I’m about 1/3rd of the way through this book, authored by Stephen Marks.
So far I’m not really impressed. Thus far what I’ve “learned” is that the author could have saved a number of Republican campaigns if only they had listened to him, and that the vast majority of campaign workers are incompetent morons in his opinion, though he didn’t use those exact words. What he said was:
I eventually learned that hard way that the last thing the person interviewing me wanted was someone who could actually improve their office. In fact, any person with an IQ over 12 would be considered a “threat” to these people (this is why Capitol Hill offices are known for deliberately “dumbing down” their staffs).
Yeah, the dude has an ego, and it really shows in this book.
After failing to obtain a position working the press for candidates he got offered a job doing “Opposition Research” which is the technical term for somebody that digs up dirt on other candidates. This turns out to be the single most important thing in elections. Remember that ego thing?
So far the only thing that’s been a revelation to me is that the national committees work a lot like a large corporation. Folks bump about, fight for positions, and make a career out of working for campaigns. I had no idea that you could make a career out of that. I just assumed you were brought along with a candidate when you supported them in smaller roles. Apparently, that’s not the case.
I have much to learn.
