Meet Obama's Right-Hand Woman

Close Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Perhaps The Most Powerful Woman In Chicago After Oprah, Talks With Katie Couric

(CBS)  When Karl Rove worked for President Bush, he had so much influence that some called him "Bush's Brain." Valerie Jarrett is the woman known as the other side of Barack Obama's brain. Jarrett, a 51-year-old business leader and single mother, just may be the most powerful woman in Chicago besides Oprah. And she's earned the complete confidence of Barack and Michelle Obama. CBS News anchor Katie Couric reports.

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Katie Couric: You first met the Obamas when you tired to hire Michelle.

Valerie Jarrett: I did.

Katie Couric: for a job.

Valerie Jarrett: I was trying to recruit her into city government when I was Mayor Daley's deputy chief of staff. And I was successful.

Katie Couric: And before she took the job, she wanted you to meet her fiance?

Valerie Jarrett: She did. In fact the three of us had dinner - she had some serious reservations about whether she's going to leave the practice of law and leap into the mayor's office in a political environment. And the two of them said 'How about we have dinner and go out and talk this through.' And I knew that unless this conversation ended well, probably the two of them were gonna go home and say, "Well, not so much. Maybe that's not the right move." So at the end of the dinner I did say 'well, did I pass the test?' And we laughed and she of course she did come and join us, and made a huge difference.

Jarrett has now known the Obamas for 17 years, and is one of their closest friends, Couric reports. Her title on the campaign is senior adviser - which means she often serves as Obama's surrogate at meetings and events he can't attend. After Michelle, Valerie Jarrett may be one of the people he trusts the most.

Katie Couric: Do they look to you to kind of keep them honest?

Valerie Jarrett: Absolutely. I think I would describe it not so much as to keep them honest but to help them give their own kind of gut check and look at themselves. When you have so many people kind of surrounding you and giving you advice, often times I'll just say, 'you know, what do you think? What do you think is the right thing to do?'"

Katie Couric: I understand you were critical when it came to the controversy over his former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. What did you advise him to do?

Valerie Jarrett: It was a very personal and painful experience for both he and for Michelle. And I think, you know, to have your pastor say things with which you totally disagree, that you have never heard him say before, and to say things that weren't so kind to you on a national platform which turns into an international platform was painful. And I did encourage him to give the speech that he gave on race. I encouraged him to, you know, just speak from the heart, which he did. I think it will go down in history as one of the great speeches ever.

Jarrett is considered to be part of a new generation of black leaders, and has been heavily influenced by her pioneering parents, reports Couric. Her mother is a child psychologist and educator who at 80 continues to hold two jobs. Her father is a renowned doctor who traveled with his family to Africa and Iran to study blood diseases and genetics.

Valerie Jarrett: He was the first African-American resident at Pres.-St. Luke's hospital. And he kind of broke the barrier. They had told him he had to come in through the back door, and he wasn't about to do that as a physician and so he walked in the front door. And then the next day, all of the staff came in the front door with him, the African-American staff, so that kind of broke the glass ceiling there.

Katie Couric: How have you been shaped by the accomplishments of your parents?

Valerie Jarrett: To grow up parents who were one step removed from such blatant discrimination, and yet to grow up in a household where my parents said, "Look, life is not fair. Don't expect it to be fair. Work twice as hard. And, just you know, just keep focused on working hard. And eventually it will pay off."

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Read part of Jarrett interview that didn't make the air.

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Katie Couric: You've also said it's always going to be harder as a woman. I'm just curious if you saw evidence of that in the primary process and your thoughts on how Hillary Clinton was treated?

Valerie Jarrett: That was a hard journey, and, you know, she took a lot of hits along the way - many times she was treated very unfairly. But she persevered. And so in that sense because it was harder, her accomplishment is even greater.

Katie Couric: What do you envision for yourself if Senator Obama is successful and is elected?

Valerie Jarrett: I can't even go there. You know, it's a very -- it's a simple question. You would think I could answer it. I can't even -- it's a distraction. It's a distraction. And as I said, Senator Obama tells us to keep focused. And as Michelle likes to say -- not getting ahead of ourselves.

[mr2258]

Vallerie Jarrett---The other side of Obama''s brain.Jarrettt also former adviser to Mayor Daley of Chicago.A damnn good reason not to vote for Obama...

