Hired PR gun doomed Caroline, insiders say

[TomClash]

Source: NY Daily News

Gov. Paterson's decision to go nuclear on Caroline Kennedy was a hatchet job run by a pricey out-of-state consultant who specializes in political scandals, disgruntled administration sources said.

Judy Smith, a Washington-based PR guru and former Bush White House deputy press secretary, orchestrated the ill-conceived character attack on Kennedy, sources said Sunday.

There was an internal agreement among Paterson staffers to refrain from attacking Kennedy.

Then came the leaks from inside the governor's office that Kennedy's supposed tax, nanny and marital problems had tanked her bid for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat - taking many staffers by surprise.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/01/26/200...

---

Why does anyone hire a former Bush loyalist? Incredible.

Of course, Paterson's incompetent people are probably floating this to deflect blame.

[Dennis Donovan]

1. If true, I want Paterson GONE from the Governorship!

[TomClash]

2. If true, I agree

Hiring a former Bush deputy press secretary is just crazy.

[Stephanie]

10. So do I

He's done

[bdamomma]

3. a bushie loyal in the shadows ruining everything again.

[sofa king]

4. I'm not so sure it was an ill-conceived attack.

It worked, after all, and that was probably the object of the exercise.

Edit: This seems to be an example of a quote I read by a Rove-watcher whom I cannot now recall. That person said that if Rove were to disappear tomorrow, there would be virtually no net damage to the GOP, because Rove had created an entire generation of below-the-belt sociopaths to carry on his work for the foreseeable future.

[certainot]

12. rove needed a ignored talk radio propaganda monster to do his dirty work

he wouldn't have been much more than an above avg political hack without it. it allowed the bush crime family to take lee atwater's method national 24/7/365. limbaugh and sons are critical for making the molehills into mountains.

when obama recently invoked limbaugh he was pointing out its importance to the GOP for obstructing the obama administration and asking us to get his back regarding the talk radio monopoly. we need some new kind of Fairness Doctrine if we want quick progress on global warming. nothing enables flat earthers like limbaugh and sons.

[NashVegas]

16. When I Kept Pointing Out That Repub Zuckerman's Paper Was Ground Zero For The Attacks

None of the CK bashers got why that was important, or seemed to care.

[The Backlash Cometh]

21. What was so scandalous?

An affair? Why do you all think she couldn't overcome the PR? New York isn't exactly a bible belt.

[Cronopio]

46. Because most people believe PR.

Because if she came out and responded to the charges, it would make her look guilty.

Conservatives aren't the only people who get involved in this kind of game. Not by a long shot.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

48. RE: Rove's influence on the next generation

"Edit: This seems to be an example of a quote I read by a Rove-watcher whom I cannot now recall. That person said that if Rove were to disappear tomorrow, there would be virtually no net damage to the GOP, because Rove had created an entire generation of below-the-belt sociopaths to carry on his work for the foreseeable future."

Just as Rove continued the work of Lee Atwater.

And, it does work. Which speaks volumes about human nature and our society.

[xxqqqzme]

54. yep, saurove spawned

a multitude of orks.

[JackRiddler]

5. Help me out here - who was the PR manager that CK hired for her bid?

I remember his name was mentioned in the press, but I can't find it. I also remember a post on DU claiming he had a Republican pedigree. Can anyone name him and settle this?

[Demit]

6. 'Democratic fixer' Josh Isay

"...Kennedy signed up major Democratic fixer Josh Isay, who has deep connections to New York powerhouses Sen. Charles Schumer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Rev. Al Sharpton...." —from politico.com

[JackRiddler]

11. Thanks - CK's PR guy did work for a Republican, and something even worse: Lieberman!

(See excerpt below. Also, as you say, he had "deep connections" to Bloomberg.)

Caroline Kennedy and the media treated the contest for Paterson's brain as though it were an election campaign. The massive PR offensive on her behalf was unprecedented and, well, offensive. The media declared her selection inevitable on the basis of nothing other than her name and their desire for celebrity coverage. Bloomberg aide Kevin Sheekey typified the public strong-arming of Paterson with his declaration that not picking Kennedy would be "political malpractice" on Paterson's part. It's little wonder the besieged Paterson reached for his own bag of tricks in defense of his constitutional right to choose.

Then there was this Isay character. When I saw today's headline "Hired PR gun doomed Caroline, insiders say," my first thought was that the article would be about how her team's shameless public pressure campaign backfired on her - because that much was obvious. As the flood of meaningless media stories about Caroline continued for weeks and weeks, it was natural that they inspired a fully justified and widespread resentment.

