Social secretary, The White House. It may not sound like a power position, but insiders say it is. The White House Social Secretary works for the First Lady to plan all White House events, from small coffee receptions to large state dinners. In the world of power politics, an invitation to a White House party carries real value. For many invitees, it signals recognition from Washington’s most powerful entity that the guest has some political influence. And for those at the more select events, it’s an opportunity to be seen as part of a powerful elite. The Social Secretary, says Socarides, “basically decides who gets invited.”
The current Social Secretary, Jeremy Bernard, is “the highest ranking gay person at the White House,” says Socarides. When appointed, in February 2011, Bernard became the first man –and the first openly gay person—to be appointed to the position. Does this explain the tacky shower curtain?
Oh GAWD!!!
When I was in the Navy and stationed in DC, one of the plum off-hours positions was White House Social Aide where you got to be in full dress uniform, escort guests, etc. - they were the ones used for Mooch’s Oscar moment.
To become a WH Social Aide, you had to be scrutinized and checked out by the wH Social Secretary...wonder how that’s done these days with this gay guy?