doi:10.7916/mecx-8968Oral history interview with Katie McCormick Lelyveld, 2021McCormick Lelyveld, Katieoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesPress secretariesMcCormick Lelyveld, KatieObama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-Clinton, Hillary RodhamLet's Move! (Campaign : U.S.)United States. Office of the First LadyKatie McCormick Lelyveld recounts her time as press secretary in the Office of the First Lady in the White House from 2009 to 2011, and as senior advisor to Michelle Obama. McCormick Lelyveld begins going over her time interning for Hillary Clinton as part of her speechwriting team when she was first lady to joining Barack Obama's presidential campaign. She talks about the role of a first lady and characterizes Michelle Obama in her performance of her role as a partner and advocate for Barack Obama with her own initiatives and voice. McCormick Lelyveld explains Michelle Obama's audience and her friendship with President George W. Bush and details her experience working in Mrs. Obama's transition office, covering the protection of privacy of the first family and the process of the first lady and her staff getting accustomed to each other. McCormick Lelyveld talks about how technological advancements affected the Obama administration, Michelle's commitment to serving the people, the ability to act on her behalf once confident in her understanding of Michelle, engagement with media reporters and with social media, and the Let's Move! and Joining Forces initiatives. McCormick Lelyveld also emphasizes the importance of the administration's credibility and building relationships, using her experiences traveling with the first lady to London in 2009, to Ghana in 2009, and to Mexico City in 2010 as examples