More on President ObamaNews that a cadre of progressive groups and leaders schmoozed with the president represents a symbolic end-note of sorts to eight years that saw the same constituency navigating the political wilderness. On Wednesday night, officials with several major labor unions, environmental organizations, human and woman's rights groups, and liberal stalwarts attended a private White House reception with the president, his wife, and select members of his staff. Notably, the guests discussed ways in which the progressive infrastructure could help the administration amplify its message.