Reuters

Press Secretary says he’ll leave the podium in early February, take up role as outside adviser.

Plus: Wash Post on who could take over.

Obama: “Robert has been a close friend, one of my closest advisers and an effective advocate from the podium.”

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

January 5, 2011

Statement by the President on the Departure of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

“For the last six years, Robert has been a close friend, one of my closest advisers and an effective advocate from the podium for what this administration has been doing to move America forward. I think it’s natural for him to want to step back, reflect and retool. That brings up some challenges and opportunities for the White House – but it doesn’t change the important role that Robert will continue to play on our team.”

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