[realpatriot1]

That''s a good reason? If we were talking about the elder Mayor Daly that might be true but the current mayor is arguably the best big city mayor in America.

[sandbear1960]

Here are reasons enough to vote for McCain:

Obama%u2019s Radical and Socialist Influences:

Saul Alinsky
Bill Ayers (Weather Underground)
Carl Davidson
Frank Marshall Davis (CP-USA)
Democratic Socialists of America
Bernardine Dohrn (Weather Underground)
Gamaliel Foundation
New Party
Socialist Scholars Conference

Political Allies and Advisors:

Ali Abunimah
Mohamed Salim Al-Churbaji
David Axelrod
Gregg Craig
Jim Johnson
Marilyn Katz
Anthony Lake
Robert Malley
Alice Palmer
Eli Pariser
George Soros
Cass Sunstein
Dorothy Tillman
Joyce Wheeler
Tim Wheeler

Religious Affiliations:

Louis Farrakan
Rev. Joseph Lowery
James Meeks
Rev. Otis Moss
Rev. Michael Pfleger
Rev. Al Sharpton
Jim Wallis
Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Organizational Affiliations:

ACORN
Arab American Action Network
Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C.
International Crisis Group
MoveOn
National Council of La Raza
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Project Vote
Sojourners

Academic Affiliations:

Rashid Khalidi
Edward Said
Cornel West

Foundations:

Joyce Foundation
Woods Fund of Chicago

Money Scandals:

Nadhmi Auchi
Robert Blackwell, Jr.
Tony Rezko

Family:

Michelle Obama
Raila Odinga

[chromiumman]

i''m must say i''m fascinated, rove was called "bush''s brain" but jarrett is "the other side of barack obama''s brain"

certainly no bias there

[juliekay44]

It is nice to hear that Michelle was sought out for a job. It is also good when people have long friendships.

[wogerwabbit]

Posted by sandbear1960 at 08:27 PM : Aug 11, 2008

Here are reasons enough to vote for Obama:

Bush''s third term.

[wellhell3]

That this woman is a part of the most toxic political arena in the US, kinda says it all, especially since fraud investigators are crawling all over the Governor''s and Mayor Daly''s office!

I''m sure this woman is as believable and toxic as a den of rattle snakes coming out of hibernation in spring!

[raoul2b]

I''m sure this woman is as believable and toxic as a den of rattle snakes coming out of hibernation in spring!

Posted by WellHell3 at 09:24 PM : Aug 11, 2008
_________________

What''s up? You house lose another wheel?

[ritabugs]

At least Obama has a brain - we''ve been without one
in the white house for 8 years!! Ms. Jarrett is just
an advisor among many now and later - so why are you
calling her names - Oh - that old fear of Black Women - well we are strong - why are you worried!!
We nursed your babies for years - you trusted us then!

[ukgod1]

i''''m must say i''''m fascinated, rove was called "bush''''s brain" but jarrett is "the other side of barack obama''''s brain"

certainly no bias there

Posted by chromiumman at 09:00 PM : Aug 11, 2008


yeah certainly no bias like fox news right? because bill orielly is just so fair to everyone right?. you right wingers are such hypocrites you bad month and use dirty tactics to brainwash the idiot masses. you then take cheap shots at everyone, but as soon as the tables are turn you start crying like little babies grow up and get a life

[ragnar30066]

Thanks to sandbear1960 for providing us some background information on Obama. Normally people expect the New York news media to do that, but this year they''ve been acting like their mission in life is to provide cover up (like family man John Edwards'' twist while his wife is in the hospital) for politicos who they think will advance their leftist agenda. There are people following Obama like those weak-minded sod''s in Star Wars who are instantly redirected by a Jedi Knight''s gesture, who have no clue as to why they adore him other than that he offers Hope (for Change) and offers Change (so that people can Hope).

But which of the people on the list was the one with a sexual interest in young mulattoes? The National Enquirer may have the guts to look into it.

[wellhell3]

What''''s up? You house lose another wheel?


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

Posted by Raoul2b at 09:26 PM : Aug 11, 2008

Sounds like you had to inflate your tires this morning!

