Gibbs: I'm Stepping Down, Becoming Political Adviser

Robert Gibbs confirms that he's part of the long-rumored White House shakeup today, telling the New York Times that he'll leave the job in early February to become a political adviser. He's also looking to pick up a little loot on the speaking circuit. A successor is expected to be named within two weeks; aides tell the Times that President Obama is finalizing his staff changes today.

“Stepping back will take some adjusting,” said Gibbs. “But at the same time, I have a feeling that I will keep myself quite busy, not just with speaking, but continuing to help the president.” Says Obama of Gibbs: “He’s had a six-year stretch now where basically he’s been going 24/7 with relatively modest pay. I think it’s natural for someone like Robert to want to step back for a second to reflect, retool and that, as a consequence, brings about both challenges and opportunities for the White House.” (More Robert Gibbs stories.)