PBD Podcast The Lincoln Project Founder - Steve Schmidt | PBD Podcast | Ep. 308
Sep 29, 2023
Steve Schmidt, a seasoned political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, shares his journey from campaign worker to influential figure in American politics. He discusses the stark realities of Washington versus the everyday American experience. Schmidt highlights the importance of team dynamics in political campaigns, likening them to sports strategies. He also reflects on his pivotal meeting with a President, emphasizing the role of character in campaigns and the disconnect between political rhetoric and public concerns.
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Bush's Character Test
- Steve Schmidt recounts a meeting with President Bush during the 2004 campaign.
- Bush emphasized that a presidential campaign reveals a candidate's true character, predicting that Kerry's perceived flaws would lead to his defeat.
Ailes' Time Magazine Test
- Schmidt shares his experience of secret meetings with Roger Ailes, noting Ailes' eccentric behavior.
- Ailes' advice for assessing a candidate's presidential potential was to visualize them on a Time magazine cover.
Culture Over Politics
- Presidential candidates like Obama, Kennedy, and Reagan possess a unique combination of political talent and charisma.
- Understanding culture is crucial in politics, as politics flows from culture, not the other way around.