Desiree Rogers Steps Down
Friday, February 26, 2010 at 5:32 PM 
Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters
A surprise announcement out of the White House today -- Desiree Rogers will step down from her role as White House Social Secretary next month. The always reliable Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times has the full story, here.
Following the announcement, the President and First Lady released this statement:
"We are enormously grateful to Desiree Rogers for the terrific job she's done as the White House Social Secretary. When she took this position, we asked Desiree to help make sure that the White House truly is the People's House, and she did that by welcoming scores of everyday Americans through its doors, from wounded warriors to local schoolchildren to NASCAR drivers. She organized hundreds of fun and creative events during her time here, and we will miss her. We thank her again for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."
This calls for one last look at the greatest fashion statement of Desiree Rogers's White House tenure - the blush chiffon and pearl Comme des Garcons gown worn for the state dinner in November, above.
Comme des Garcons
Reader Comments (106)
I think BeeGee and Leah D have good points -- Desiree Rogers' background probably dldn't prepare her to slide into this role without a learning curve. And, though I don't have the same personal dislike for Rogers that nonpasserat does, I agree that that the "Obama brand" interview was off-putting. I didn't like it.
But it's interesting, isn't it, how conservative we all tend to be when it comes to the White House and what someone's role should be? I'm not saying this is good or bad, I'm just noting it. I think we would all consider ourselves to be 21st century, modern women in all kinds of ways, but when it comes to a position as frankly archaic as "social secretary" (even the name is a bit old-fashioned!) there's really very little room allowed for someone who might have a different perspective on what that job should be.
(I also just think it's interesting that she was compared in her dress to Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. They were both beautiful women and fashion icons, but they've both been dead for 27 and 17 years, respectively. It's okay to try something new. I am sure neither Grace nor Audrey would wear Comme des Garcons, but Desiree would; that's *her* style.)
I'm not saying that Desiree Rogers was the right person to make the changes she did -- she wasn't perfect. Maybe her ideas just weren't good ideas, or the timing just wasn't right. I didn't find her as much of a publicity hound as other people do/did, but that's just my opinion, and opinions aren't facts. I can see why she would be polarizing, but I guess it does make me a little bit sad that sometimes we're insistent in keeping people in little boxes.
Leah D, I am sure that the next social secretary will be like a ghost. She won't give interviews, she won't be pictured next to the First Lady, in a year or two we will have forgotten her name. I'm just not totally sure that's a 100 percent good thing. But I guess it is what it is.
Over these past few days many people have been coming out of the wood work to bash Ms. Rogers including her coworkers calling her a spotlight hog, a diva, and incompetent. Here is my take on this, Ms Rogers and Mrs. Obama have known each other for years, so she knew how Ms. Rogers’s quest for fame was long before we did, it wasn’t like it snuck up on her one day taking her completely by surprise. She knew this coming into the situation. No one is perfect we all have flaws we all have our baggage with us, but our friends love us and except us as we are anyway.
To truly understand anyone’s actions you must study their past to get a better understanding of why they are the way they are, why it is they do what they do. Ms. Rogers has had her share of battles breast cancer in particular, she was diagnose the same year her father past away from lung cancer and when she divorced her husband. That is a lot to over come, but some how she did. Through it all she stands proud and strong living life up to its fullest everyday as if the world was a party and she is the belle of the ball. I am very proud of her I too have had my set backs but I refuse to allow any of them to cripple me in anyway; I guess that is why I sympathize with Ms. Rogers. A dear friend of mine is fighting her own battle with breast cancer and watching the life being sucked out of her is unbearable. I used to enjoy going over her house every Sunday after church I used to look forward to it. Now it hurts like hell once so full of life, she was the life of the party now she only leaves the house to go to the doctors. She had a genuine smile that would ring from ear to ear. Now it’s gone, I wonder will she ever get her old self back, will she ever smile again. I look at Ms. Rogers and she gives me hope that my friend can beat this crippling disease and that she will come back from this stronger than ever. I apologize for the rant but I guess it was something that I needed to get off of my chest. I hope every one has a great week.
