Another classy and gracious dispatch from the Obama team. As someone who writes press releases, political speeches, talking points and briefing notes for a living, I consider the Obama team the cream of the communications crop. Whatever the message, they always manage to deliver it with an undertone of class and grace.

"Following their visit, Mrs. Obama met with Admiral Rochon, the White House Chief Usher."

I'm assuming from the context that the Chief Usher is some kind of head-of-household-staff for the White House? Is his first name Admiral, or is he actually an Admiral (which would be both kind of cool and kind of weird)?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Bush meets Obama

want to see my mountain bike?

He appears to be a real military-type Admiral:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/02/20070227-3.html

"President George W. Bush today announced two key appointments to the Executive Residence staff, naming Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon as Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher and Dennis Freemyer as Deputy Director of the Executive Residence and Deputy Chief Usher.

Admiral Rochon will be the eighth Chief Usher of the White House.

Admiral Rochon will serve his last day on active duty with the Coast Guard on March 9, and begin his service at the White House on March 12. Admiral Rochon succeeds Gary Walters, who retired in January 2007 after 20 years as White House Chief Usher. ..."

I thought that having an admiral playing butler was a bit of overkill... I as pretty sure the "admiral" title was ceremonial, in the same way that the Surgeon General isn't really a general.

However, I was wrong.

"President George W. Bush today named Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon as Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher.

Admiral Rochon will be the eighth Chief Usher of the White House.

Admiral Rochon will serve his last day on active duty with the Coast Guard on March 9, and begin his service at the White House on March 12. Admiral Rochon succeeds Gary Walters, who retired in January 2007 after 20 years as White House Chief Usher.

...

With 36 years in public service, Admiral Rochon has an extensive background in personnel management, strategic planning, and effective interagency coordination. As the Coast Guard’s Commander of the Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic, Admiral Rochon is responsible for naval and civil engineering, financial management, personnel, legal, civil rights, electronic systems support, and contingency planning across 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Europe, and the Middle East.

A New Orleans native, Admiral Rochon served as the Coast Guard’s Director of Personnel Management in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes, providing support for Coast Guard personnel and their families, and ensuring they had housing and new job assignments.

On one hand, I cringe at the thought of someone who has worked hard to get to the top of his field being reduced to a major-domo.

On the other hand, if you have worked hard all your career, and are major history buff, a stint doing protocol stuff in the White House might be just the ticket. There are all sorts of ways to serve your country.

I sure hope President Bush found time to tell Obama about the rug.

Oops... Forgot the attribution...

My quoted text was from an article in "Coast Guard News" published 27 Feb 07.

http://coastguardnews.com/admiral-rochon-appointed-chief-usher-of-the-white-house/2007/02/27/

Obama was careful to remind people on Friday, in his first post-election press conference, that Bush is still president until Jan. 20.

Has there ever been a lamer lame duck president then Bush? Everyone is already acting like Obama is president, and looking to Obama to do something to get us out of this mess, although he won't be sworn in for another 2 months.

I wanted to see some action, Obama and the liberal illuminati talked bad about the Texan for months. Lets see some fighting! But really, it has to be a bit awkward after the whole campaign. But i am sure they were nice! I just can't imagine how weird that conversation is!

I know that Jon Stewart keeps reminding us about this, but, still, it is hard to believe. If there is a smooth transition, it won't have anything to do with Bush. Smooth is not a term I would associate with the still President. How can there be a smooth transition when new scandals keep emerging. We are now learning about extensive covert operations and extremely serious malfeasance at the EPA. It is going to take more than a superfund to clean up after Bush. Fortunately, Obama's transition team does not appear to be depending on the Bush administration for the transition.

but, did anyone else love Michelle Obama's red dress? Laura Bush looked lovely in brown, but Michelle Obama's outfit said "Hello, America, here I come!"

And for the men, I loved the coincidence that had Bush and Obama dressed nearly identically (same color suit, shirt, and tie). They look like those "Who wore it better" pics where 2 celebrities wear the same dress.

Yes, Juliebird, I thought Michelle Obama looked smashing in the red dress she wore to the White House yesterday. Laura Bush looked snazzy too in her auburn ensemble but there was no doubt as to who the hot number is!

I disagree with you over the men. They both looked good, but do you really think it was merely a coincidence that they both wore nearly identical suits and periwinkle ties?