Creating New Traditions: More on the WH Social Office
Monday, April 20, 2009 at 2:58 PM For years, an invitation to a party at Desiree Rogers’s luxurious Chicago home was one of the city’s most sought-after prizes. She knows everyone; she likes to mix up the company—so there was always some new and exciting person to meet; and she has great taste. Her New Orleans-bred charm doesn’t hurt, either. Often, there is little “fun” in fund-raising parties, but the ones Rogers held for Senator Obama during the primary campaign were frolicking festivities, with non-ticket holders scrambling to find a way in.
So it is little wonder that, as previously noted here, she is the perfect White House social secretary for the Obama White House. In a short amount of time, she has already organized more than 60 social events, including the Easter Egg roll last week, the St. Patrick’s Day party for 400, and the two lunches Mrs. O has hosted for congressional spouses.
Coming soon: a third lunch will include spouses from the Cabinet plus what the White House social office is calling “D.C. influentials.” Also under consideration by Rogers: a poetry slam (slams did originate in Chicago); an Earth Day celebration; and a Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Rose Garden.
You can read more about Rogers’s approach to her job, and her meetings with her staff in an article by reporter Lynn Sweet in the Sun-Times. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the organization behind the creating of some new traditions at the White House.
Outfits
Reader Comments (72)
Sorry, but enough about Ms. Rogers; this site is about Mrs. O. Plus I think she tends to hug the limelight and her social skills are way overrated.
Well Ms. Rogers is the woman behind our woman (Michelle) and she does deserve credit for all she is doing and has done, I just wish she would stay a bit more behind the scenes and out of the eye of the camera, but considering she has planned 60 events so far - we really haven't seen that much of her. The only events that I can think of off the top of my head that we have seen her are:
1) The day the cooking students were in the WH kitchen
2) The Governor's Dinner
3) The day the celebrities met at the WH before visiting the D.C. schools
4) The Easter Egg Roll
Eh, yeah there does seem to be a lot of coverage of Ms. Rogers, but I know that the Obamas are team players. I think that she is the first African American Social Secretary so that may be another reason for so much coverage. Highlighting her approach to "socializing" at the White House. She's definitely doing a great job. Earth, Wind and Fire / Sweet Honey in the Rock - That's awesome!
Mrs. Obama's approach to First Lady has been to open up the White House...so far she's brought the head chef, all of the cooks, the chief usher, and many other behind the scenes positions to the forefront in the media. Everyone knows that Mrs. O is the lady of The House. I think its just her style to allow other folks to shine too. Speaks volumes about our First Lady's self-confidence.
The events they are planning are very interesting. I would love to hear more about how MrsO and MsR decide what they want to devote their time and energy too.
And regarding MsR hogging the limelight...I do not see that at all. She is a tall striking woman who can't help but stand out. Plus, she is not just an employee, but a personal friend. I am sure that blurs the traditional lines. I wonder if other Social Secs have been personal friends of the 1st couple before getting the job?
The dissing of Mrs. Rogers seems strange. She and her husband are friends of the Obamas and as I understand it she was appointed by the president, not Mrs. Obama. She comes from a very high level job and social position. The perfect person for the Obamas to trust to lead them through new social waters tastefully, correctly.
Does it bother some that she is so attractive and stylish. She is stunning. Is that somehow a bad thing?
Mrs. O was out with Bo today (Monday)....here's an article.
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/04/20/vigilant-press-spots-bo-the-first-dog-out-for-a-walk/
Oh I think that dissing Desiree Rogers is up there with the dissing of Mrs O that goes on. Good looking, well-dressed professional women who are good at their job are always/usually/often attacked for one reason or another!
I have been unsurprised by the odd spiteful comment about Desiree. Saddened but not surprised. In my view this is why women are so far behind men in the corporate world - we are savaged all the time for bizarre reasons unrelated to our professionalism. Usually by other women. Certainly in my experience. One of the reasons I really like Mrs O's approach to mentoring/coaching/encouraging. I hope it changes the workplace for women.
As far as I'm concerned what matters is that Mr O offered Desiree the job. He thought she could do it, and as far as we've seen, she certainly can! I also agree with the comments above that it is Mrs O's way to let each individual in the White House team shine.
That's how effective teams work so well!
