by Mark Silva
Anita Dunn is stepping out at the White House.
And Dan Pfeiffer is stepping up.
Dunn, the White House communications director who created something of a stir when she asserted on CNN recently that FOX News is an "arm of the Republican Party'' and not really a news network in the traditional sense, also got political foes at FOX going when they revealed that she had once referred to Mao Zedong as one of her favorite political philosophers. Mother Teresa was the other one.
But the communications director's stint for President Barack Obama was meant to be "interim'' from the start.
"My title was "interim,''' Dunn notes in an email to us today.
Pfeiffer, her assistant, will take over the communications director's office on Dec. 1, and Dunn will continue to serve as a consultant.
Pfeiffer started working for Obama in 2007 following Sen. Evan Bayh's decision not to pursue the presidency. He served a stint as the traveling press secretary for Obama's presidential campaign but eventually oversaw its communications operations.
Dunn's departure will not be recorded on the trophy shelf that FOX's Glenn Beck keeps for Van Jones, the former environmental adviser in the White House whom Beck badgered for his comments about radical politics. Jones stepped aside to quell that controversy. But that isn't likely to stop Beck from talking about Dunn, or the White House.









Comments
Good job Fox!
another "radical" leaves the White House. Looks like her Fox News stunt backfired badly, considering their ratings are through the roof.
Posted by: Dave | November 10, 2009 12:15 PM
Good! Anita Dunn was a narrow minded jerk and was unfit for the job of White House Communications Director. I hope her successor his better or the White House will continue to have problems.
Posted by: Depot- Jim | November 10, 2009 12:36 PM
Another rat jumping ship.
Posted by: BDD | November 10, 2009 12:52 PM
Don't let the door hit you in the arse! Maybe MSNBC will hire her as a regular guest on their shows that nobody watches.
Posted by: wingnut master | November 10, 2009 12:56 PM
Fox News is made up of nothing but a bunch of racist phonies who wouldn't know news reporting if it hit em in the face. Good for her for saying it out loud. Unfortunately for her, there was no need. Anyone with half a brain already knew that.
Posted by: James | November 10, 2009 12:57 PM
This administration is a complete joke.
Posted by: Frank | November 10, 2009 1:01 PM
What about the roaches who are not in the White House, /Dunn was absolutely correct. Beck and the boys and girls @ Fox are rightwing extremist, phoney, moralistic hypocrits which hide be hide bull all the time. For u closed minded viewers which support them u are roaches too!! Let me spell it out for u if u don't understand the words that are coming out of my mouth. U idiots are like roaches because U are germ carriers and it is extremely hard to get rid of U; U only come out in the dark and cause havic but when the lights are turned on U run for cover.
Let me hear from u moralistic hypocrites
Posted by: G | November 10, 2009 1:07 PM
Have to agree with you, G!
Posted by: bigdog0319 | November 10, 2009 1:13 PM
Obviously one should also put the definition of interim in the thread for the slow minded.
Posted by: bill r. | November 10, 2009 1:15 PM
If it was "interim" why wasn't this mentioned before?
Posted by: John | November 10, 2009 1:24 PM
Bob Beckel & Geraldine Ferraro - two of my very favorite "rightwing extremist, phoney, moralistic hypocrits which hide be hide bull all the time"
Posted by: KevinC | November 10, 2009 1:27 PM
"Dunn will continue to serve as a consultant."
So she isn't leaving and will still be in the WH and on the job, only as a consultant. How much will she make in that position?
Posted by: Red | November 10, 2009 1:27 PM
A person holds a "interim" position for a short while until a permanent person is found. A permanent person is found. Person leaves temporary position. Republicans declare victory?
What?
Posted by: Steve | November 10, 2009 1:35 PM
Another narrow minded twit that sees no wrong with this joke of an administration. Too much hopium for her.
Posted by: roundlaketom | November 10, 2009 1:49 PM
Hey James and G have either of you EVER watched FOX? Did you ever wonder why thier ratings are so high? Maybe they have something there. Or in your view are ALL of these FOX viewers germs, rats and idiots?
Just asking.....