Gillebrand on the surface may appear less progressive than CK's image, but of course all we had with CK was image, not a record on which she could be judged. Elected in 2006, Gillebrand did show integrity on the most important single measure of the outgoing Congress, twice casting a NO on the Paulson plunder plan. By contrast, we'll never know if the dynastic heir known primarily for her behind-the-scenes fundraising and influence-taking would have stood for or against the billionaires' bailout.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Caroline Kennedy Hires Joe Lieberman’s “Fixer,” Josh Isay
By: Jane Hamsher Tuesday December 16, 2008 7:01 am


In her first move after announcing that she would like to be appointed to the New York Senate seat, Caroline Kennedy has hired "major Democratic fixer Josh Isay."
Isay did the honors for Joe Lieberman during his general election race against Ned Lamont, after Lieberman withdrew from the Democratic party and ran as a member of the "Connecticut for Lieberman" party

Of course, at the time Lieberman was getting hammered in the polls by Lamont, and needed to quickly change his rhetoric or risk a loss in Connecticut where the anti-war sentiment was strong.

The month after he was re-elected to the Senate, Lieberman called for an immediate increase of 15,000-30,000 troops.

Isay's ads were critical in deceiving voters and paving the way for Lieberman's reelection. Now that it's clear where Lieberman really stands, Daily Kos polling indicates Lamont would overwhelmingly defeat Lieberman.

It's telling that Caroline Kennedy has never wanted to run for office, and never thought to put her case before the public when she decided she wanted this job. Her first move was to pick up the phone and start working the elites, then hire a political fixer whose specialty is deceiving voters.

http://firedoglake.com/2008/12/16/caroline-kennedy-hire...

[bottomtheweaver]

74. Caroline's flack didn't go all Tonya Harding on the Clintons.

Not the same and you know it.

[peace frog]

7. The more this sordid incident dragged on,

the more I know of Paterson, the more I think he blows elephants. Are ya'll sure he's not from Florida?

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pryderi]

8. Sounds like a trial by fire which Kennedy failed. I remember when ppl argued that Hillary

made Obama a better candidate.

I think that argument could apply here in this case.

[femrap]

72. The Blue Dog who was given the

Senate seat will do as she is told...Caroline Kennedy, on the other hand, I don't think so.

I believe she would have stood up for the working people of this country...as all of the Kennedys have in the past.

I think this NY Gov. will pay for this mistake.

ETA: Plus the Blue Dog's district can go Repugnant now.

[Baby Snooks]

13. Why?

"Why does anyone hire a former Bush loyalist?"

[NashVegas]

14. Okay. First NY Daily News Carries Info Leaked From Paterson's Office

Then they turn around and put the knives in him, as well as CK.

Fun, isn't it?

[TomClash]

15. I don't think either article serves him well nt

[NashVegas]

17. Nope

It was a colossal screw-up from the word "go."

Paterson could have saved everyone involved a world of grief if he'd named his pick by the first week of December, or earlier. He let this drag out in order to give his people time to do their damage to CK's viability. Gillibrand was the direct beneficiary.

[Bake]

20. EXACTLY!!!

I kept asking why was he waiting, and everybody here kept saying it was because HRC was still the Senator and it would be premature to name her successor in advance. I thought that was dumb then, and I think it is dumb now.

Bake

[Stephanie]

23. This is from Elizabeth Benjamin who I consider the authority on Albany

She used to do the political blog at the Albany Times Union and then she was hired away by the NY Daily News. She's the best source I know on Albany and has the best contacts. What are you implying, that newspapers should only report one side of the story?

[TomClash]

33. True

I didn't even look at the byline when I posted. Good catch, though coming from you that's not the least bit surprising.

[NashVegas]

55. Not Really Implying Anything

I'm saying, straight out, that the negative stories on CK were fed to the press by someone with contacts in the governor's office, who wanted to see CK out of the picture. The very first stories going in had a mocking tone and Daily News was leading the way.

And I'm saying that someone is now trying to cover their asses and put all of it on Paterson, when I doubt very much he made every single phone call himself.

What are you implying, that newspapers should only report one side of the story?

In devoting as much space and stories ridiculing CK, the press never put any other candidate through 1/20th of an examination. How much more one-sided does it get?

And I'm saying the NY governor was a chicken-shit and a putz to let this drag on. The reputation to suffer the greatest harm was his own.

It's not about the press, it's how people use the press to do their dirty work.

[Stephanie]

59. Ok thanks

We agree. I thought you meant the Daily News had an agenda. I certainly agree the flacks have been spinning their heads off, on background.

[Cronopio]

49. There's a morbid fascination there.

It's fascinating to realize that there are many people who base professions and build careers on screwing over the reputation of people they don't know. How hard up for money do you have to be to get involved with that?

Or maybe they enjoy it in ways that have nothing to do with the money.

[LibDemAlways]

18. However this came about, she was treated shamefully.

There had never been even a hint of scandal surrounding Ms. Kennedy. To hire a repuke to do a hatchet job on her, if true, was sleazy and reprehensible.