I agree with others who say that Rogers needs to not be in the limelight quite as much. I don't recall the other White House social secretaries all up in the media spotlight. Admiral Rochon is the first black White House Usher (manages the entire White House operation), but yet he's not always up in the press. Just because we believe so does not mean that we are "dissing" Rogers. We're stating our opinion too.
Rogers has been good at organizing White House events. Making the Easter Egg Roll by lottery made good use of her Illinois State Lottery background. However, the gifts to visiting leaders - which I think also falls under her realm of responsibility - not good. Those gifts that British Prime Minister Brown and Mrs. Brown (and their kids) received when the Browns visited the White House last month were tacky. I hope Rogers has improved in this area, to save embarrassment upon the Obamas.
Speaking of Bo...
Here is a photo of Michelle and Barack receiving gifts for Bo when they were in Prague:
http://www.firstdogbowl.com/web/index.php?cid=1
and the press release regarding the dog bowl and dog bed:
http://www.firstdogbowl.com/web/index.php?cid=8
Desiree Rogers is smart, beautiful and rich. She's tall, thin, has dressed in high fashion for years. Of course people are jealous of her. They don't know what to say, considering it's obvious she's overqualified for the job, so they snipe at her.
were gonna be seeing even more of of mrs o tomorrow. president obama is going to the bill of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act and shes suppose to attend.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2009/04/stars-come-out-for-service-bil.html
I for one have nothing against Ms. Rogers at all.
She is quite qualified for her job and is always presentable and stylish.
I just prefer seeing photos of The President and the First Lady without Ms. Rogers included in them.
I also don't like that every time I go to DayLife to the White House section there are photos of Gibbs plastered all over the place almost everyday after each of his press briefings - and he IS male. I think this has nothing to do with gender .. the issue has more to do with 'staff' being in the background and not in the forefront.
Just because I have an opinion and do not fall blindly in line with everyone else does not make me a "disser," a "troll," or whatever else you wanna call it. I state what I think without overnanalyzing others' motives. I do not feel like managing delicate little feelings over real or perceived Obama slights. At least I am honest enough to realize that I will not like everything the Obamas do, wear, and say, and that is OK. They are human, as I am and I'm sure that even Mrs. O wakes up some morning and sees a pic of herself in the paper and goes "WTF was I thinking?" And that is definitely something I can relate to and what makes me like her all the more. So, if she can take it with a grain of salt (and she is living it), I'm pretty sure we can too.
Please, relax and just enjoy the different point of views and comments in a positive manner. Let's avoid putting people down just because they express opinions. After all we are a free country - right?
Of course Desiree Rogers is interesting. She's a notable woman of color and she now has one of the most powerful jobs in D.C. I take great delight in seeing Chicagoans in the spotlight, so thanks for posting this. This WH sounds like it will be lots of fun.
As for the comment that we haven't seen Mrs. O. that much, the reason is that the First Lady does much of her work behind the scenes. She's also supervising a brand-new home, and even though the WH staff is there, Mrs. O. still has to make a lot of decisions. This is a big responsibility. As she gets her footing, I'm sure we'll see her out more.
Brenda,
I did not see anyone say that we haven't seen Mrs.O that much. In fact we have seen VERY MUCH of Mrs.O and she has been out and about quite a lot since moving into the White House except for the couple of days that The President was in the Caribbean. Mrs.O has been very much in the public's eye with her school visits, the European trip, the Cabinet visits, the Easter Egg Roll, the unveiling of Bo, the White House Garden, and many other White House events.
No wonder our Michelle has no time for us! My god if all the presients have to go through so much social life they never have time to develop or preserve their compassion and introspection or family life that can go down the drain!
I like to see rested couple and family who have spent enough time with one another with two thirds if not more of these distractions denied and excused out of as the duties of the People of the Rose Garden and Whitehouse must spend time of introspection for their masses to remain connected. Perhaps Mrss Obama creating socials with women and children and couples & others instead of being wasted into the same crowd so often to loose connection with the real people!
A socialite is not a social secretary. So far, I'm not impressed with Ms. Rogers.
I like reading interviews and seeing interviews of Desiree because we get an insight into the Obamas.
I don't care one way or another if she's in the background in pictures.
Can't say I am sorry to see Ms. Rogers gone from Chicago. From the lottery to the utilities, I was tired of seeing her so much.