Posted by: Stan in Chicago | November 10, 2009 1:53 PM
The whole Republican party is a bunch of cry babies who got their clocks cleared because they couldn't find another brainless monkey to run for president. Oh wait, they hand picked 2, one for president and vp instead, what a deal. Now they just sit around and refuse to do anything but hold their breaths, thanks for nothing but a war for nothing, remember wmd and the world wide recession. Now that's patriotism.
Posted by: jon | November 10, 2009 1:55 PM
She was suppose to be communications director until the end of the summer, but she was convinced to stay longer.
And the FoxNews ratings bumps is total bullshit. Fox used a 14 day point spread from before the controversy, and compared it to a 12 day point spread after the controversy, intentionally leaving out their 2 lowest rated days.
Fox tells bald faced lies frequently and without shame.
Posted by: Bobby | November 10, 2009 1:58 PM
Another Fox victory! After all the denials from the White House, Fox always comes out the winner. I know who I'm going to believe. . .
Posted by: Taxpayer58 | November 10, 2009 2:02 PM
John....You can also find earlier posts on Google with the same announcement
By JONATHAN MARTIN | 4/30/09 5:43 PM EDT Text Size-+reset.
Dunn, a veteran Dem strategist, will serve as communications director for at least a temporary period.
Photo: AP Anita Dunn, a veteran Democratic strategist and top adviser on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, will take over as White House communications director at least temporarily, according to sources familiar with the move.
The powerful post is being vacated by Ellen Moran this week, and Obama officials want to fill it quickly.
Dunn will start working next week in an interim capacity until the president settles on a permanent replacement for Moran.
Posted by: bill r. | November 10, 2009 2:05 PM
The changing of the guard.
Posted by: Nothing to see here. | November 10, 2009 2:11 PM
Another racist Lefty Loon is leaving the most racist administration in this country's history! Hooray! Why is this administration so racist? Why is the Left nothing but full of bigoted, racist, homophobic loons? And to top off Dunn's racism, she was a communist lover too? Mao is her idol!
Anyway, I love how Mark said Beck "badgered" to have Van Jones leave for his radical politics. Funny, Mark, I don't ever recall you using the word "badgered" when referring to what racist, loony Leftists kept saying about people at the Bush administration.
Posted by: John D, still right, as usual | November 10, 2009 2:20 PM
Hey Jon they only crying I hear is at the Whitehouse these days. Oh Fox don't talk bad about us or we will boycott you!
That's what the article is about. BTW What does that make the Democratic party? A bunch of crooks that want over tax, over spend, steal & lie.
United States welcome to Chicago...
Posted by: wingnut master | November 10, 2009 2:26 PM
Let's see here. Of all of the "News" Networks only Fox actually does some research on Comrade Dunn. It is then Barry and his commissars decide that Fox is not a real news organization. Funny how "Truth" and light is no more than Prolitbeuro Propaganda.
Posted by: senator dirksen | November 10, 2009 2:28 PM
Another one bites the dust. Can't wait to see when Gibbs and Rambo "Dead Fish" Emanuel are stepping down.
Posted by: Dusty | November 10, 2009 2:28 PM
Ms. Dunn professed to admiring Chinese dictator Mao, and Obama.
A fitting symbol of this administration. And with those resume credentials, she may be hired by The Swamp!
Posted by: Bruce | November 10, 2009 2:39 PM
Good job Fox
Posted by: jeff s | November 10, 2009 2:39 PM
Anyone with half a brain already knew that.
Posted by: James | November 10, 2009 12:57 PM
with half a brain..... ...and You of course meant yourself…..
Posted by: Whatadumiemie | November 10, 2009 2:47 PM
"My title was "interim,'" HA HA HA! Yeah, Right!
Posted by: Jim Pratt | November 10, 2009 2:54 PM
Hey "G":
About that spelling it out part.
"U" is not a word. Nice "spelling"
Posted by: Amber M | November 10, 2009 3:11 PM
Another incompetent thrown under the buss. Watch for Ms. Napolitano position to go due to the Ft. Hood terroist attack.
Posted by: Greg | November 10, 2009 3:16 PM
Doesn't the fact that she was an interim communications chief resonate with any of you? Most people don't celebrate unless they check their facts first. But, that's never stopped the GOP. Like just last week when they reasserted their strength by taking a couple of state offices while losing even further ground in Congress. Keep your eyes on the prize GOP.
