WhoRunsGov

Gregory B. Craig

Former White House Counsel (January 2009 to January 2010)

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Why He Matters

When President Obama selected Craig for the White House counsel job, he probably thought nobody was more suited to the tough tasks than the seasoned Washington hand. But even veteran insiders stumble, which Craig did in promising to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp by January 2010. It quickly became clear this wouldn't be possible, much less politically feasible by the deadline Craig said.

The White House failure to forsee the fierce political blowback from Congress on such a move, intended to signal a clean break with the Bush administration's war on terror, was Craig's demise. Craig announced his resignation in November 2009, and was replaced by Bob Bauer.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: White House counsel (January 2009 to December 2009) Adviser, Barack Obama presidential campaign (2006 to 2008); Attorney, Williams & Connolly LLC (1972 to 2009); White House special counsel (1998 to 1999)
  • Birthday: March 4, 1945
  • Hometown: Norfolk, Va.
  • Alma Mater: Harvard, B.A., 1967; Cambridge University, MA, 1968; Yale Law School, JD, 1972
  • Spouse: Margaret "Derry" Craig
 

Path to Power

Craig was born in Norfolk, Va. but grew up in California, where his father was dean of students at Stanford University.

Craig attended Philips Exeter Academy, where he earned a reputation of being genuine. In a letter of recommendation, one teacher described him as "Adam before the fall."

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The Issues

In "Changing America," a Center for American Progress publication, Craig laid out foreign policy priorities for the new administration. The main goals, he wrote, should be to improve the country's standing in the world, refresh diplomatic relationships with allies and build a global network to confront 21st century problems.

In the first 100 days of the new administration, Craig said the president should begin ending the war with Iraq, increase troop presence in Afghanistan, continue talks with North Korea and end the genocide in Darfur. In the first year of the administration, Craig would like to see a reduction in nuclear proliferation, a plan to address climate change and peace talks with Iran and the Israel. Many of these goals have become central to the Obama administration's mission.

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The Network

As a member of Obama's foreign policy inner circle during the 2008 campaign , Craig worked closely with Denis McDonough, Susan E. Rice, Anthony Lake and Samantha Power.

He worked closely with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, and was friendly with Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, though their relationship cooled when he endorsed Obama for president.

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Additional Resources

  1. Ingram, David, The National Law Journal, "Despite Drumbeat about Departure, White House Counsel Vows to Stay," October 12, 2009
  2. "Hillary Bosnia Fallout," CNN, March 25, 2008
  3. Fretland, Katie, "Cuban American Groups Pressure Obama," Chicago Tribune, July 10, 2008
  4. Williams and Connolly Web site
  5. Carter, Terry, "The Lawyers Who May Run America," American Bar Association Journal, Nov. 2008
  6. Pickler, Nedra, The Associated Press, Former White House counsel now working for Edwards
  7. Kornblut, Anne E. and Linzer, Dafna, "White House Regroups on Guantanamo," The Washington Post, Sept. 25, 2009
  8. "Hillary Bosnia Fallout," CNN, March 25, 2008
  9. Kornblut, Anne E. and Ellen Nakashima, The Washington Post, "White House Counsel Poised to Give Up Post," November 13, 2009
  10. Center for American Progress Web site
  11. Lewis, Neil, "Gregory B. Craig," New York Times, Nov. 8, 2008
  12. Thomas, Evan, "Secrets of the Campaign 2008," Newsweek, Nov. 5, 2008
  13. Lewis, Neil, "Gregory B. Craig," New York Times, Nov. 8, 2008
  14. Grove, Lloyd and Harris, John, "Crisis Quarterback: Gregory Craig is Calling to Plays On Clinton's Team," Washington Post, Nov. 19, 1998
  15. Williams and Connolly Web site
  16. Council on Hemispheric Affairs Web site
  17. Craig, Greg, "The Rewards of a Larger NATO," Washington Post, Feb. 19, 2007
  18. Javers, Eamon and Allen, Mike "Goldman Sachs taps ex-White House Counsel," Politico, April 19, 2010
  19. Zeleny, Jeff, "Obama Report Outlines Talks on Senate Seat," New York Times, Dec. 23, 2008
  20. Cooper, Helene, "Clinton Decision Holding Up Other Obama Choices," New York Times, Nov. 20, 2008
  21. Harris, John, "Washington elite lead Clinton backlash," Politico, Jan. 28, 2008