BTW, she is not currently married.
Poetry Slams are awesome! I hope that idea is made a reality at the White House...
Because I am old(er) I remember Leticia Baldridge, Jackie's social secretary, taking a front and center role in organizing events for Mrs. Kennedy. Also, Leah D makes a great point that no one seems to aim criticism at Gibbs' prominent role. Desiree is MO's "go to" person, and my feeling is if Michelle felt Desiree was taking too visible a role, then we would not be seeing that much of her.
It would seem a little weird that Desiree would be planning events that occur at the rate of less than every other day and we would not see her as much as we do. We need another fashion photo - the nit picking is on the rise.
in response to Lead D's post......i love love love the Obamas, and I know this was a gift to them, and they could not very well refuse, but isn't a gold encrusted, swarovski encrusted bowl and other luxuries for a dog a bit excessive? Especially in these times? I don't know....just me (or maybe this is not the forum for that)
anyways, just a thought...I couldn't not comment, carry on :-)
thanks to the people for the Bo update and pics. the picture of potus and flotus getting gifts from europe for Bo is the cutest thing, as well as him having his own site.
i don't care about the social secretary. i don't think she should be getting a feature such as this on Mrs. O site. she should do her job and be incognito. when she wore that tacky see through black dress, i got turned off to her. i think she tries to out do our flotus and fails everytime. jmo
I'm of the school that agree that Ms. Rogers is largely too self promoting and bordering on shamefully pedestrian in what should be a very discreet and behind the scenes role-
And by the way, even though the president as the elected official makes the appointment, Ms. Rogers role is part of the first lady's office even though it seems that Ms Rogers would rather posture herself unendingly as part of the presidents team-
Coordinating with the west wing does not change that- fact. tttththatfact...
Bevi: Ms. Baldridge is still at it...
She does still seem to love the limelight... And it really isn't a terribly pretty sight either-
'the nit picking is on the rise' TOO funny! I'm trying not to LOL and wake up my husband. That's perfect Bevi.
I think Desiree is doing a fantastic job. If the Obamas' didn't like her style, I think she would be told. Sounds like a lot of 'cattie' jealousy to me. Sometimes women are their own worst enemy.
A poetry slam sounds like a clever way to get more youth involved. Plus, it is so reminiscent of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties - complete with flapper girls!
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
Poor Mrs. T. She tries to put up a few non-controversial posts to tide us over until new pictures of Mrs. O come out, and this is what happens. The only reason she posted an article about Desiree Rogers is because there's nothing else really going on. So if you hate Desiree Rogers, fine -- this really not an endorsement of her, it's just a placeholder.
Ann #1, I agree totally. We tend to be too critical..I think Ms. Rogers is a beautiful and successful woman and if she wants to draw attention on her, then so be it. I think if she does well in her position, then she deserves the acknowledgment...Also lets not forget that the Obamas and their administration are doing things differently...So may be this is just a new direction from what used to be the role of the social secretary
On the other hand, I wish will see Mrs O tomorrow at the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Politico reports that the bidens will be there as well as Pres. Bill Clinton
Since when did "beautiful", "stylish" and such ephemerals become synonymous with success, accomplished and capable?
Why on earth are we discussing this Rogers person?
If we must discuss really accomplished and brilliant women in the Obama Administration think Melody Barnes, Mona Sutphen, Nancy Sutley, Susan Rice etc.
And if we wish to discuss class and pedigree, it doesn't really get better than Valerie Jarrett - Now that's a woman who truly oozes breeding and class; and not of the acquired variety!
People please!
Desiree Rogers really has to be the one of the least consequential people out of this White house, but her desperate attempt at appearing relevant in the scheme of things has embarrassingly resulted in this publicity gore fest seriously trivializing things and really beginning to wear thin.
Robert Gibbs is THE PRESS SECRETARY! His job is to deal with the media daily on matters of importance to the president.
The first lady also has a press secretary, chief of staff and a slew of staff - All remarkably smart and accomplished;
But unlike Desiree Rogers' who's clawed and social climbed her way up to some semblance of relevance, these staff members understand that this is really not about them.
I hadn't been to the blog in a while but WOW I've never seen so much HATE spewed at one person. It's one thing to have an opinion about someone's presence and quite another to smear someone's character. This blog used to be a positive place for discourse but the posts on this entry really make me wonder what is really going on. Examine your personal motive in attacking someone you don't know personally.