[Baby Snooks]

19. Or set up shamefully....

I really do wonder if she was set up. Someone urging her. Someone telling her Paterson would be receptive. That the people of New York would support her. That we needed another Kennedy.

The turning point in Obama's campaign was when Ted Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy endorsed him. Draw your own conclusions.

[closeupready]

28. Interesting, I hadn't thought of that.

Wouldn't be surprised if it did happen that way.

[fjc]

31. Set up by whom, and for what?

[JackRiddler]

75. The turning point in Obama's campaign was Oprah.

Just saying.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cha]

68. I couldn't agree more! I would really like to write

Caroline Kennedy and let her know there's support for what she's done to help New York and tell her the venom used against her is not appreciated.

Haven't been able to find a contact addy, though..so if anyone knows of one?

[Occam Bandage]

22. Wow, that was dumb as hell. nt

[Piewhacket]

24. Can I politely mention.... tol ya so?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[EFerrari]

38. You did call it !

[TEmperorHasNoClothes]

26. too bad, Paterson is great on gay rights...

I doubt we'll ever know the whole story, but we've never had such a pro gay rights NY Governor.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

27. Hmmm- might this be why PRES. Obama wants to ban Governors from appointing Senators?

in part?

[Blue Dog Dominion]

40. Go one step further and repeal the 17th amendment

We would be better served if Senators were selected by States legislatures as it used to be.

[FarCenter]

29. Judy Smith was also Sen. Larry Craig's PR flack after the bathroom incident

[xxqqqzme]

58. she has a strange list of clients

"...Smith's client list has included Monica Lewinsky, the family of murdered Washington intern Chandra Levy, Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson, who is battling corruption charges, and scandal-scarred former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry..."

[marshall]

30. Politics is a dirty dirty business

Not for the faint hearted, that's for sure.

[MilesColtrane]

32. The practical problem with ratfucking somebody, it that it usually, eventually gets out.

Paterson will find that the fucker becomes the fuckee right around reelection time.

[Cronopio]

45. Maybe Ms. Smith will have a new employer, and a new target, at that time.

For mercenaries like her, all that matters is a name and a payoff amount. Nothing personal.

[Blaze Diem]

34. Only way to end Bush/Rove politics is to remove those who adhere to their methods.

Beliefs and personal passions of CKennedy was hardly a threat to any of those in NY politics.

Out with those who go the way of Rovian henchmen to pad their own political agenda.

This needs to end with Obama's tenure. The stench of this is putrid.

[Skinner]

35. I'm starting to wonder if someone is messing with Patterson.

This senate selection process appears to have been handled so badly, and it has done so much damage to the Governor's reputation, that I'm starting to wonder if there isn't something else going on. Incompetence is certainly a contributing factor. It could be the only factor. But I just can't shake the feeling that NOBODY could possibly screw this up THIS BADLY.

This fiasco has caused terrible damage to Patterson, perhaps ruining any future political ambitions, and someone else is going to benefit in the next election. It's almost too perfect.

(I know, I'm not usually the one to speculate like this. But this has been utterly devastating...)

[kiranon]

41. I think you are on to something. I think Patterson was set up also.

[w4rma]

50. Patterson made his own decision to hire this Bushie to tear down Kennedy. (nt)

[Baby Snooks]

47. Highly possible...

If so, they killed two birds with one stone, didn't they?

[Baby Snooks]

53. But who really threw the stone?

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/05/...

You can draw your own conclusions. I drew mine back in 1992 by the way. And I still say that after that interview with 60 Minutes, Hillary was standing there handing Bill the cash to stuff into Gennifer Flowers' mouth to shut her up. Humming "Stand by Your Man...."

[NashVegas]

56. That's Entirely Possible

Certainly, someone is messing with him now.

Had he handled this situation with a spine from the outset, however, this wouldn't be happening now.

IMO:

The choice in December: piss off President-elect Obama or piss off someone else who wants the chair and leave yourself open.

The choice in January: piss off President Obama and all of Kennedy's friends who backed her while she put up with ridicule, or piss off someone else who wants the chair and leave yourself open.

If he were going to go counter to Obama's pick, he could have/should have done it while Blago was blowing up.

[MilesColtrane]

65. Somebody played him like a fiddle.

All they had to do was whisper in his ear, "If you skip over Caroline for no apparent reason, you're politically dead. Your state loves the Kennedys. Here. Here's the number of a flak who will take care of things and make everyone glad that you didn't pick her."

And, he was stupid enough to go for it.

[Cha]

70. This is worse..much worse..you

don't malign someone who's done so much for New York and has a lot of friends here. Of course the Kennedys and those who support Caroline are going to stick up for her and work to get this straightened out.

[Cha]

67. Oh yeah, I don't believe

anything printed in the corporate media until it's been verified.

