Today’s Washington isn’t a city known for bipartisan alliances. So on her first day as chief of staff for Michelle Obama in June 2009, Susan Sher was pleasantly surprised to find a letter from Anita McBride, Laura Bush’s former chief of staff, offering to help. The two soon formed a bond, one that endured even after Sher left the job in January.

MORE What keeps a chief of staff up at night in D.C.?

McBRIDE You’re always worried about the margin for error. Anything gets magnified and has the potential for national news.

SHER You realize there’s no issue that’s too small to blow up.

MORE Did the two first ladies interact?

McBRIDE Mrs. Bush assured Mrs. Obama that her children would have a happy life in the White House. That was one thing she knew Mrs. Obama wanted to hear.

MORE What was the hardest part of the job?

McBRIDE The first meeting was at 7 AM.

SHER Having to check my BlackBerrys before I had coffee.

MORE Do you two ever clash over ideology?

SHER We don’t talk politics as partisans—more as people who appreciate what we have in common.

McBRIDE Our friendship developed out of common experiences.

SHER Experiences and mutual support.

McBRIDE It transcends politics.

Want MORE? Read our interview with Gloria Steinem.

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