@Christina: I think you've summed up things nicely.
Here's to everyone having a good day well spent on POSITIVE attitudes.
Truthfully, I have paid next to zero attention to Ms. Rogers. In fact, I didn't even know who she is until checking in here this morning. I'm not quite understanding the vitriol directed at her, because it seems to me, even not knowing who she is, that the social events in the WH have been quite successful so far. I'm sure this is mostly due to our Michelle, but Ms. Rogers seems to know what she is doing!
Of course she does Cissy. And people forget that our information dissemination is completely different now to how it was in Ms Baldridge's time. We see everything, as it happens, all across the world photo's go pinging about within seconds. There's not a lot we don't see! I think it's inevitable that the role of social secretary appears to shift more into focus, when it fact it hasn't.
Information dissemination used to be much slower, so we only saw what the administrations chose to let out. The fact that we saw Ms Baldridge at all is interesting indeed.
I remember one of the first written articles about DR, posted here, or linked to here, saying that the unobtrusive presence of Ms Rogers was in the background attending to every detail of every event. I think she probably is like that. Only that with the internet, we are more aware. That's all.
Interesting to see that Mr Gibbs isn't dissed for being seen regularly, when he has the same amount of contact with the press as Ms Rogers will. I refer back to my comment about women being particulary vile to each other!
Interesting to note: the exposure of Ms. Rogers and the Obama family to the public is in fact very deliberate. In an article by the LA Times it states that Mrs. Obama's office invited a reporter from 'Extra' to come interview Desiree Rogers last month. So like I said before, its just Mrs. O's style to open up the White House and allow all members of her team to shine. She and her husband are team players. If you're interested in the article here it is:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-presidency20-2009apr20,0,557707.story
Interesting to note: the exposure of Ms. Rogers and the Obama family to the public is in fact very deliberate. In an article by the LA Times it states that Mrs. Obama’s office invited a reporter from ‘Extra’ to come interview Desiree Rogers last month. So like I said before, its just Mrs. O’s style to open up the White House and allow all members of her team to shine. She and her husband are team players.
@Emily: I would love to see a post on the style of Valerie Jarrett. She is tiny but fierce.
Maybe the people who have really passionate negative views about Desiree Rogers know her from Chicago or something? I never heard of the woman before she became the social secretary, and my first thought is "She's 49?? I hope to look like that when I'm 49."
I assume she shows up occasionally in the background of events with Mrs. O because Mrs. O wants her there; I get the impression from various articles that they are close friends. Could be that she's in the background because she's managing some of those events closely and so she wants to make sure they run smoothly. Could be that the interviews that Desiree gives are fully sanctioned by the White House. Could be that this is all part of a campaign to promote the idea of the White House as being accessible to all. Could be...or maybe Desiree Rogers is just a evil social climber who has glommed on to the Obamas for her own dastardly purposes. Wouldn't want to think anything neutral if a negative explanation can be found....
@Christina said "Wouldn’t want to think anything neutral if a negative explanation can be found"
I try to stay out of these type of conversational volleys but that made me laugh - it's so true!
Um, guys, what exactly is Desiree Rogers doing that's so objectionable? Of course she's in the background of photos--the photos are at events that she planned, so she has to be there making sure everything runs smoothly, and if someone's taking a photo of Mrs. Obama, what is she supposed to do, dive behind a potted plant? And how is she trying to outshine Mrs. O, or whatever it is that someone said? She has to wear clothes just like the rest of us, and like the rest of us she chooses stuff that she likes--since when did that become self promoting? The only thing I can think of that could possibly be seen that way is her agreeing to sit for occasional interviews, but first all, someone pointed out that the Obamas ask her to do that, and second of all, tons of other aides do the same thing. I've seen lovey-dovey personal profiles of everyone from Rahm Emanuel, which, okay, he's the chief of staff, to the speech-writer to the head of the OMB to the legislation guy to etc. While in other presidencies it might make sense to say that the social secretary's job is unimportant so deserve the attention these other jobs get, the Obamas have made it very clear that they're being very deliberate with their White House events and want people to pay attention; thus, her job is an important part of getting their message across.