[raoul2b]

IF YOU LIKE THIS ECONOMY;

IF YOU LIKE THIS NEVER-ENDING WAR;

IF YOU LIKED HIS VOTE AGAINST A GI BILL FOR IRAQ VETS;

IF LIKE PAYING HIGH GAS PRICES;

IF LIKE THE TAX BREAKS FOR THE RICH;

IF YOU CAN''T WAIT TO INVADE IRAN;

IF YOU LIKE HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT;

IF YOU LIKE A PRESIDENT WHO VOTED AGAINST EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN;

IF YOU LIKE A PRESIDENT WHO VOTED AGAINST MATERNITY LEAVE FOR WOMEN;

IF YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE END OF ROE V. WADE;

IF YOU LIKE THE UNFAIR TRADE POLICIES THAT SEND JOBS AND TECHNOLOGY OVERSEAS;

IF YOU LIKE A GOVERNMENT THAT PRACTICES TORTURE;

IF YOU LIKE A GOVERNMENT THAT SPIES ON ITS OWN CITIZEN;

IF YOU LIKE THE FACT THAT THE US IS ONE OF THE MOST REVILED NATIONS ON THE PLANET, THEN YOU''LL JUST LOVE McCAIN.

[raoul2b]

I''m sure this woman is as believable and toxic as a den of rattle snakes coming out of hibernation in spring!

Posted by WellHell3 at 09:24 PM : Aug 11, 2008
_________________

What''s up? You house lose another wheel?

[ukgod1]

i cant believe there are people out there that actually listen to mccain talk and think he is credible. He makes absolutely no sense when he speaks he has even admitted he doesn''''''''t know that much about the economy. He voted for the war in Iraq, has no plan for the failing housing market, voted against supporting the gi bill which would help war veterans, and want to end or dependency on oil by drilling for more oil(what a dummy). this strategy is so transparent that it is pathetic.the only reason why he keeps talking emphasizing " the surge" is because he has nothing else to offer. watch him next time he speaks and you will notice him reading off que cards that was prepared for him like a 3rd grader and when someone ask a question off topic he starts fumbling. if you vote for this man you need to get you head examine. either that or you just need to admit you are a racist because no half intelligent individual would vote for this man unless you have a hidden agenda in you vote

[demwatcher]

Daley? Obama just can''t pick anyone NOT related to corruption.

Well, he is a Democrat, after all.

[patriot12436]

And she expexts us to believe obama didn''t know wright was saying these things for 20 m years. That lost all credibility for her.

[thcarson-2009]

She was born in Iran

[raoul2b]

Posted by patriot12436 at 11:29 PM : Aug 11, 2008
_____________________

So you''re a "patriot." Now isn''t that special. How did it happen; you look in the mirror one day and saw a patriot? What a slap on your own back. A more appropriate name would probably be "blowhard."

[raoul2b]

She was born in Iran

Posted by thcarson at 11:33 PM : Aug 11, 2008
_________________

And your point is?

[raoul2b]

She was born in Iran

Posted by thcarson at 11:33 PM : Aug 11, 2008
______________

Right: To American parents: Her mother was an educator and her father a pathologist and a pioneering geneticist. What were your parents?

[wlmrtpatriot]

Axelrod also worked to get Mayor Daley elected. Chicago politics! whew!

[wellhello1]

I wonder if experience has anything to do with qualification for a job? I respect people who are determined and work hard, this doesn''t mean you are ready to be president. I could have wished for a lot of different candidates to choose from, so, if wishing for more than 2-3 years experience in gov''t makes me a racist, then, well, I sure as hell aint afraid.

[ukgod1]

So you''''re a "patriot." Now isn''''t that special. How did it happen; you look in the mirror one day and saw a patriot? What a slap on your own back. A more appropriate name would probably be "blowhard."

Posted by Raoul2b at 11:38 PM : Aug 11, 2008

lol good one make sure you wear your flag pin today don''t want to be accused of treason

[wellhello1]

I wonder if experience has anything to do with qualification for a job? I respect people who are determined and work hard, this doesn''t mean you are ready to be president. I could have wished for a lot of different candidates to choose from, so, if wishing for more than 2-3 years experience in gov''t makes me a racist, then, well, I sure as hell aint afraid.

[wellhello1]

I wonder if experience has anything to do with qualification for a job? I respect people who are determined and work hard, this doesn''t mean you are ready to be president. I could have wished for a lot of different candidates to choose from, so, if wishing for more than 2-3 years experience in gov''t makes me a racist, then, well, I sure as hell aint afraid.

