Gibbs: Rouse could be permanent chief of staff

Speaking shortly after President Obama announced Rouse
would take over from Emanuel as acting chief of staff, Gibbs said Rouse’s
interim role does “not preclude” him from permanently taking the job.

But Gibbs said an announcement on a permanent chief of
staff is “several months” away.

{mosads}Gibbs said Rouse is undergoing an organizational
review as part of the normal turnover at the White House.

As Emanuel leaves to pursue a mayoral bid in Chicago,
Rouse is returning to the chief of staff role he held in Sen. Obama’s office
and for former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

Gibbs said reporters should not expect Rouse to come
out of his shell and shed his aversion to the media by doing interviews with
reporters or on the Sunday news shows.

“Pete’s a behind-the-scenes guy,” Gibbs said. “I don’t
anticipate, in all honesty, that that changes. That’s the way he’s been for decades
of public service.”