Tearful White House staffers pack up, pose with Obama, turn in their phones and badges and archive their computers before leaving on Thursday night

White House Staff - Public Domain

They line up near the Oval Office, down the hallway toward the Cabinet Room, with their spouses and young kids in tow.

When it’s their turn, the White House staffers enter for a few private moments with President Barack Obama, a photo and a farewell hug from the boss.

There’s a mass exodus underway this week at the White House, as Obama and his staff pack up their offices and turn in their BlackBerrys.

(Read the rest of the story here…)