Photo of Julianna Smoot:
http://tinyurl.com/yg83uxj
Re the Commes des Garcons dress, I spent a fair amount of my life in high end fashion and I know NO ONE who would wear that dress because it was flattering or beautiful. It would be worn to attract attention. It's my bet that it was one of the garments Ikram is known for selling for the designers - garments designed for runway "wow factor" that were never intended for retail consumption. It backfired bigtime because the event at which Rogers wore it and her role in that event called for understatement. It was not intended to be Her Big Night.
The "swarming" of poster Michelle is one of the meanest, most unkind things I've seen in a long time.
Mrs. T's post up the thread should be observed by all who come here.
To those who fret about Michelle's use of all caps, do any of you realize that some cannot use the shift key while hitting another key? For them all caps or all lower case are the only options.
Have you considered English as a second language when you are parsing grammar and spelling?
Is it possible that you are uptight because you aren't sure whether Michelle may actually have had contact with the Obamas - contact you have not had - and you need to discredit her to assuage your envy?
Points to ponder. Better yet, leave her alone. This stuff makes YOU look bad.
I think the gown is beautiful, and she looks beautiful in it. But again, just my opinion.
Respectfully, I don't think Desiree's fashion sense had anything to do with why she's not currently at the White House. So in that sense, I don't think that wearing this gown "backfired." If the dinner had gone perfectly, the dress would be an afterthought. Since the Salahis got in, it wouldn't have mattered if Desiree was wearing a conservative black suit and was never photographed once that night -- trouble would still have been coming her way.
I think that people are extrapolating a lot about Desiree's role that night because she wore a very eye-catching gown and made the mistake (apparently) of allowing herself to be photographed in it. Goodness knows, I am *not* arguing about the fact that there was a huge security breach that night. Absolutely, clearly, unmistakably, there was. But really, are we so sure that Desiree was just swanning around that night, doing nothing but jumping in front of cameras in her gown? *She definitely made mistakes!* I'm not arguing against that. I guess I see the mistakes as more those of inexperience.
But. I think ultimately I just don't see her as that much of an attention-grabber compared to how others see her. She did a couple of interviews in her early days that I didn't like very much; then I never saw her again. So, I'm biased. Obviously there's background stuff we cannot know, but at the end of the day if the Obamas still wanted her there, she'd be there. I guess that's all one can say about that.
Whatever her flaws, she did her job and did it well. She made a mistake ( a big one, and she is not solely to blame, personally I blame the secret service more because there have been other breaches of security) but who hasn't made mistakes. If you haven't, I want to meet you because you definitely are a rare one.Who knows why she left. Maybe it was because of the whole debacle or maybe because she wanted to move on and be free of the restraints that come along with the White House. The only poeple who know that are her and the Obamas. I think she will be fine, she was before this job, and I'm sure she will be in the future. Good luck to her.
Christina, you have made some very good points on this thread.
Asereht, I would just like to say that I figured out that was your name spelled backwards along time ago. I thought that was cute and clever. LOL!! I also wanted to say I agree with you about the "michelle" poster. Of course, we all know that some of the posts are VERY questionable, but I mean, it is what it is. And as far as the grammar and spelling stuff goes, maybe english is not this person's first language.
Christina, I think you've made a bunch of very good points that I agree with.
I also see where Leah D and others who think Desiree stood out too much and broke too many established procedures, are coming from.
I wrote extensively in the comments section when we discussed the Salahi incident and the hearings, etc that took place afterward. I will admit that I was disappointed that Desiree allowed herself to be made a target, since that is an indirect way at getting at the Obamas, particularly Mrs. O. I think there were a lot of reasons why she was an easy target, notably the fact that she's beautiful, confident, educated, connected, and a close personal friend of the Obamas. I think she could have realized how easy of a target she was and played it a bit safer.
But, upon her resigning, and reading both her statement and the Obamas, I think the idea was always for her to blaze in, and blaze out. I think the Obamas want to change things up, and when it comes to the White House, events and ceremonies and styling - those are things the Obamas have free reign to change up. I think Desiree was tasked with shaking things up, opening the place up, and adding some "flava." This is risky, but I think the Obamas figured the risk was worth it, if they could make some memories, put their own mark on history, and perhaps change what is considered "protocol" on outdated things. In that way, Desiree was a success, and it appears the Obamas want her legacy of creating the "People's House" to remain.