Anyway, I feel no particular need to extensively about Desiree Rogers OR Peter Orzag, but it wouldn't occur to me to call either of them self promotional simply because such profiles exist.
Oh, ha, well said, Christina. (I had not actually gotten that far before being overcome by incredulity and writing the above--looks like you said much of the same thing. Sorry!)
"Since when did “beautiful”, “stylish” and such ephemerals become synonymous with success, accomplished and capable?
Why on earth are we discussing this Rogers person?"
Because she IS successful, accomplished and capable. Her resumé includes a Harvard M.B.A. She's held major corporate positions, including being the president of a couple of utility companies, and was most recently with Allstate Financial. Her service to the community, including directorships on numerous museum and foundation boards, is extensive.
Those who dismiss her as a "socialite" are simply ignorant.
FYI
Desire Rogers is not only the Social Secretary, she is also the Asst. Sec. to President Obama. She has two positions and I think she does both very well.
I too thought Ms. Rogers was a little too visible. I also listened to her speak and winced as she inserted about as many "you knows" as Caroline Kennnedy did in her notorious recent intereviews. BUT...let's give her the benefit of the doubt and let grow into her job. She is accustomed to being a star in her own right, and quite a shining one. She reads the press, I am sure, and will soon understand that Mrs. O is the one people want to see and listen to. BTW, Tish Baldridge was very much in the background (not the foreground) in the White House. She had previous experience as a social secretary to prominent people and so she already knew the right pose to adapt.
I always feel like "The More, The Merrier".
Not only do I love Mrs. O, I also adore Jill Biden for her warmth and intelligence, and ever since seeing Valerie Jarret on Meet the Press several months ago, I have really admired her as well. There are tons of really cool, accomplished, smart women to like and (if you're like me), look up to. And Desiree Rogers is right up there. She actually ran a major utilities company. I mean, that takes incredibly business savvy and hard work. And I'm pretty sure that SOCIALITES don't ever get to run their own company!
Plus, she's gorgeous and obviously loves fashion. So, I can't imagine why someone who admires Mrs. O wouldn't also admire Desiree. Or at least, give her some basic respect.
I don't think she's ever trying to stand out. Maybe you just can't help but notice her!
wow, I am just reading all the negative comments directed at Ms. Rogers.....ummmm, how can people not see what a fabulous, successful, beautiful smart woman she is (Harvard educated), plus if any if you can look that good at 50, the more power to you. And FYI, she is IN CHARGE of putting these events together, so NATURALLY, she will be there, and if photographers choose to take pictures of her, then more power to her. The Obamas are VERY disciplined people, and if they didn't like it, it simply would not happen. I love Desiree Rogers, and I think she has done wonders in turning the image of the white house around within her role (i mean obviously, its the Obamas who are doing the bulk of image overhaul, but Ms. Rogers is the one behind the scene coordinating this, and she should absolutely get credit for it)!
When will we as women stop tearing each other down, men do enough of that in the media for us, we do not need to participate!!
Regarding how Chicagoans feel about her, we love her! If you hadn't noticed, this was posted by Mrs. C, the Chicago-based writer for this blog. Most of us know that Valerie Jarrett and Desiree had a lot to do with getting the spotlight on the Obamas from the very beginning.
And why is it, that we can see pictures of Sam Kass working in the background at these events and not scream that he's trying to "claw his way to the top" or steal the limelight?
Perhaps it's for the same reason people attack Michelle Obama on other blogs. Women aren't allowed to be strong, beautiful, accomplished and good at what they do.
It's ridiculous.
If anyone is trying to hog the limelight, it's TBG. He is ALWAYS THERE where Mrs. O is out in public. Sure, whatever, he can use that "I'm a member of the Secret Service" excuse. But we all know what he's really up to.
LOL, Christina. I thought of TBG, too!
I would also love to hear more about Melody Barnes, who is also tiny but fierce and very youthful looking. I first was exposed to her through this picture:
www(dot)washingtonian(dot)com(forwardslash)articles(forwardslash)shopping(forwardslahs)5424(dot)html
Washington is so conservative (I know, I live here) that when I first saw this picture, I mentally gasped, like the poor woman was posing for Playboy or something. It's like, ohmigod, someone looking cute and feminine and fun not taking themselves super-seriously? How DARE SHE!
I got over myself, of course.