Director of Oval Office operations, Brian Mosteller, is the gay man behind the President. Along with President Obama’s personal secretary, Mosteller sits just outside, patiently making life easier for the Commander in Chief. Sometimes, the President makes things easier for him.
As the Washington Post notes in a lengthy profile piece, Mosteller is the only person working in the White House with a direct view of the President’s desk. His behind-the-scenes influence is vast, from coordinating every meeting President Obama attends to every person he meets. He escorts the President to events, knows what mundane items the President likes and where to place them, wrangles the press at events, and serves as President Obama’s sounding board.
Mosteller is with the President for every move he makes. A longtime staffer, the former meeting planner joined the Obama campaign shortly after the then-candidate announced he would run for the office. By the 2008 Democratic convention, Mosteller had assumed the role he has today: anticipating the President’s needs.
Mosteller recounts one special moment with the President on the morning the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Following the decision, President Obama walked to Mosteller’s desk and quietly put his arm around him.
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When President Obama famously announced he had “evolved” on the issue in an interview with Robin Roberts, a lesbian reporter from ABC News, Mosteller was there. He says when the President asked his opinion of the interview, he couldn’t help tearing up.
“When I was young, I couldn’t fathom that I could ever have a partner, and now I was with the president of the United States and, together, we were talking this kind of partnership, and it was not only public but so very normal,” Mosteller told the Post. “How often does a boss talk about love? Now, how often does a boss contribute to our country’s blessing of your love?”
Grant Mealey
How very cool!
Hollis Harris
WTF…. why does it always have to be about gay issues…. Gay has nothing to do with how this country is run…. I am sorry but Gay doesn’t belong in this headline
Jonathan26
G-d bless Obama!
Glücklich
This is nice. Good for him.
Important to keep in mind those of us with EA’s/AA’s or work in offices with them, Admin Professionals’ Day is 4/26.
You get a good one and treat him or her like *gold*. Gay or straight good ones really do get shit done and when properly empowered can be almost as important and influential as the boss. Mine’s a jewel though I’d be happy to see her move into something bigger and better when she’s outgrown the role.
Derek Perron
Congrats on highlighting someone for their professional accomplishments instead of their body or dick. Unfortunately given the childish responses I see why u don’t more often
Bauhaus
@Hollis Harris:
This is a gay site, that’s why. I disagree; being [openly] gay has *everything* to do with how this country is run. We are not second-class citizens.
Stephen Sottile
Why is his sexuality relevant?
youarekiddingme
@Hollis Harris: Crawl back under your rock…Can you read? “Queerly, Free of an Agenda, Except that GAY ONE.” If you want political news/commentary, go to a political news/commentary website.
If you have nothing good to say….
Glücklich
@youarekiddingme:
Well, if you have nothing good to say come sit next to me. ‘Cept for that kind a’shit.
CWM85
Good article. Something mature for once on this site.
tjr101
@Hollis Harris: You’re on a gay website, get a clue.
patricklee5150
Just one more reason for me to love President Obama. What a great boss, right? Oh, and great president too!
GayEGO
@Bauhaus: Well said! It is because of our constitution and system of government that our country supports equality for all American citizens. People like Hollis Harris who view our website and make negative comments about us are likely homophobic.