WP page-one story on structure and strategy of Kerry campaign

[DeepModem Mom]

Old-School Team To Sell Kerry as Modern Centrist

By Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 21, 2004; Page A01


As he prepares for the most ambitious and defining phase of his presidential candidacy, Sen. John F. Kerry (Mass.) is relying on image-makers schooled in traditional Kennedy liberalism to sell himself anew to voters as a 21st-century centrist Democrat, a muscular hawk on national defense and deficits.

Bob Shrum, longtime confidant of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), is emerging as the most influential shaper of Kerry's image and words. Shrum, a purveyor of populism who has a reputation for angling for control of campaigns and sometimes alienating colleagues in the process, helped elbow out Kerry's campaign manager last year and is putting a distinctly populist us-against-them stamp on the candidate's more mainstream "new Democrat" message....

***

It is Shrum's words and (Boston-based pollster Tom) Kiley's polling data and (Shrum business partner Michael) Donilon's ads shaping a soon-to-be-released media campaign introducing Kerry to voters in battleground states. But it is Mary Beth Cahill, campaign manager and another longtime adviser to Kennedy, calling the final shots and overseeing the fast-growing operation.

Their lofty mission: to set aside a long-running feud within the Democratic Party over its direction to position Kerry as the presidential candidate who is pro-national defense, pro-middle-class tax cuts, pro-balanced budgets -- with the rhetorical dash and inspiration of John F. Kennedy, a hero to Kerry and many of his top aides....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28941-2004Apr20.html

[Quetzal]

1. It seems like Cahill is a tough cookie

and would put Shrum in his spot if he ever decided to grab more than his fair share.

thoughts?

[SoCalDem]

2. Frankly, it's starting to remind me of the Gore campaign

I cannot understand WHY ON EARTH, they feel the need to "telegraph" every move they make.. every plan..

Shut up about it, and just DO IT..

The press has already started to "Gore" Kerry, with all the sly coverage about his medals...

The odd thing is this.. If they had gone after * with an equal fervor in 2000, he would have crumpled up like a used kleenex..

[smada]

3. centrist?

Kerry needs to hire Dean as his consultant, get out there and sell his liberalism and quit trying to image himself as a conservative. There is a conservative in the White House now. People want an alternative. If anything, Kerry needs to image himself as far to the left as he can.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Hi, smada -- welcome to DU --