Bill Clinton's Former Chief of Staff To Join Obama Administration

John D. Podesta will act as White House counselor

John D. Podesta, who was chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and is one of the Democratic Party's most experienced strategists, is joining the White House to help President Obama salvage what has become a difficult second term.

Podesta, who has been an outside adviser to Obama since leading his presidential transition after the 2008 election, will formally join his inner circle as White House counselor for a year, according to sources familiar with the move.