Posted by: Don in Plainfield | November 10, 2009 3:34 PM
It is so funny when liberals scream about Fox having an agenda, but say nothing about MSNBC? LIke Keith Oberman and Rachel Maddow are fair and balanced? Liberals believe in free speech until you disagree with them.
Posted by: Terry | November 10, 2009 3:44 PM
Why don't you go take a good look at exactly what our "great President" Obama has accomplished since being in office. It is really scary. I am ashamed to see this nation listening to a socialist dictator. We always fought to maintain our freedom and now the democrats want "socialized health care", government funded abortions, and for my taxes to pay for someone else that won't get a damn job? My tax dollars should not be used to murder an unborn child. Why do I have to pay for something that goes against my morals and principles? Also, it is pretty damn funny in my opinion that "G" is typing out all of that garbage and can't even spell half of it. Ignorance is what put Obama in office. "G", I think you need a teleprompter as much as the President. Since he is such a good man, why don't you ask him to pay for you to go back to school and get an education?
Posted by: J G in Plano, Texas | November 10, 2009 3:52 PM
Hey Johnnie Dum Dum,
Can I have the 10 seconds of my life back that I wasted reading your inane and senseless drivel?
Try pulling your head out of Rushbo's backside and post something relative.
Posted by: I ♡ god and the Heritage Foundation | November 10, 2009 4:16 PM
Hey, G - Shouldn't you be in class at 1 pm? Seventh grade lunch is usually over by then. Time to go to English and work on those deficient academic skills. Other than that, nice try, little brother.
Posted by: Arnie | November 10, 2009 4:22 PM
"...the former environmental adviser in the White House whom Beck badgered for his comments about radical politics. Jones stepped aside to quell that controversy" Oh, we get it; Glenn Beck is responsible for the fact that Van Jones is a self avowed commie? Beck tells the truth and the media that panders for Obama hates him for it. Boo hoo, you're bringing little baby tears to our eyes, NOT. Jones did not 'step aside' to quell the controversy, either he was leaving voluntarily or he was going to be tossed out on his rear end by American patriots; figuratively speaking of course. Americans are not going to stand idly by while some self avowed communitst spouts his 'agenda'. Buh, bye, Anita, it's been real, and it's been fun, but it sure as heck hasn't been real fun. This is the USA, not the USSA.
Posted by: Banderman | November 10, 2009 4:30 PM
Why should you pay for something you don't believe in JG? Because you're an American and it's your duty to do so. If everyone only paid for the things they supported, then NOTHING would ever be paid for. You get to have your opinions heard by voting for the candidate that reflects your views. Unfortunately for you, it sounds like the rest of America is not with you. That doesn't mean you get to stomp your feet and cry about it. That said, the only health care bill that passed has an amendment prohibiting the use of funds for abortions, so what are you whining about anyway? Just another wingnut casting out red herrings.
Posted by: Brian | November 10, 2009 4:34 PM
Terry -
The difference between Fox News and MSNBC is that MSNBC does not call itself a "news" channel. In fact, MSNBC's slogan is "The Place for Politics," and it's commentators openly admit their progressive-leaning tendencies.
Fox "News," on the other hand, claims to be "Fair and Balanced," and calls itself "America's News HQ." I've also heard O'Reilly, Beck, and Hannity (on separate occasions) deny the fact that they are "conservatives" or "Republicans."
By sponsoring the 9-12 teabaggers revolts, rather than simply cover them, as the other networks did (despite Fox "News" denouncing them for supposedly not doing so), they should forfeit their right to call themselves a "Fair and Balanced" news channel.
As a "progressive," a "liberal," or whatever you want to call me, I have no objections to Fox broadcasting a right-leaning political channel.
I just don't think they should legitimately be allowed to refer to themselves as a "news" outlet, when their coverage is quite obviously biased.
Posted by: Dan | November 10, 2009 5:03 PM
Obama - Another "great" Chicago politician in the same vein as Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan and Al Capone. What a crock.
Posted by: Devil's Advocate | November 10, 2009 5:24 PM
Hey Stan, your mother dates goats? Hey Mike, shouldn't you be getting a rectal exam about now? Is this what we've been dumbed down to? Posting insults on blogs because we have different views?