[wellhello1]

I wonder if experience has anything to do with qualification for a job? I respect people who are determined and work hard, this doesn''t mean you are ready to be president. I could have wished for a lot of different candidates to choose from, so, if wishing for more than 2-3 years experience in gov''t makes me a racist, then, well, I sure as hell aint afraid.

[wardoglrs]

Now just who is who. Are you speaking for yourself or are you speaking from someones Else''s point of view.
Now this is the norm and you will never know the true person cause they use someone else to answer there own questions. No wonder they avoid debates...

[chyenna-2009]

Go to page two and read comment beginning "here are reasons enough to vote for McCain" Can''t miss it. The person that wrote that sounded pretty well informed on obama. Pretty damaging for obama. I have read one horrible thing after another about obama and the thought of him sitting behind the desk in the oval office makes me phyically sick to my stomach. Read it and then read it again. How does that not scare the chit out of you. Tell me Obama lovers, you would rather have a prez with his past and "those people" he''s connected to one way or another than the description of all the bad things related to mccain described on page one by another''s comment? Compare the two list. Which is the lesser of the two evils?

[patriot12436]

raoul
I served my country in the military for 20 years. Against a-holes like you. I am 100% disabled Viet vet, my oldest son is 100% disabled army ranger vet, my daughter is back from Iraq and being evaluated for disability from Iraq, my youngest son just joined the army. And what have you done for the U.S you lousy rat *** ?

[raoul2b]

raoul

I served my country in the military for 20 years. Against a-holes like you.

Posted by patriot12436 at 12:36 AM : Aug 12, 2008
___________________

Aren''t you the big man. So no one else served, and no one else is a "patriot" but you. You remind me of McComa: his claim to fame is being shot down because he didn''t know what the helll he was doing. As for your kids, nasty break. Neither you nor they are no more special than thousands of others. So get off your big-man persona; it doesn''t mean a thing to me.

[raoul2b]

so, if wishing for more than 2-3 years experience in gov''t makes me a racist, then, well, I sure as hell aint afraid.

Posted by wellhello1 at 12:07 AM : Aug 12, 2008
______________________

So much for experience!

He had an array of experiences: Minister to Russia, Minister to Great Britain, ten years in the Senate, elected five times to the House of Representatives, Secretary of State for five years. While he was in office the nation increased in size by 33%. Yet, when he was elected as president in 1856, James Buchanan soon acquired the reputation as the worst president in the history of the country. The man who followed him in office only had two terms in the Illinois State Legislature, but Abraham Lincoln had no problem being elected to the presidency.

[raoul2b]

I served my country in the military for 20 years. Against a-holes like you.

Posted by patriot12436 at 12:36 AM : Aug 12, 2008
___________________

As far as I''m concerned you''re no better than the next turkey coming down the chute. And the only thing special I know about you is that you are good at calling names, turkey.

[raoul2b]

IF YOU LIKE THIS ECONOMY;

IF YOU LIKE THIS NEVER-ENDING WAR;

IF YOU LIKED HIS VOTE AGAINST A GI BILL FOR IRAQ VETS;

IF LIKE PAYING HIGH GAS PRICES;

IF LIKE THE TAX BREAKS FOR THE RICH;

IF YOU CAN''T WAIT TO INVADE IRAN;

IF YOU LIKE HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT;

IF YOU LIKE A PRESIDENT WHO VOTED AGAINST EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN;

IF YOU LIKE A PRESIDENT WHO VOTED AGAINST MATERNITY LEAVE FOR WOMEN;

IF YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE END OF ROE V. WADE;

IF YOU LIKE THE UNFAIR TRADE POLICIES THAT SEND JOBS AND TECHNOLOGY OVERSEAS;

IF YOU LIKE A GOVERNMENT THAT PRACTICES TORTURE;

IF YOU LIKE A GOVERNMENT THAT SPIES ON ITS OWN CITIZEN;

IF YOU LIKE THE FACT THAT THE US IS ONE OF THE MOST REVILED NATIONS ON THE PLANET, THEN YOU''LL JUST LOVE McCAIN.

[raoul2b]

raoul - i''ve read about abraham lincoln. i know about abraham lincoln. and raoul, barack obama is no abraham lincoln.

Posted by ccfsdca at 01:00 AM : Aug 12, 2008
___________________

McComa definitely is another James Buchanan!

