Valerie Jarrett is President Obama's senior adviser, and as such has prime access to the president's ear, earning her the title of "Obama Whisperer" in Noam Scheiber's New Republic profile. Wielding powerful influence over the president and his decision-making, Jarrett is said to evoke such intimidation that one source who left the White House years ago wouldn't talk to Scheiber about Jarrett for the article, even off the record. Highlights from the piece:
- Jarrett gets to pull rank on (seemingly) most decisions, from the big ones—votes on Cabinet seats, ambassadorships, and judge appointments—to more logistical matters, like who sits where at state dinners.