October 11, 2008 7:33:10 AM CDT
(Newser) – The man Karl Rove nicknamed "Bullet" and John McCain calls "Sergeant Schmidt" has taken over day-to-day control of McCain's campaign, and his no-nonsense style is expected to make an immediate impact, Politico reports. Steve Schmidt, a hardworking veteran of the Bush and Schwarzenegger campaigns, is famed for his forceful manner and ability to inspire fierce loyalty among aides.
“He’s fearless, and he understands how all the different parts of the campaign need to come together,” says a former McCain staffer. “He’s part teacher, part manager. People are flocking back to the campaign to work for him.” A new, clearer line of attack for McCain is expected with Schmidt running campaign HQ, but some Democrats think his close ties to Bush could be the chink in the sergeant's armor.
Source Politico
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Jul 8, 08 7:30 AM CDT John McCain inspires an uncommon degree of loyalty among the advisers and strategists who've served on his campaigns. But they are less charitable toward each other, writes Adam Nagourney in the New York Times. McCain's 2008 campaign is riven by longstanding feuds and conflicting spheres of influence—a problem compounded by the Arizona senator's reluctance to fire people or make choices among competing players. More »
Jul 2, 08 3:46 PM CDT John McCain has ordered a shake-up at the helm of his campaign operation, Politico reports, with top aide Steve Schmidt taking day-to-day control from manager Rick Davis, whose focus will shift to the big picture. Schmidt, known for an aggressive style honed on President Bush's and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's re-election battles, started with a fiery speech reminiscent of Rudy. More »
John McCain • Republicans • campaign adviser • Steve Schmidt • Rick Davis • campaign manager
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