Ann Lewis, a longtime adviser, echoed that.
Jonathan Moore, a longtime adviser, was stunned.
David Axelrod, President Obama's longtime adviser, recently described campaigns as "an M.R.I. for the soul".
Among the critics was Theodore C. Sorensen, the longtime adviser and speechwriter to President Kennedy.
He has been a longtime adviser to NBC Universal's majority owner, Comcast.
David Axelrod, Mr. Obama's longtime adviser, has a copy framed in his Chicago office.
"He is unique in this city," said Jim Margolis, a longtime adviser.
"I think there are a lot of challenges ahead," said David Axelrod, a longtime adviser to Mr. Obama.
Robert Lawrence Kuhn, an international corporate strategist and investment banker, is a longtime adviser to China's leaders.
"They began as friendly rivals," said David Axelrod, a longtime adviser to Mr. Obama, recalling the primary.
Frank Lowenstein, Mr. Kerry's longtime adviser on Middle East issues, is also expected to remain heavily involved in the talks.
