Pete Rouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pete Rouse
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Rouse in 2009
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| Counselor to the President | |
| In office January 13, 2011 – January 1, 2014 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Ed Gillespie (2009) |
| Succeeded by | John Podesta |
| Acting White House Chief of Staff | |
| In office October 1, 2010 – January 13, 2011 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Rahm Emanuel |
| Succeeded by | Bill Daley |
| Senior Advisor to the President | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – October 1, 2010 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Barry Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Brian Deese |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Peter Mikami Rouse
April 15, 1946 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Colby College (BA) London School of Economics (MA) Harvard University (MPA) |
Peter Mikami Rouse (born April 15, 1946) is an American political expert who helped lead the U.S. government. He served as the temporary White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. Before that, Rouse worked for many years in the U.S. Congress, where he was known for his deep knowledge of how things worked.
Rouse was a top helper for Senator Tom Daschle. When Daschle left Congress in 2004, Rouse was asked to stay and work for the new Senator Barack Obama. Rouse then followed Obama to the White House in 2008 as a senior advisor. He became the temporary Chief of Staff in October 2010 and later served as a Counselor to the President until late 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Pete Rouse was born in New Haven, Connecticut. His mother, Mary Uta Mikami, was of Japanese background, and his father, Irving Rouse, had English and Czech roots. Pete Rouse is a sansei, which means he is a third-generation Japanese American. His mother grew up speaking only Japanese.
Rouse's maternal grandparents moved from Japan to the U.S. in the early 1900s. They settled in Alaska before moving to Los Angeles. During World War II, like many other Japanese Americans, they were sent to a special camp in Arizona.
Rouse studied at several well-known universities. He earned a bachelor's degree from Colby College in 1968. He then received a master's degree from the London School of Economics in 1970. Later, in 1977, he earned another master's degree from Harvard University.
Career in Politics
Pete Rouse worked in the U.S. Congress for over 40 years, starting in 1971. He was known as "the 101st Senator" because he understood so much about how laws were made and how Congress worked.
Working with Senator Tom Daschle
Rouse began working for Senator Tom Daschle in 1985. They had met earlier when they both worked for another senator. Rouse was a very important part of Daschle's team.
Working with Senator Barack Obama
After Senator Daschle lost his election in 2004, Rouse was planning to retire. However, a friend from law school connected him with then-Senator Obama. Rouse decided to work for Obama as his chief of staff.
Rouse helped Obama learn how to work in the Senate. He also helped Obama prepare for his presidential campaign. For example, he suggested that Obama talk to important senators like Ted Kennedy before deciding to run for president. Rouse also advised Obama on how to vote on important issues.
As Obama's presidential campaign grew, Rouse became the Chief of Staff for "Obama for America." After Obama won the election, Rouse helped lead the team that prepared for Obama to become president.
Role as Senior Advisor
When Barack Obama became president, Rouse was one of three main advisors in the White House. He worked alongside David Axelrod and Valerie Jarrett. Rouse focused on the "inside" work, like organizing things and planning strategies within the White House. He preferred to let others handle public relations.
People described Rouse as a calm and effective manager. One expert said that Rouse helped bring a "no drama" approach to Obama's team. In 2009, Rouse also led the White House's efforts to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay.
White House Chief of Staff
In October 2010, Rahm Emanuel left his role as White House Chief of Staff. Pete Rouse then became the temporary Chief of Staff. He was the first Asian American to hold this important position in U.S. history.
Counselor to the President
In January 2011, William M. Daley took over as the permanent Chief of Staff. Rouse was then promoted to the role of Counselor to the President. He continued to work at the White House in this role until the end of 2013.
After the White House
After leaving the White House, Pete Rouse started working for a law firm called Perkins Coie. There, he helps people and organizations understand and work with the federal government.
Personal Life
Pete Rouse grew up in Connecticut. He is also interested in Maine Coon cats.