Can't we all disagree politely? At least civily? So much hatred and venom being thrown around and for what? Because the press secretary who was temporary, is leaving her post. Who cares? She called a spade a spade and all you conservatives take it personal. Like Gelnn Beck is your uncle or something. Who cares?!?! This is so petty.
Posted by: Bones | November 10, 2009 5:30 PM
Dan, please show proof of where Hannity says he is not a Republican or conservative. Seems every time I watch his show he says I am a conservative first and a Republican second.
Second, Beck says he is a libertarian. Beck and Hannity do not hide their political beliefs and announce them.
As for O'Reilly, he says he is an independent. Heard him say that many times. Also heard him say many times that he is a traditionalist. O'Reilly is pretty fair to both political spectrums and has even praised Obama on a number of occasions. He also has criticized him on a number of occasions. Same with Bush. He praised and criticized Bush.
In regard to MSNBC, while they say it's the place for politics, make no mistake that this NBC NEWS operation (which is quite liberal in and of itself) considers itself a news outlet and Olberidiot and Rachel Madcowdisease spew their lies and nonsense like it's the truth. For instance, Olberidiot routintely says his show gets better ratings than O'Reilly. Shoot, O'Reilly's middle of the night rerun often beats Olbermann's first run at 7 pm. In total, O'Reilly often beats Olbermann better than 3-1 in the ratings, and in ALL demographics.
Dan: Another lying, racist Lefty.
Posted by: John D, still right, as usual | November 10, 2009 5:46 PM
You just have to love patriotic Americans like the wingnuts here. Let the White House fail. Let more Americans suffer. Let other countries laugh at us. Some of the people here are afwully close to being considered traitors.
Posted by: Disgusted | November 10, 2009 5:59 PM
"Interim"? What a joke, Steve ( November 10, 2009 1:35 PM). She was replaced by her ASSISTANT.
Posted by: Adolph | November 10, 2009 6:10 PM
Sorry Anita, freedom of the press is NOT going away!
You should read the U.S. Constitution and not Communist propeganda.
Posted by: Tim | November 10, 2009 6:27 PM
The difference between Fox News and MSNBC is that MSNBC does not call itself a "news" channel.
Posted by: Dan | November 10, 2009 5:03 PM
"A Full Spectrum of News."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21697053/welcome/
Posted by: Factoid | November 10, 2009 6:30 PM
Dan,
Different Terry from 3:44 p.m.
Fox News has opinion shows like O'Reilly, Hannity, etc..., but most of its day is spent as a news channel - that does slant right.
Where is the protest from the BO administration about MSNBC (Most Stupid News on Basic Cable)? Why isn't PMSNBC not called a real news channel?
Posted by: Terry | November 10, 2009 7:03 PM
So now she was the "interem" Communicatins Director...how about making "The One" the "interem" President?
Posted by: Scott W | November 10, 2009 7:30 PM
"A person holds a "interim" position for a short while until a permanent person is found. A permanent person is found. Person leaves temporary position. Republicans declare victory?
What?
Posted by: Steve | November 10, 2009 1:35 PM"
I'm sorry, Steve, but I have to ask: are you retarded? Two questions you need to ask yourself before you go along with the groupthink the Obama admin spits at you: 1.) If she was "interim" why didn't her title have "interim" in front of it until she retroactively said it did today? 2.) Don't you think it's RIDICULOUSLY ODD that her ASSISTANT is taking over the position? Wasn't the "permanent" person there all along, then? And in an inferior position to the "temp" in the first place? Doesn't that setup strike you as odd? It is shocking to me the level of BS that you PMSNBC viewers will accept from this administration.
Posted by: Jeff | November 10, 2009 7:31 PM
Posted by: Steve | November 10, 2009 1:35 PM
A person holds a "interim" position for a short while until a permanent person is found. A permanent person is found. Person leaves temporary position. Republicans declare victory?
What?
***********************************
She was going to leave in 2010 but, that is besides the point. She was not all that good at her job. Sorry but, I've seen better.
Posted by: Crooks_In_DC | November 10, 2009 9:27 PM
In response to Brian:
"Why should you pay for something you don't believe in JG? Because you're an American and it's your duty to do so. If everyone only paid for the things they supported, then NOTHING would ever be paid for."
Really? Because the last time I checked being an American WAS being able to choose. That is why we have charities and organizations to help the less fortunate. Unfortunately, since Obama took office, charities and non-profit organizations are receiving less contributions than ever. People give because they want to, not because they are told to.
