Dominant Strategist for Democrats Ends Consulting Career

[3days]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 - Bob Shrum, one of the dominant Democratic political strategists and speechwriters of the last three decades, said Wednesday that he was ending his formal consulting career and moving to New York, where he would write and teach at New York University as a senior fellow.

"I wanted to reflect on what I've done, not just keep doing it," Mr. Shrum, 61, said in an interview. "And I wanted to draw lessons from what I'd seen and draw implications for the future."

He leaves Washington with a mixed record, having served as an adviser on 26 winning Senate campaigns, perhaps more than any other consultant, but also eight losing presidential campaigns, which may also stand as a record.

Mr. Shrum was a lead adviser to Senator John Kerry's presidential campaign, where he was sometimes a divisive figure and where he occasionally drew more attention from reporters than his candidate did. He was widely criticized as failing to develop a clean, consistent message.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/13/politics/13shrum.html...


It's about time!

[Maat]

1. I second that motion ....

it's about time!

[Stinky The Clown]

2. I always feel good when someone gracefully exits

Bye Bob. You've had a great career. High highs and, sadly, low lows. Teach, write, reflect, speak out ..........

........ but no campaigns ..... k?

[WhiteTara]

3. Yippy *F*ing Skippy!

Now let's get rid of the rest of the losers and Move On!

[UpInArms]

10. well said BNL!

:hi:

[fertilizeonarbusto]

4. Hallelloo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now can we flush The DLC'ers, Donna Brazille, Roemer, Ol' Terry M and the rest of the chickenhearted brigade? UGH

[Bill of Rights]

5. I remember seeing Bob Shrum's photo

He was perched in a chair, intently watching Kerry beat Bush during the debates. He was pleased with Kerry's performance.

What did Shrum do that was so bad? I thought Kerry did great during the debates.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

8. One thing

A very crucial one, in fact: he did not respond quickly or forcefully enough to the Swift Boat Liars et al. Another one: yielded too many states as not winnable.

[Bono71]

15. His campaign record is what everyone is upset about. n/t

[papau]

6. Nation's top Debater while in School- -, winner of 37 Federal races, -

and a nice guy.

I hope he enjoy's New York City!

:-)

[Dover]

7. So was he "Demstrategist" who showed up in the Campaign 2004 forum?

As I recall, that person was supposed to be very close to Kerry and promised to reveal his/her identity after the election......

[nibbana]

9. Best Ever Concession Speech Writer..

And that pretty much sums it up.

[Pithy Cherub]

11. Graceful Exit!

Now he goes into the academic realm where questioning his decisions will be a daily exercise...

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

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

[Massachusetts]

13. Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

[Racenut20]

14. YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is about damn time.......

Thanks Bob, for all the good things you have done for us and don't forget to call for lunch sometime....yeah right.

[quaoar]

16. Good riddance

[ibeplato]

17. New Cubs manager?

Any truth he's going to work for the cubs?

Good bye and Good Riddance Bob!!

[corporatemedia]

18. Bob, please take Mary Beth "CAMPAIGN KILL CAHILL" with you!! eom

[proudbluestater]

19. Buh-bye

Wish I could land a job that paid millions when I was a complete and utter disaster.

[geek tragedy]

20. How can you be dominant without ever winning?

Doh!

[roguevalley]

21. 0 for eight. about time indeed.

[gina_asian]

22. Sigh

I wish he'd packed it in one campaign sooner. :(

[Vidar]

23. Don't let the door hit you on your way out.