So now it's time for her to move on. I think the timing is appropriate. A new year, an election year, time to get a little more "Washington" in their focus, I suppose. No doubt they will be continuing their openness, etc., but perhaps they want to schmooze old school a little bit in order to prepare for a big fight in the mid-terms and a revamping for Obama '12. This replacement for Desiree seems like a nice person, loyal to the president, and much more understated. She seems established within the Democratic Washington establishment as well. Maybe she can play the inside game a little better than Desiree, which may be where they need to go for the upcoming elections and re-election which will be gearing up by the end of the year.
Here's the thing. Desiree is smart and has a fantastic joie de vie. She did a great job in bringing a breath of fresh air to White House events, just as Michelle and Barack envisioned. However, a person in that position has to know his or her place -- and that place is in the background -- running things.
The state department dinner fiasco was a huge mistake on Desiree's part. The president's life could have been at risk! The first state dinner, and it was clouded by those detestable gate crashers. Fortunately, the rest of eveing was a roaring success, and the Indians loved it. Desiree did not know the ropes, and did not listen to those who did. BTW, I think it was at least half the Secret Service's mistake as well.
As for the Comme des Garcons dress -- well it looks like a homemade flour sack with pearls. I was in the Ikram store and did not see one thing that I would buy.
BeeGee, I agree with your post regarding the swarming of Michelle. People across the board enjoy this blog--let's be more accepting of differences. Believe me, not everyone here is a ultra-chic New York type gal. I love seeing Mrs. O and her wonderful clothing, but I'm as far away from her as you can get. Think farm, jeans, boots, and sweatshirts. I love my life, but I also am enjoying a peek at a different way of living. I say--leave Michelle (the poster) alone.
Very well said IVA!
Does anyone else find it interesting, ironic, coincendental or at least unfair that we know nothing about the secret service agents involved, yet the only person that is ever mentioned in the media is Desiree Rogers? In no way am I excusing what happened at the State Dinner and I feel that ALL involved in that fiasco should be reprimanded, but how is it that she seems to be the focus of scorn for the masses? The secret service agents are put through countless hours of training to read body language, identify potentially hazardous situations, question their own sensibilities, detect ruses, ploys and all types of subterfuge yet their explanation was nothing more than "I thought the other guy would catch it if something was amiss". We see the scrutiny that Desiree has beeen under, but where are they? Did they get re-assigned to another detail, or are they doing weather reports while looking for new marine life in Puget Sound?
I think people's criticisms should be balanced and fair. That's not to say that you have to be a card carrying member of Ms. Rogers' fan club, but sometimes it seems that her character is being assassinated rather than her abilities being critiqued. At times it seems that all of this is being done in the name of "putting her in her place", or what one perceives that place to be. Is it possible that when she was at events (that some feel she did not belong) she was there at the behest of her good friend/employer? Is it also possible that her style and fashion sense in no way threatened or diminished FLOTUS in any shape or form? Isn't it possible that maybe those were attributes that our Michelle found pleasing in her friend and would have it no other way? In true friendships: IN FOR A PENNY, IN FOR A POUND. Desiree Rogers is an accomplished woman making her own money. When she eats, her entire family is fed. If there is anyone who is in a position to wear high-end designers clothes it would be her. Why is that only relegated to Hollywood or "ladies who lunch socialites"? What should it matter to any of us? If someone is taking your picture, what is the polite thing to do, was she supposed to keep walking? And why not feel good about herself ?
I don't have a dog in this fight and what I think will not make any difference in anyone's life, but in all fairness it seems that she's coming off as the sacrificial lamb and that's not fair. I realize that had those gate crashers had ill intent and there was bloodshed of any kind, nothing but the heads (of ALL those at fault )on a platter would be acceptable and rightfully expected. But if we put things in perspective and realized that it exposed some real dangers and failures in the security system and protocols, then we are still ahead of the game.
