12 pm ET

These folks, along with the media, will constitute the new Ministry of Information.

Maria Dixon   November 22nd, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Great. Obama throws an Auburn boy in the mix...the first sign that the end in near.

maurice   November 22nd, 2008 6:00 pm ET

can i walk on water too? im still waiting for change . so far from what i see its gonna be politics as usual.

Marie banderas   November 22nd, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I am very impressed with all the knowledgeable heads Obama is surrounding himself with..I heard it first from my own father long long ago, man doesnt have to be all that smart to be a manager of a buisness, just needs to be smart enough to know who to hire to help him, and here we have a man like that, BUT, who is also extremely intelligent himself ! I have NO doubts Obama from day one, will be putting this nation back together, getting jobs going, getting health care going, and all the green projects he can possibly come up with to once again make us a leader in our world again..I even favor FINING any/all companys who send jobs somewhere else..Way to go Obama..Know you CAN do it !

neville   November 22nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

common obama/biden on right track

endithinks   November 22nd, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Gibbs has proven himself capable. I'm happy with his choice.

No Hillary = No Obama   November 22nd, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Guess what – this is not going to be the most open Presidency with transparent accountablity as people think. I think people are going to be surpised at how tightly bolted down Obama's reign will be. It will be another same old.

Pats   November 22nd, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Well done President-elect and team. This is sure a sign of a defining moment. Keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 22nd, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Those who fear Obama's vetting process must have something to hide otherwise why are they complaining. The whole purpose of being vetted is based on ones integrity that is also part of being qualified.

Robert From VA   November 22nd, 2008 5:30 pm ET

I think Kerry is a good candidate for Supreme Court, although he is kinda old. I'd love to see him get a such a great consolation prize though, because he truly is a great man.

carol   November 22nd, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Carry on President elect, you are doing a grand job....my, what a fabulous team he will have in place when he takes over next year.
It is so exciting, knowing that things are going along nicely and good people getting chosen for key jobs....what a great day when he can finally be called the President of the United States of America.
A new era is on the way and the change is long overdue, we have been patient and our patience has paid off by electing President elect Obama as our new President.
Better days ahead for America in 2009

Kevin   November 22nd, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Wasn't Gibbs the guy who ripped Hannity a new one? Love it! He's going to be great!

Anita of georgia   November 22nd, 2008 5:05 pm ET

President eiect Obama, could have not made a better pick for press Secretary than Robert Gibbs. Another competent addition to the Obama Administration. With all the great choices, that has been vetted to join this Administration, I can only see good thing happening in the next four to eight years. I believe for once in a long time, we will have a commander in chief, that will put our country back on the right track, and most Americans will be proud to call the United States home.

Yess   November 22nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I'm glad Barack's putting people from the campaign in the white house...because if they run our country they way Barack's campaign was run...this country will be in great shape!

Obama!!! Biden!!!

Marge   November 22nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

So -- with all these appointments what's he going to give to fancy pants kerry.

simon   November 22nd, 2008 4:32 pm ET

gibbs works for me!

Simmy   November 22nd, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I am pleased with everyone, and ok with Sen Clinton so far! I am still waiting for the talented Ms. Susan Rice, and David Plouffe... You're a winner Mr. President!

Please Post   November 22nd, 2008 4:26 pm ET

Yes, Obama....this truly IS a defining moment in history.

Nick   November 22nd, 2008 4:24 pm ET

All these are new,
Next to those who are asking change!

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