Robert L. Gibbs

Robert L. Gibbs (born March 29, 1971 in Auburn, Alabama) is the current White House Press Secretary, serving President Obama and David Axelrod, Obama's chief political strategist.

A native of Alabama and graduate of North Carolina State University, Gibbs worked in numerous senatorial campaigns for Democrats, including Obama's 2004 Senate campaign. He was the communications manager of Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.

Gibbs, who is known for his political acumen and sharp tongue, says he's focused and will try to be an "honest broker" between the media and Obama.

After Rick Santelli criticized the administration's mortgage bailout, Gibbs "struck back with a level of poorly concealed fury and contempt." Gibbs told Santelli during a White House press briefing to, "download it, hit print and begin to read it." According to Kudlow, Gibbs remarks in this situation were an "unprecedented Whitehouse assault on a member of the media in good standing."

He has been known to have temperament issues, not always staying calm under pressure. Since the fall of 2008 concern has existed that a future role as White House press secretary would challenge this aspect of his personality.

Further reading

• Mark Leibovich, "Between Obama and the Press," The New York Times Magazine Dec. 17, 2008