As someone said earlier, she'll be fine. I wish her well in her future endeavors but I can't help but feel a bit pensive about not seeing the remarkable things she was yet to contribute to this administration. She has the potential to be a real asset to wherever this wind takes her. It's just a shame that this wind has some clouds hovering above for now.........she'll be fine!.
United States Secret Service agents are sworn to protect the president and the first lady and their children - to give their lives for them if need be.
To question them is beyond the pale. I just don't see Desiree Rogers taking a real bullet for the Obamas. Not in her job description.
Photos from January 13. Did we see these boots before:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/embaixadaeua-brasil/4393130094/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/embaixadaeua-brasil/4393136462/
BeeGee, you are definitely on to something in regard to Desiree's choice of that Comme des Garcons dress being more about "wow factor" than being flattering or beautiful. Check out this article by Robin Givhan that talks about Comme des Garcons and the same fall 2009 show Desiree chose this dress form. Robin gives quite an interesting take on the fact that almost none of Rei Kawakubo's designs are meant to flatter the figure or be beautiful, but rather to evoke emotion and reflect something deeper than "pretty". Though I still think this dress was too much for this particular event I also think it says a lot about Desiree's eye for fashion and the reasoning behind her over the top choice.
@Charlene in Detroit, yes, I was wondering the same thing. Why has no one from the Secret Service been held responsible as well? I think I even heard a report that it was a member of the Secret Service that slipped up and allowed them entry in the first place. I'm not saying the social secretary's office is not also responsible, but come on! The media saw her as an easy target to blame because she had a high profile before and upon entering the white house. And as I stated before, the Salahi's committed an illegal act and they have not dealt with any consequences for it. SMH.
I think my biggest disappointment with the loss of Desiree Rogers in this position (besides wondering if it's not another example of "putting uppity AA in their place," is what it will mean for the idea of the WH being the "People's House." Ms. Smoot worked to bring in big donors to President Obama's campaign, some of whom may feel that they have not been adequately recognized for this effort. Will the WH shift from it's current, egalitarian approach to being more a place for the rich and powerful to smooze?
I've been gone and am just catching up with the main thread comments. I made an assumption that MICHELLE needed to write in caps to deal with a visual impairment and I don't pay too much attention to her remarks, because I find it visually difficult to read all caps, so I'm not really attuned to the issues people are taking on that front.
I do, however, find nonpasserat's remarks extremely offensive. To lump Valerie Jarrett and Michelle Obama into a construct called the "Daley Machine" belittles Michelle's role as a First Lady. And to add insult to injury by citing their influence as a factor in her assessment that the Obama Presidency is being destroyed just affirms my suspicions that nonpasserat takes every opportunity to make negative comments whenever she can find an inroad.
@ marachne - I do think there will be a shift in who's invited now that this new social secretary is in place. And I think the shift will be towards more "insider" type of situations and invites. I do not think it'll be extremely noticeable, and I do not think they'll abandon their "egalitarian" approach, as you nicely put it. But I do think there will be a shift. There have been many recent articles, even from progressive sources, that are coming down on the president for having too small a "Chicago circle" around him as well as not reaching out to some of the more establishment progressives and Democrats in DC. I suspect they won't necessarily get closer to him, but their egos will be stroked in more superficial ways by Ms. Smoot. That's my hunch.
you haven't heard the last from her; she's now beginning to give interviews, saying it was the fault of the secret service (the state dinner fiasco) which doesn't serve the Obamas well. I read she was bored with the job once she was told not to publicize herself and that there was a power struggle over who was in charge of the East Wing, specifically between her, Valerie Jarrett and Susan Sher (the chief of staff for Michelle Obama) which sounds likely to me. I hope she stops talking about her White House experience and goes onto her next gig. I have no doubt she will use this one to trade up to another one more to her taste. She was never a good match for this job. By the way, she was not a long-time friend of the Obamas; she was a long-time friend of Valerie Jarrett. She only got to know the Obamas during the election. Prior to that, she was an active Republican as was her former husband.
