Departing aide expects more assertive Obama in second term

Nominee for Director of the White House Office for Health Reform DeParle speaks after being introduced by U.S. President Obama in WashingtonWASHINGTON (Reuters) – Americans should expect a more assertive President Barack Obama in his second term as he faces tough battles with Republicans, one of his top aides said on Thursday. Nancy-Ann Deparle, deputy White House chief of staff and one of the highest-ranking women in the White House, is leaving Friday after four years as an architect of Obama's 2010 healthcare overhaul. …