doi:10.7916/zkjy-9w53Oral history interview with Melissa Winter, 2020Winter, Melissaoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesWinter, MelissaObama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-Let's Move! (Campaign : U.S.)Let Girls Learn (Program)United States. Office of the First Lady StaffMelissa Winter discusses her service as senior advisor and deputy chief of staff to First Lady Michelle Obama throughout both terms of the Obama presidency. Winter describes joining Michelle Obama's staff during the 2008 Democratic primary, defining Mrs. Obama's role on the campaign trail, building an East Wing staff during the transition, and supporting the First Family during their move from Chicago to Washington. Winter outlines the evolving relationship between the East and West Wings of the White House, and provides details about the development and implementation of the first lady's major initiatives, including Let's Move!, Reach Higher, Joining Forces, and Let Girls Learn. Winter also discusses the East Wing's use of nontraditional media, racist media coverage of Michelle Obama, foreign travel, attention to the first lady's fashion, the balance between family and public life in the White House, and Michelle Obama's relationship to politics and connections with ordinary people