I hate to see her go. And I despised even more the treatment she received post state dinner. She bucked tradition and did not blend into the wallpaper. To some, this is her downfall. I, on the other hand, sanely believe that powerful women can co-exist in this world without the threat of being "upstaged."
She opened the doors of the White House and unfortunately two fame-seeking megalomaniacs and an additional classless hound slipped past the Secret Servce and ruined what I believe was a beautiful thing-- a savvy and stylish woman backing another savvy and stylish woman.
If the Obamas had wanted her to stay, she'd be staying.
I hope we can get back to fashion soon. This topic is worn out.
nonpasserat's language is pretty hardhitting, but the cold-shouldering of Desiree Rogers in the East Wing has been obvious for some time now. She was not on the guest list for Michelle Obama's surprise birthday party in January.
And Michelle Obama was brought into Mayor Richard Daley's office (known widely for years as a "machine") by Valerie Jarrett, who was well-entrenched here.
Which is why I believe we are better off sticking with fashion here. Politics is nasty business and some of the truth may be hurtful to some. Most of us haven't the information to comment intelligently on the inner workings of the WH.
Ms. Rogers should have tendered her resignation immediately after the mess up. It was a terrible embarrassement to the White House. She is a very attractive lady with lots of style and up until that State Dinner had done a wonderful job with the events but it was absolutely clear that she wanted to be out front. You saw her way to often. All those photos in the magazines. She wanted to be " in" the social circle not work for it. It appeared that night she was a guest at the event as opposed to someone at work. Perhaps she was to close to the Obamas to work for them. It's good she gone.
Here is a new interview with Desiree, the first real extensive interview post-resignation: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/02/desiree_rogers_outgoing_white.html
I have nothinig to say about the woman's performance in her job, but this dress? I thought it was some weird sort of kitchen apron when I first clicked on it, and had to pan down to see the pearls and shoes before I placed it as an evening gown...not good.
If I remember correctly...some secret service agents lost their job over the state dinner incident.
I can't recall the source now...but, remember us discussing it.
I don't know if any of you are aware of the auction that Oprah Winfrey is having for her school, but you should check it out. She's got a few items from many of Mrs. Obama's favorites including Maria Pinto and others.
http://divalocity.blogspot.com/2010/03/oprahs-great-closet-cleanout.html
FASHION FIRST: The comme de .... dress is not so flattering on her - but it will certainly never be forgotten -
@ MICHELE: sometimes I feel like it is a challenge to decipher your posts, but I appreciate your participation and often agree with your statements, at least those that I understand. Please don't get annoyed with some of the other comments that were specific to your post.
@MRS. T: thank you for expanding this site to include not only MO fashion but "fashion influences in the White House" and current events....this current topic has really shown me how sophisticated, knowledgeable and concerned your participants are about our White House occupants.
LYNN SWEET: has been a great journalist and the many articles I've read have never appeared to have a hidden agenda or any spite towards the current administration.
DESIREE: I had the pleasure of meeting her before her White House position... she is lovely. She is the only press secretary who's name is almost as famous as her boss and that is not such a good thing. I think she should write a book.
No! I love Desiree and what she's done for the White House social events scene. It's a sad day indeed.
The only person I feel bad for in this whole mess is Cathy Hargraves, who had served as White House "assistant for arrangements," --- before Desiree downgraded her position and pushed her out!
Link below is an article from Newsweek November 2009
http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/declassified/archive/2009/11/29/white-house-guest-list-chief-says-she-quit-post.aspx
Like I commented before: Desiree got in there and starting changing how things worked before she know what she has doing and how things should be done properly.
Mrs. T - Can you please post a picture of FLOTUS, any picture...we need to get back to discussing her fashion. Enough already on this subject!
I like Desiree and find it sad that she's stepping down. The ooomph she provided to to the social secretary's position was a great fit for the Obama administration. But, perhaps it wasn't the greatest of bureaucratic fits.
The long knives of the Georgetown (Washington, DC social establishment) had been out for Desiree for most of her tenure. Sally Quinn's "she's not of Washington" Washington Post story pretty well summed that up. The gate-crashing just provided good cover for stating on record what had been bubbling around the town.
