July 28, 2008

The Spokespundits

MaddenOur friend Howard Kurtz has a must read in today's Washington Post detailing how former campaign aides' insider views are on demand these days -- especially on cable TV.  Perhaps even surpassing the likes of big-named strategists -- i.e. James Carville, George Stephanopoulous, Bob Shrum and Karl Rove -- Kurtz puts on the table that this political season, many previously obscure spokesmen and second string assistants are becoming in-demand A-list cable news guests and "strategists." 

Is it their insider's viewpoint, their charming good-looks, or is it that spokesman like Kevin Madden, Gov. Romney's former spokesguy, have worked on more winning presidential campaigns than Bob Shrum and the same amount as Carville?

Either way, a positive sign that there is life after flacking for a campaign. (Washington Post)

About the Authors

  • FOLLOW US: @potomacflacks
  • Matt Mackowiak - Site Manager
    Matt Mackowiak is a Washington, D.C. and Austin,TX-based Republican strategist and communications consultant and President of Potomac Strategy Group, LLC. In his career he has managed a winning Congressional campaign and worked in the U.S. Senate, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at a leading international PR firm, on a presidential campaign in Iowa and in White House presidential advance. Follow him on Twitter - @MattMackowiak

    Laura Gross - Contributor
    Laura Gross is currently president of Scott Circle Communications. She has served as deputy director of communications at the DNC, was Gov. Howard Dean's Communications Director and she worked in the press office at USAID during the Clinton administration. Her experience also includes time in the PR department of National Public Radio and she was part of Vice President Gore's advance team when he was in The White House.
    Follow her on Twitter: @ScottCircle

    Blain K. Rethmeier - Contributor
    Blain K. Rethmeier is currently the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Insurance Association (AIA). Rethmeier joined AIA from the White House where he served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications and directed communications for the National Economic Council and Homeland Security Council. Prior to joining the White House, Rethmeier served as Press Secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Follow him on Twitter: @BlainR

    This is a personal group blog whose contents in no way reflect the views of any author's employer.

    Got a tip? Email Matt, Blain or Laura (anonymity guaranteed)

    Potomac Flacks Founder and Author Emeritus: Adam Kovacevich
Powered by TypePad