John Podesta, president and chief executive officer of the Center for American Progress, attends the National Italian American Foundation Gala in WashingtonJohn Podesta, a former chief of group of workers to President Invoice Clinton, is returning to the White Home to suggest President Barack Obama as he struggles to regain his footing after the improper healthcare legislation rollout, in step with a source accustomed to the difficulty. Podesta urged Obama's transition team in 2008 after he received the presidency. He’s the chair of the Middle for American Progress, a left-leaning policy team that has shut ties to the Obama administration.