[raoul2b]

it''s 3am and russia just invaded georgia. do you want cindy to hand the phone to john or michelle to hand the phone to barack?

Posted by ccfsdca at 12:55 AM : Aug 12, 2008
__________________

Please don''t let McComa answer that call. For all we know, he didn''t take all his meds the night before.

[raoul2b]

raoul - i''ve read about abraham lincoln. i know about abraham lincoln. and raoul, barack obama is no abraham lincoln.

Posted by ccfsdca at 01:00 AM : Aug 12, 2008
___________________

McComa and Old Abe went to school together.

[patriot12436]

raouol
It wouoldn''t mean anything to you because you are not an American and have no idea what loyalty to your country means. Your opinions mean nothing as you cannot vote. You insult me and i will insult you back. Now crawl back under your rock and let intelligent Americans have an intelligent conversation.

[patriot12436]

ccfdsa
A fair and intelligent question. I reveived my injuries from Vietnam. The govt has done well by me. My loyalty to my country has never waivered. My oldest son wanted to follow in my foot steps. He was injured in a night training jump. He was medically discharged went back to school and is now an attorney. He is receiving 100% disability rating as his condition cannot be cured either. My daughter is still being evaluated but it doesn''t look like they can do anything to correct her condition. She has already been approved for ssan disability at 100% rating. They think her condition could be caused by chemical exposure. I think my son and daughter were also treated well by the govt for their injuries.

[raoul2b]

I served my country in the military for 20 years. Against a-holes like you.

Posted by patriot12436 at 12:36 AM : Aug 12, 2008
___________________

If you had an education, you could have gone into industry, maybe Wall Street,or one of a litany of well-paying careers. But I understand the military gave opportunities to quite a few uneducated a-holes like you. Look at it this way: without the military you would probably have been a complete failure; as it is, you''re probably at least fit for basket weaving.

[raoul2b]

raouol
It wouoldn''t mean anything to you because you are not an American

Posted by patriot12436 at 01:15 AM : Aug 12, 2008
_________________

You have no idea what I am. But I am certain I know what you are, as demonstrated by your inability to spell. You are an uneducated clown whose claim to fame is believing he''s some kind of hero. So "patriot," go to school and learn to spell. Maybe you can get a job teaching other "patriots."

[patriot12436]

raoul
Unlike you i have a degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. Unfortunately the month i graduated i also was told i was 100% disabled and not allowed to continue work. If i choose to weave baskets it will be to contain serpents like you for the public to enjoy on display as you weave back and forth to the flute players.

[patriot12436]

I do not need a job. I am financially secure and do what i enjoy most, international traveling.

[patriot12436]

raoul
I know exactly what you are, a piece of excrement that hides in a hole in a third world country and wants to destroy the U.S.

[patriot12436]

ccfsdcI doubt raoul knows anything about Lincoln, even his postion on slavery.

[raoul2b]

I do not need a job. I am financially secure and do what i enjoy most, international traveling.

Posted by patriot12436 at 01:27 AM : Aug 12, 2008
____________________

Your uncle sam give you a pension, did he. I have traveled quite a bit myself, the Mid-East, Europe, Central American, North America, South America and quite a few other places. I speak five languages and I am quite wealthy. In fact, if you were a good boy I might consider hiring you.

By the way, how many languages do you speak, other than English - none?

[patriot12436]

raoul
When i travel i believe in respecting the cultures where i travel. I learned Vietnamese while in Vietnam, Philipino while in the Philipines and am not learning Thai.

[raoul2b]

ccfsdcI doubt raoul knows anything about Lincoln, even his postion on slavery.

Posted by patriot12436 at 01:31 AM : Aug 12, 2008
_________________

I have a degree in American history, as well as Greek history. I know all about Lincoln and his position on slavery, more than you I sure.

[patriot12436]

raoul
So tell us Lincolns position on slavery .

[raoul2b]

When i travel i believe in respecting the cultures where i travel. I learned Vietnamese while in Vietnam, Philipino while in the Philipines and am not learning Thai.

Posted by patriot12436 at 01:33 AM : Aug 12, 2008
_____________________

You probably learned Vietnamese while working in the military - at least what you think is Vietnamese. You certainly did NOT learn "Philipino) since there is no such language. The last time I looked, the language of the Philippines was Tagolog. Of course, a liar like you would not know that.