Politics

Former Clinton aide John Podesta to advise Obama

December 10, 2013 / 7:52 AM EST / CBS/Reuters

WASHINGTON -- John Podesta, a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, is returning to the White House to advise President Barack Obama as he struggles to regain his footing after the flawed health care law rollout, CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett has confirmed.

Podesta's arrival is a signal that the president, famous for taking advice primarily from a tight-knit group of advisers, is looking for some outside help as he seeks to regain momentum in his second term.

Mr. Obama mentioned Podesta, who guided his 2008 transition, with elaborate praise at last week's economic speech sponsored by the Center for American Progress, which Podesta currently chairs.

A White House official confirms Podesta is returning as a "counselor" to Mr. Obama for one year.

This is the second significant addition to West Wing staff in three days: the White House announced late Friday former legislative director Phil Schiliro was returning on a shorter-term assignment to oversee the non-technical side of Obamacare implementation, including dealing with legislative issues, grassroots organizing and interacting with private insurers.

Podesta is the chair of the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning policy group that has close ties to the Obama administration. He is also a former adviser to Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader from whom Obama has inherited other trusted staffers.

Podesta will help Obama's chief of staff, Denis McDonough, on issues related to the healthcare law, executive orders and climate change.

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