• Bill Clinton’s Rapid Response Team

    Bill Clinton’s Rapid Response Team

                When Michael Dukakis ran for president in 1988, he pledged to a decent campaign- above the fray. He did and became a punching bag for his opponent. He as attacked brutally and relentlessly- and lost.             In 1992, Democrats had lost five of the last six elections. Only Jimmy Carter’s 1976 close call broke…

  • Gary and Bill

    Gary and Bill

                In 1972, two men worked for George McGovern’s presidential campaign. One was the national campaign director. The other worked in Texas with his girlfriend. The first would be elected to the United States Senate from Colorado in 1974, and the latter would be elected Governor of Arkansas in 1978. Both men were highly intelligent, captivating…

  • Courage

    Courage

    In 1956 Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy published a Pulitzer Prize-winning book called Profiles in Courage. Speechwriter Ted Sorenson was with his aide, collaborator, ghostwriter, or all of the above. The book increased Kennedy’s name recognition ahead of his 1960 run for the presidency. In 1984, former Vice President Walter Mondale was the Democratic nominee…

  • I’m Paying for This Microphone Mr. Green!

    I’m Paying for This Microphone Mr. Green!

    For decades, ‘Likeability:” has been a big factor in the electability of political candidates, particularly at the highest levels. In 2008, the usually articulate Barack Obama commented to one of his opponents “You’re likable enough Hillary” which may have cost him the New Hampshire primary.             Ronald Reagan was certainly a likable, amiable man. After…