President Obama has nominated New Yorker Patrick Gaspard — one of his closest political advisers — as the next ambassador to South Africa.
Gaspard is currently the executive director to the Democratic National Committee and previously served as the White House director of political affairs during Obama’s first term.
Born in the Congo to Haitian parents, Gaspard was raised in Brooklyn. He developed into one of the city’s best known community, labor and campaign organizers.
Before serving as national political director for Obama’s successful 2008 campaign, Gaspard was executive vice president at Service Employees International/Local 1199.
Word of Gaspard’s selection came during Obama’s trip to Africa.
Gaspard declined comment.
His appointment has been rumored for months..
The married father of two is no stranger to controversy.
After the Supreme Court upheld ObamaCare last year, Gaspard tweeted, “It’s constitutional. Bitches.”
He quickly apologized when a public furor ensued.
Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes described Gaspard as “somebody who is close to the President, somebody who cares deeply about South Africa and I think demonstrates the President’s personal engagement in this relationship.”