The two who have come out of this the worse for wear are Caroline Kennedy and David Paterson. Everyone else is smelling like a freakin' rose..I don't think so.

[w4rma]

36. Patterson sucks scum. He's not going to win his primary and neither will his Senate pick. (nt)

[Jambalaya]

51. Suckee Scumee

Mmmh,didn't Patterson voluntarily,and openly admit his personal...um..."transgressions" with another woman just prior to inauguration-on the heels of Spitzer's ouster?

With all the Federal wiretapping,it is not implausible there was some "influence" behind the scenes going on.

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Kashka-Kat]

39. However this came about, she just was not ready for Prime Time, yknow?

I wish her nothing but the best though,obviously a talented individual. Hope if she's interested in politics she'll start at ground level and work her way up.

[ShortnFiery]

43. No, the blue dog, light-weight, republican schooled, Tracy Flick wannabe is much better.

[Cronopio]

44. So you think it worked out for the best.

I'm sure all PR mercenaries everywhere thank you for your support of their cause. Whether you intend to or not.

They can now count their millions with a clear conscience.

[Kashka-Kat]

61. I do? Don't I get to say what I think? Almost always, in life as well as politics, there's a third

(or fourth, fifth, sixth, etc.) option. Can't believe in all of New York there wasn't some better choices. It's not as if they haven't had two years to start thinking about it and in Ms. Kennedy's case to get her political skills up to speed. Like it or not, that interview really did her in.

[catgirl]

62. I think she was ready

She impressed the hell out of people when she was part of Obama's V.P. search team.
She received much praise. And she's well versed in all aspects of politics. Not sure why
you are so absolute in your negative opinion of Kennedy's talents and ability..

[Kashka-Kat]

63. Not sure why "not ready for prime time" equals absolute negativity in your book....

Like it or not effective communication & ability to cut through media noise and get your message accross is part of the politicians position description.

But hey that's my opinion, the best thing would've been if the people of New York would've been able to vote.

(If Sen. Feingold's legislation goes through that will be what happens in the future-- yeah!!!)

[Auggie]

42. First Blogo. Now this. End this senate-seat-by-appointment business.

[jwirr]

52. Are we seeing the corrupt underbelly of NY just as Blago is bringing

it out in IL? I for one did not care who he picked since NY is not my state - however when this crap is thrown at Caroline Kennedy then it becomes something I get angry about. It seems he did not have the courage to say no to her so he and his trashed her. I would guess there are many democrats who feel this way about her. We will forever love the Kennedy's if for no other reason than that their fathers died for our causes.

[Jakes Progress]

57. Very incendiary title.

Also very Daily News like. A lot of people read leads here and jump to conclusions just like they read and (astonishingly) believe what they read in the DN.

Reading all the threads, it seems that this is sausage making at its finest. Both sides playing with mud and calling the other dirty. Not an example of either's better souls.

If anything, this and the Illinois fiasco are examples of why the governor appointment method is so bad. Governor appointments seem to me to be based on an faulty interpretation of the way the framers put the way we fill empty seats between elections. Mostly, it says we should have elections. Then it goes on to allow governors to name a filler. I think they meant the filler-office holder to be just that - a filler until the election. It is inconsistent with the idea of a voting democracy that an office as high as Senator could be filled for six years by someone who never put their case to the people for votes.

[No Elephants]

64. No, the Framers left filling vacancies to the States. Each state decides how the seat gets filled.

[ikojo]

60. Not only did he solicit the services of a former

BUSH administration official he also appoints a DINO. Why oh why did Eliot Spitzer have to think with his schmekkie?

[ooglymoogly]

66. Never liked that hypocrite, weasel Patterson....Hope CK learns from this

and comes back swinging in 2010 and smacks the bastard hard. I was looking forward to seeing her in the Senate. Patterson has sown the seeds of his destruction.

[Me.]

69. Heard On The Local News Tonight

That the Kennedy family is furious and a run in 2010 is being seriously considered

[depakid]

71. I Rarely agree with Maureen Dowd- but she was spot on in her last column

Regardless of any opinion on the eventual pick or on Caroline Kennedy:

Governor Paterson is simply a goofball.

Paterson could have acted a month ago, or even a week ago. There was no reason not to, certainly not his claim that he had to wait for Hillary, ad nauseam, to exit to State. Colorado’s governor named Michael Bennet senator two and a half weeks before Ken Salazar resigned his seat for the Interior Department....


...Paterson wasn’t thinking of New York, only of how an upstate ally who was a woman would bolster his own chances for re-election. We can only hope that an avenging Andrew Cuomo takes him out in a primary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/opinion/25dowd.html?s...

[madville]

73. Why don't they just work a deal for her in MA

Let Ted retire and have Caroline take his seat. I'm sure that could be arranged.

[JackRiddler]

76. Yeah, about time that meddlesome democracy model was kicked!