Colombia to Penn: You’re Fired

[Joanne98]

By John M. Broder

More fallout from the Mark Penn Colombia episode:
The Colombian government said on Saturday that it was ending its relationship with Burson-Marsteller, the global public relations firm headed by Mark Penn, who is also Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s pollster and chief strategist.
Colombia had hired Burson-Marsteller to help it win passage of a bilateral trade agreement with the United States. Mr. Penn, in his capacity as chief executive of Burson-Marsteller, met with Colombia’s ambassador to the United States on Monday to discuss prospects for the treaty. Mrs. Clinton has publicly and firmly opposed the deal because of Colombia’s history of suppressing trade unions. Many Congressional Democrats and most unions also oppose the treaty, which President Bush supports.
Several union leaders on Friday called on Mrs. Clinton to dismiss Mr. Penn for double-dealing.
Mr. Penn on Friday apologized for meeting with the Colombians, calling it an “error in judgment.” The Colombian government said his reaction showed a “lack of respect.”
On Saturday, the Colombian government issued the following statement:
The Colombian Government announces its decision to terminate the contract with Burson Marteller. This firm conducts public relations and communications consulting services on behalf of Colombia in the United States for the approval of the Free Trade Agreement and the continuation of Plan Colombia.

Continued>>>
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/05/colombia-to-penn-youre-fired/

[C_U_L8R]

1. Th Government of Columbia

shows more character than the Clinton campaign ??
Well that isn't wholly unexpected.

[Onlooker]

2. At least the Columbian government showed some integrity

Let's hope Hillary Clinton does the same and fires Penn.

[jpak]

3. error in judgement my ass

double dealling selfish prick - yes

[gateley]

4. Man,

I bet Burson-Marsteller is PISSED at Penn! Love it! Wonder if he'll resign to "pursue other opportunities."

And if Hillary axes him, hopefully he'll be out on the street and nobody will touch him because he's poison.

[Joanne98]

5. From kingmaker to homeless. lol

[C_U_L8R]

6. I'm sure Sir Martin at WPP is watching closely.

It could be time for a new CEO... this one's bad for the stock price.

[gateley]

7. And that's always the determining factor -- money. nt

[C_U_L8R]

10. Penn has meddled with the primal forces of nature.

And he must atone.

[gateley]

11. And I'm looking forward to the Day of Atonement! nt

[PA Democrat]

9. Penn's the CEO of the company.

I think he was being greedy thinking he could play both sides. Apparently the Colombians were smarter than the Clinton campaign.

[Warpy]

8. Too bad Clinton isn't taking the hint

She needed to fire that SOB months ago.

That DLC campaign team is killing her.