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GOP summitry And What About the Shape of the Table?By Rick Horowitz
MEMORANDUM He's heeeeeere! Your sit-down with John McCain is just around the corner -- assuming he doesn't see another newspaper article that ticks him off about something and makes him want to cancel again. We think this powwow is actually going to happen, if not now, then sometime soon. So we need to have a strategy to maximize the benefits of such a meeting, which are considerable, and to minimize the risks -- which are also considerable. Whoever said it'll be like going to the dentist is right -- it won't be pleasant, but it will be good for you. For now, though, your job is to stay focused on the upside, and to do whatever you can, consistent with our overall campaign plan, to achieve our three "Operation Cactus" goals. Goal # 1 (Short-range): The Photo-Op. We want the two of you coming out of that meeting shoulder to shoulder and smiling. The message: These folks are on the same wavelength. Goal # 2 (Mid-range): The Convention Speech. Last time around, this guy actually made Bob Dole sound appealing! Just think what he can do with you. Twenty minutes of prime time can help get you four years in the Oval Office. That's a deal worth making. Goal # 3 (Long-range): The Campaign Push. You don't want him off in Bora Bora pouting for the next six months. You also don't want him telling reporters every day how "the wrong guy won." (You saw how well that kind of thing went over in Vietnam.) You want him in your corner and happy about it, hitting the surrogate circuit and nailing down those independents. But you don't want him as your running mate. Life's too short. So how do you accomplish all this? We've prepared a little checklist to guide you through the meeting. You don't have to memorize it. And there won't be a quiz. (Just kidding...) Atmospherics: Treat him with respect, but don't fawn. He's a senior senator, an authentic war hero and the media's latest Flavor of the Month. But you're the nominee. You won the primaries against him, and you can win the general election without him if it comes to that. Basically, you want to get back to your "my good friend John" period. Of course, that was before South Carolina. If his feelings are still bruised, go with the standard "I had no idea they were saying any of that stuff about you." That, or a sudden attack of amnesia. Issues: Don't feel you have to cave in on any of your positions. He's already said he's not going to litmus-test you on campaign-finance reform, which is his biggest concern, so how can he litmus-test you on anything else? Let him make his arguments for reform or whatever's on his mind. Say, "I hear you." And then move on. Special warning: If he tries to play holier-than-thou on the Confederate flag thing, don't take the bait. Just because he's stopped lying about his true feelings, now you're supposed to? No way! His Involvement: Let him know you see him playing a key role in the campaign and in the party. If he resists, roll out the magic words: "Al Gore." Say them as often as necessary to get him energized. If he doesn't like you, imagine how he feels about the other guy! Under no circumstances, though, should you offer him the veep slot. Not because he'd be insulted or annoyed or storm out of the room -- but because he might take it! And don't think you'd just be making a "gesture." That's what Kennedy thought when he offered it to Johnson. In fact, steer clear of anything that might even sound like an offer. If he says he found the campaign exciting, say, "I agree." Don't say, "You, too?" If he asks you to name the most famous American spy plane of the Cold War, say, "How are the kids?" or "Care for more coffee?" Don't say, "U-2." A desperate man will hear what he wants to hear; that's the last thing you need. You want him close, but not that close. And last but not least... Your Attitude: Lose the smirk. Posted 5/4/00. There's
no smirking allowed at "Rick's" -- laughing is something else again.
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Rick Horowitz