Dee Dee Meyers Offers Gibbs Some Advice

By Garance Franke-Ruta
Former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Meyers offered some words of advice to incoming Barack Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs about how to keep cool in the hot seat in an interview with a women's interest Web site while promoting her book, "Why Women Should Rule the World."

"Well first of all, I would say, never take it personally. Never lose your sense of humor, because on any given day -- on every given day -- probably you'll need both," she told Citizen Jane Politics. "I mean, some days the briefing room can get pretty tough. He knows that from the campaign trail, but the White House briefing room is, maybe takes it to another, one more notch up.

"I think humor can be a very effective tool in disarming the, you know, disarming an angry moment or communicating with the American people," she added.

Meyers, who served under President Bill Clinton, said Gibbs should try to take time to appreciate his vantage point despite the pressures and jam-packed schedule of the job, noting: "I would say, you know, be sure to have a good time, enjoy the moment. Some days seem to last forever, but the years in the White House go by quickly. And be grateful for the opportunity to serve, which I know he is."

The rest of her advice she said she would offer to him privately. "I'm sure we'll be in touch in the coming weeks and hopefully years, and I'll share more advice with him privately," she said.