"You get to have your opinions heard by voting for the candidate that reflects your views. Unfortunately for you, it sounds like the rest of America is not with you."
Obama's approval rating is going to hell. The intelligent people in this country are beginning to wake up and realize that what is going on is pure Socialism. The people in this country that want to sit on their ass and get a free handout paid by others are praying he comes through. I think you probably fall into the latter category. Also, for your information, no, we elect representatives that take our votes and are SUPPOSED to vote for the person we choose. However, realistically, they can vote however they want.
"That doesn't mean you get to stomp your feet and cry about it. That said, the only health care bill that passed has an amendment prohibiting the use of funds for abortions, so what are you whining about anyway?"
Believe me I am not whining. I am voicing my opinion, which, at least for now in this country is still okay to do. Unless of course you are FOX news. Let me explain something to you since you are obviously ignorant on the topic.
The only reason the health care bill passed, was because of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment. Which Pelosi threw out to Pro-Life Democrats as a bone to get their vote. I quote, "The Stupak-Pitts amendment, passed in a 240-194 vote Saturday with the notable support of 64 Democrats, adds language to the health care bill that would, if passed by the Senate, heavily restrict federal funding for abortion procedures.According to the amendment, no government funds under the new health care plan could go toward the payment for an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest or when a mother's life is in danger."
That is how the bill passed. However, they are threatening to throw out that amendment when the bill goes before the Senate.
Yeah...It isn't over. In America, we have a House, and the Senate before a bill is passed. I only hope and pray the Senate is smarter than the House.
"Just another wingnut casting out red herrings."
Please do your research before starting a political debate with me. Red herrings? No. Fact. Yes.
Oh and by the way, another little bit of fact for you. Glenn Beck is not a Republican, he is a Liberatarian.
You want a list of Obama's achievements? Check out this link.
http://tcotblog.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=3164736:BlogPost:3061
Posted by: J G in Plano, Texas | November 10, 2009 9:53 PM
To Disgusted @ 5:59 PM: people want the White House and the Liberals to fail because they are Socialists.
Why would we want Socialists to succeed? We spent hundreds of billions to stop Socialists around the world over the decades.
Today's Liberals, really the Modern Liberals, are terrible.
For example, the employment situation is terrible. Why are they focusing so much on taking over the healthcare industry and ignoring the joblessness???
It goes on and on. Election day can't come too soon.
Posted by: Alz | November 10, 2009 10:01 PM
What happened to all of the "smart people" who elected Obama? They certainly aren't posting here! Most of the liberal posts supporting this joke of an administration are lacking basic grammatical skills. Pathetic. Just like our public schools, whose teachers got this guy elected, pathetic. 2010 can't come soon enough! Let the revolution begin!
Posted by: Hank | November 10, 2009 10:23 PM
Wow, the debate is getting bitter...so let me chime in here. (A) It is really disgusting to see folks who claim to be true Americans, yet they cheer for the failure of the current government; and (B) to all of who Obama-haters.....too bad, he won.
Posted by: levenfeld | November 10, 2009 11:53 PM
The other difference between many (not all mind you) progressives and conservatives: note that I merely stated my point of view in a matter of fact manner, without the need for name calling and/or hyperbole.
For this I am a "lying, racist lefty" who watches "PMSNBC?"
I love engaging with conservatives in rational, civil debate. It's a shame that it seems to happen so rarely nowadays.
As for Glenn Beck being a libertarian? I'm sure Glenn is fully on board with the libertarian ideals that the government should stay out of people's business regarding social issues as well as economic issues, right?
You know, things like drugs, prostitution, and (not that this is a comparable issue, but one common to the libertarian platform) gay marriage being legalized.
Oh Glenn, you wacky liber...oh wait, you mean he doesn't...hmm...
Posted by: Dan | November 11, 2009 2:04 AM
Oops...let's not forget abortion! Libertarian Glenn Beck thinks that abortion should be legal too, right? Seeing as how he's such a libertarian and all!
Posted by: Dan | November 11, 2009 2:06 AM
Impeach Now !!!
http://www.c4strategies.com/ImpeachObama/wnd160x600.html
Posted by: Hawkwind | November 11, 2009 3:32 AM