In addition to fabulous and fun parties she organized, Desiree was involved in many of Mrs. O's events with local DC school children. The part of the city that is often forgotten by the Washington power establishment.
I think she'll be missed.
And I wonder who can take her place?
Here's Mrs. O from today!!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/100301/480/8e87e4c0532f4b15992bf6ad5881e3e7
I agree - time for new subject so we got a new picture!
No surprise really that Nonpasserat the Palin apologist continues to spout the Republican talking points and drivel.
In one breath she feigns concern about "destuction of the Obama Presidency" which she then blames on the "Daley machine" which she lists the First Lady Michelle Obama as part of. CRAZY!!
Beegee pretends to be the authority on stuff even as she subtly pushes against the President and First Lady.
No, Desiree Rogers was not on the list for the surprise birthday party, but if BeeGee wants to deal in FACTS, she might also have divulged that Rogers had never been on any "list" for other private Obama & friends events. Jarrett on the other hand, always.
Much of the furor from the dinner crash had pretty much blown over and Desiree Rogers could have stayed if she really wanted to, but it would have been on terms that would have included having this Social Secretary role return to its more discreet and traditional meaning.
Additionally, the other projects she hoped might have "elevated" this position beyond what she saw as "glorified party planner", had been put on hold because of the economy and the sudden focus on and dissection of EVERY expenditure of this current President/White House.
Even though I don't really care for Desiree Rogers like that, I have to admit she was a good social secretary (except state dinner) and a sharp dresser. I liked all the events that took place at the White House the first year, making it feel like the "people's house", I Really hope it stays that way.
I'm sure we will be seeing more of her...like River Rush mentioned, I have a feeling she's going to write a book..Oh boy.
( I read somewhere she wasn't that close with Mrs O, just associates.. Her and Valerie Jarrett are the "bosom buddies")
Now back to fashion of Mrs. O...she had an event today where she wore red!
Thanks for the photos, IVA. Mrs. O is looking great in all these recent sheaths and the bodice of this red dress is real interesting.
No comments on Desiree, but more so on her replacement. Ever since Greg Craig, counselor to the president, was let go, a group of Washington insiders have been disparaging and threatening the administration through anonymous remarks in media stories, much of it via Sally Quin. Main message: he will pay for leaving us out.
Smoot has scads of contacts especially among the well-heeled from whom she is adept at getting donations. Perhaps the switch on this will ease that situation somewhat though the Obamas assure us that she would continue to follow their vision of inclusiveness.
Perhaps it was easier for Michelle to adapt to her new surroundings and duties with a friend to help her. Now, I think, she has established herself sufficiently to stand on her own.
Desiree was there in the early days of socializing with the Obamas based on basketball: her ex, Michelle's brother and a couple more. The Obamas until recently were never the stars in that group.Then there is a tiny closer circle that Desiree has not been a part of.
She did a spectacular job though. Will be interesting to see how things change or not.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2010/03/01/GA2010030102759.html REALLY clear picture of this great raspberry colored dress and brooch in the Washington Post....we need a full lenght picture to see if it is a dress or a blouse. Either way, I love it!
http://www.upi.com/enl-win/5786bb8356d2949d94d8c87b6279da65/
Unbelieveable closeup of the pin!!!
Hi Mrs. T,
Should this pic from yesterday be "Tickled Pink"?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/02/michelle-obama-thinks-pin_n_482024.html
It seems that we need a refreshing change of topic from the controversial Ms. D. I cannot say I am sorry to see her go as IMHO she seemed to promote herself at the expense of the first lady's agenda. Best of luck to her though.
Eleroy:
Unfortunately, the “furor” from the dinner crashers had not blown over for Ms. Rogers. She was just keeping a very low profile.
She has done a fantastic job. I do not believe that she only came for a “year”. That is a perfect spin to save face. I have always believed that she held some responsibility for the fiasco that night, as the blame is not entirely on the Secret Service. But, I never felt that she should have lost her job, but the writing was on the wall.
If what some in the social secretary’s office is saying is correct information, and not idle gossip, she was second guessed on everything that she did by those with an agenda. In other words, it appears that she was pushed out or offered up as the sacrificial lamb.
