Young Guns: A Look at the 20-Somethings in Obama's Administration

Jon Favreau, 27

Obama’s speechwriter coined the “Yes We Can” motto that became the rallying cry of Obama supporters during the campaign. Favreau actually began his career, though, as a freshly minted college grad hired by John Kerry during his presidential bid in 2004.

Favreau met President Obama backstage during the 2004 Democratic convention just before Obama gave the electrifying speech that effectively launched his national political career. Favreau impressed Obama when he boldly interrupted the senator– who was practicing his speech– to suggest a line rewrite.

While Favreau has had his less shining moments–most notably a mini-scandal in which a photo of him groping a cardboard cut-out of Hillary Clinton surfaced on Facebook– Favreau’s speeches have been so moving and effective that such immature indiscretions have been largely overlooked.

Eugene Kang, 24

Kang, a first-generation Korean American whose title is “Special Assistant to the President,” got an early start to his own political career. Before joining the Obama administration, he ran for Ann Arbor, Michigan City Council while still a senior at the University of Michigan. Though he lost by just 90 votes, Kang sharpened his political acumen and proved his mettle, earning him a place in the Obama White House.

Even before the inauguration, though, Kang was a key player in the Obama campaign, charged with the responsibility of enhancing Obama’s presence and connection within Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He is credited with creating Obama’s website for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Eugene Kang, foreground; Reggie Love, background; Photo: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

Reggie Love, 26

Love has been appointed the President’s Personal Aide, a promotion he received in 2008 after serving as a staff assistant to the President in 2007. Love is a graduate of Duke University, holding a degree in political science. While at Duke, he played basketball, and is Team Obama’s #1 baller.

While it may seem demeaning to fetch the President’s coffee (but hey, it’s a job I’d be pretty happy to have), Love showed that he’s capable of influencing Obama: he’s credited with teaching Obama the fist-bump… and introducing him to Jay-Z. The men worked out together each morning during the campaign.

Love may also be Obama’s closest competitor for a nomination as the administration’s most handsome man. People Magazine named him one of America’s most eligible bachelors, and Vanity Fair concurred that Love is a hot item.

Katie Johnson, 27

Johnson has been selected to serve as President Obama’s personal secretary. A graduate of Wellesley (like Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton), Johnson has been described by others in the administration as “highly qualified” for her post.

During the campaign, she was a key aide to Obama’s campaign manager, David Plouffe, proving herself to be an organized and invaluable team player.

Johnson has a BA in political science. While at Wellesley, she interned for Hillary Clinton. She has since worked as a campaign field organizer at the state level and gained legal experience as a paralegal for a New York City firm.

Johnson is accustomed to being cool under pressure: before accepting her current position, she not only worked with the calm and affable Plouffe; she also worked with the explosive Rahm Emanuel for two years during Emanuel’s tenure as the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.