Report: Rove Talks "Fairly Regularly" With McCain Camp;

[kevinmc]

Report: Rove Talks "Fairly Regularly" With McCain Camp; Getting Six Figures From Freedom's Watch

n a new National Journal article (not available online), writer Peter Stone dives deep into the conservative establishment and gets campaign staffers, movement operatives, and the ubiquitous "strategists" and "consultants" to talk about Karl Rove's current role in presidential politics. The takeaway? Rove is back. In fact, he probably never left. The campaign that is trying to prove it's not a second coming of George W. Bush is using the President's former chief strategist on a regular basis.

Stone says not to be fooled by Rove's hesitance to be identified with John McCain publicly.

...away from the spotlight, Rove has been busy pitching in by giving informal advice to McCain’s team and spending a considerable amount of time as an outside adviser to Freedom’s Watch, the conservative political group that is expected to spend tens of millions of dollars to help elect House GOP candidates. William Weidner, a Freedom’s Watch board member, recently told National Journal that Rove has offered strategic advice to both the group and its major financial backer, Las Vegas casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson. Weidner, president of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., which Adelson chairs, called Rove "an invaluable asset" to the group....

While the top of McCain's campaign won't admit to extensive conversations with Rove, fearing that Rove is too closely associated with the Bush Administration and its worst scandals, some folks are willing to spill the beans off the record.

"Generally speaking, Rove's advice is action-oriented and useful," said another senior consultant to the McCain camp. "It's always well received." This McCain adviser noted that Rove talks periodically to Black and a few other top campaign aides on several key matters. "It can be policy ideas, messaging ideas, fundraising prospects, or people who need calls from someone in the campaign." Rove is "part of the information network that the campaign has," this adviser said, adding that Rove talks fairly regularly to such key people as Wayne Berman, a major fundraiser for McCain; Nicolle Wallace, a communications adviser; and Steve Schmidt, a senior aide. ..............

more here ... http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/06/8690_natl_journal_ro.html

[anonymous171]

1. McSame is in bed with the Prince of Darkness?

Who knew!? :sarcasm:

[otohara]

2. Of Course He Does

I think old Karl is losing his touch - people are sick of him and most republicans

[truthisfreedom]

3. There's a clear problem with McCain using Rovian techniques... they are the techniques used to

destroy his last campaign for President. He's against them because of that... he has a natural aversion to everything Rove suggests, so he'll only half-heartedly use the recommendations, and then Obama will split each attempt open like rotten fruit.

[Stardust]

4. McCain clearly has a case of Stockholm Syndrome, evidenced by his whole-hearted

embrace of Bushco since their slime machine, driven by Karl Rove himself, ruined McCain's chances in 2000.

I never believed Karl really "resigned." He just left the "legitimate" payroll and burrowed underground where he'll wreak damage until he's gone, maybe even beyond the grave.

I cancelled a subscription I've held with Newsweek for 20 years because of their involvement with Rove.

[havocmom]

5. Less about Stockholm Syndrome and more about Keating Five episode...

He got off mighty easy on that deal. Always figured somebody was holding his marker for that. They needed a patsy for a throw-away campaign and called his debt due IMHO

[Stardust]

7. Yeah, you're probably right...but he just doesn't seem quite right in the head IMHO.

[kimmerspixelated]

6. I think he has been busy working with computer geeks on how

best to employ "the math" method again! Why should we believe they won't steal it again. Hearing that Rove is involved in any way with McCain(whether he wants the help or not) is unsettling. I just got a chill thinking about it!

[habitual]

8. excellent, Rove is a fuckup and turns everything he touches

to shit. Doesn't worry me.