I have also felt that this job was not a perfect fit for her. She “appears” to like the limelight. This is a job that requires a behind the scene approach.
She will land on her feet in whatever she decides to pursue.
Eleroy:
Unfortunately, the “furor” from the dinner crashers had not blown over for Ms. Rogers. She was just keeping a very low profile.
She has done a fantastic job. I do not believe that she only came for a “year”. That is a perfect spin to save face. I have always believed that she held some responsibility for the fiasco that night, as the blame is not entirely on the Secret Service. But, I never felt that she should have lost her job, but the writing was on the wall.
If what some in the social secretary’s office is saying is correct information, and not idle gossip, she was second guessed on everything that she did by those with an agenda. In other words, it appears that she was pushed out or offered up as the sacrificial lamb.
I have also felt that this job was not a perfect fit for her. She “appears” to like the limelight. This is a job that requires a behind the scene approach.
She will land on her feet in whatever she decides to pursue.
Mrs. T - I know you are very busy, but we need a new topic. Please. Mrs. O had an event yesterday and she showcased a pretty pink sheath and one of her brooches. She has another event this morning, too!
Iva:
Since this topic was about Desiree Rogers, that is what I, and other posters, posted on.
It may not be of interest to some . If that is the case, just skip over this topic.
Iva:
This topic was about Desiree Rogers. I, and many other posters ,provided our comments.
Many may not be interested in this topic. If that is the case, just skip over.
Desiree Rogers didn't mess up. I don't think anyone is being "polite" about her. I don't think she deserves the blame for anything she "should" have done. I don't have it that she was ever any place it was not appropriate for her to be.
It is interesting to me that so many people are scrabbling around for an agenda. Did it never occur to you that Desiree has done an excellent job, exactly as the Obama's wanted, and has now decided to stop after an interesting year - the hardest year - of getting everyone settled in? Now that the family are so confidently ensconsed in Washington, she can take up a job elsewhere.
You know, sometimes there just isn't a story. Sometimes, things don't MEAN anything. There isn't a conspiracy. Sometimes, people just leave a job!
Desiree Rogers has been a great Social Secretary. All the events she has put together with the First Lady and the President, have been beautifully thought out, planned and executed. The State dinner was fabulous. Every idea was a great one. The sheer number of events that have been put on in the last year is dizzying and they have all been flawless.
The only two people who screwed up were the Salahi's and the security on the door. Yes that is someone's responsibility but frankly I feel that the Salahi's have that squarely on their shoulders. It is beneath contempt to sneak into a party of any kind when you're not invited so I'm amazed that their shoddy behaviour overnight became Desiree's fault??!!! Laughable. From the beginning there has been a group of posters who have not been able to see that two strong women can be friends and colleagues without a fight. Really we need to move beyond this. It's a myth. And the more we fall into the trap of making up things we do not know, the more damage we do our fellow women. Time to grow up.
For myself, I wish Desiree the best of luck in everything she does in the future. I will miss her style and strength in the background.
I have marveled at Ms. Rogers' style and grace since she was announced as the White House choice for Social Secretary. Her platform of the "people's house" has diversified the White House (at least on the surface) for many African Americans and other minorities. The sheer volume of social events held under her watch and the focus on American arts and music is a testament to her success during her one-year tenure! Best of luck in the future Desiree, and I wish you well! And for the record, her gown by Comme des Garcons was FANTASTIC and she pulled it off with the confidence it required!
There is a new pink dress in Huffinston post style section.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/02/michelle-obama-thinks-pin_n_482024.html
All the best to Desiree as she returns to her life in Chicago. A class act is a class act wherever she is -- and Desiree is a class act.
Hello all, Apologies for being a bit inattentive to the blog for the past 24 hours. I was sidetracked by wedding planning and a mini MOTB fashion crisis (now resolved). I appreciate your collection. patience. Two new posts are up. Best, Mrs. T
I would pay (just about) anything for that gorgeous Comme des Garcons dress! It is a masterpiece! I've searched all the web for it to no avail. Does anyone know of anyplace selling it?