Robert Gibbs Proves There’s Integrity in the White House
Since Barack Obama took over as President of the United States, there has been a lot of talk about transparency in the White House. At the suggestion of a friend, I mailed a copy of my book Radically Transparent: Monitoring & Managing Reputations Online to the White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. I hoped the book would be of use to Gibbs–and it didn’t hurt that he was an NC State Alumni. 😉
Anyway, a couple of months later the signed copy of the book was returned to me, along with this letter:
While I’m dissappointed the book was returned, I am somewhat blown away by the integrity of the President’s chief communications guy. Not even accepting something as benign as a $20 book–less it suggest any conflict of interest–makes a pretty bold statement about his integrity, don’t you think?
I can appreciate your take and perspective on the letter, however, I’ve been a great deal disappointed by the actions the Obama administration has taken to uphold Bush Doctrine that through transparency out the window.
I would hope that maybe at least the book was read before it was returned…
Yea don’t be so sure. Obama is continuing quite a few of the Bush Administration Policies that contradict the whole transparency thing. Read the article below.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31373407/ns/politics-white_house/
Do doubt this is a dramatic improvement over the previous administration. Hard to imagine that they ever even considered such an upright policy. Well done, Andy.
The White House (i.e. people working in the administration making decisions on behalf of American people) can “take” hundreds of billions from taxpayers and give it over to corporations that are failing, have failed, and will fail in the near future, but someone in the White House can’t accept a $20 book?
Albeit, this is one book I can definitely see them getting some use of. 😉
He should’ve at least skimmed through it. I think more than a few White House staffers could use this book as of lately.
Go figure. 🙂
He can return the book, but nothing stops him or the entire administration from buying it from the Web.
Sounded like he’s just lazy, but courteous(unless he did read it and bought it, of which we don’t know yet).
I have to agree with the above posters … What is the point to this post? I’m sure it is just policy to return all gifts regardless of what they are. Proof can be seen in the UAW deal. The UAW provided a massive amount of funding and manpower to Obama’s campaign and Obama returned the favor by giving them 55% of Chrysler 🙂 see it is policy of this administration to give back any favors or gifts … I just wish more ppl would open their eyes and see that.