First Lady Has Trouble Keeping Staff, Called 'Tough as Nails'

Spotlight takes toll on first lady's staff

(By Julie Mason & Amie Parnes, Politico) - Less than three years into the job, first lady Michelle Obama is on her third chief of staff and third social secretary. She is on her second communications director, the White House chief usher recently departed, and her press secretary’s last day is Friday.

On Friday afternoon, the first lady’s office announced that the executive director of Obama’s signature campaign to fight childhood obesity also is leaving.

The turnover, greater than under recent first ladies, underscores the pressure and high expectations of working in an operation known for its polish and discipline.