The New Team: Stephanie Cutter

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The New Team

Stephanie Cutter

By JEFF ZELENY
Published: November 21, 2008

As he prepares to take office, President-elect Barack Obama is relying on a small team of advisers who will lead his transition operation and help choose the members of the Obama administration. Following is part of a series of profiles of potential members of the administration.

Name: Stephanie Cutter

Being considered for: A senior White House communications position.

Would bring to the job: An insider’s knowledge of the White House, Capitol Hill and Washington, and the ability to speak fluently about all three areas. A familiar face on television, she is also an organized and strategic planner who knows how to promote and advocate a political or policy position. Ms. Cutter has a long and favorable reputation with some of the most influential journalists and opinion makers in Washington. And she possesses a roadmap of things to do — and not to do — from her time in the communications department of the Clinton administration.

Is linked to Mr. Obama by: Being chief of staff to Michelle Obama during the presidential race and a senior adviser to the campaign. A longtime adviser to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts, who helped roll out his endorsement of Mr. Obama during the primaries. She is chief spokeswoman for the Obama-Biden transition team, and has worked closely with the people in Mr. Obama’s inner circle.

In her own words: “The White House is not entitled to cherry-pick facts out of these private conversations when they need to put out a fire.” (a 2005 interview in The New York Times about the Supreme Court confirmation process of Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.)

Used to work as: A spokeswoman and longtime adviser to Mr. Kennedy, who handled all the communications strategy surrounding his battle with cancer and his work in the Senate. She was also a communications adviser to Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic majority leader; the leading spokeswoman for Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign in 2004, and the deputy communications director for President Clinton.

Carries as baggage: Residue from the 2004 presidential race, which, like many losing campaigns, ended in a fierce exchange of recriminations and in-fighting among Democrats. She was at the center of much of the discussion about communications strategy. But through her work on Capitol Hill, and more recently, as the top adviser for the communications strategy of Ms. Obama, she has enjoyed a successful second act.

Is otherwise known for: Being well-connected to journalists in Washington and across the country. Being a runner and a dog lover. Her longtime ties to Mr. Kennedy and his family.

Résumé includes: Born Oct. 22, 1968 in Taunton, Mass. ... grew up in Raynham, Mass. ... bachelor’s degree from Smith College and law degree from Georgetown University ... frequent analyst for CNN and other television outlets ... founded Cutter Media Group ... is single and lives in Washington.