Austin-based Strategist Resigns from McCain Campaign

Earlier this week, Republican strategist Mark McKinnon announced his resignation from the McCain campaign. McKinnon, who lives in Austin and has worked for Ann Richards and George W. Bush, had stuck with the McCain campaign as chief advertising strategist through the low times. Although nowadays things are looking rosier for his candidate, McKinnon had to leave; he told people earlier this year that if Obama was the Democratic nominee, then he wouldn't keep working with the McCain campaign. Even though Obama isn't officially the Democratic nominee yet, it seems inevitable that he will be.

McKinnon says that although he thinks McCain is the better choice of the two, he didn't feel he could work against such a historical candidacy as Obama's. In a March interview with Texas Monthly, McKinnon said, "This is a change environment, and there’s nobody who represents change more than Obama. And hope. And I think he has a strong character and authenticity."

[NY Times: Keeping Vow on Obama, McCain Adviser Resigns]

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By Elizabeth S. in News on May 22, 2008 1:15 PM 0 Comments

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Slickshu

Agreed. I've known Mark for close to 20 years, and his embrace of Bush gave him (GWB) the much-needed patina of moderation and acceptability when he was just a lightweight governor eyeing the presidency. We all know the result, 8 years of obstinance, bone-headed decisions, and cronyism. If Mark thinks this move will rebuild his tarnished image, he's wrong. Mark was a key enabler of the Worst President Ever.

seth

McKinnon can go eat a shit log. Yeah, he acts all principled, but the real deal is he knew from day one that McCain v. Obama was an unwinnable race. These scumbag consultants charge based on their win/loss record. His exit now allows him to count his work on McCain's primary campaign as a win, and avoid the November loss.

Don't listen to this shyster for a minute when he pretends he's for change, etc. He's for money. It was his last client that got our country in the mess that caused the proletariat to clamour for change.

Seth