Pro Politics with Zac McCrary Jim Duffy, a Godfather of Democratic Media
Jim Duffy is one of the Godfathers of Democratic media consultants. He joined with Raymond Strother in the mid 80s to form Strother Duffy - one of the elite Dem firms of the era. Jim cut his teeth working in New Orleans politics - for names like Moon Landrieu and Lindy Boggs, before making the move to DC as an ad-maker. As a media consultant, Jim has helped elect numerous Senators, Governors, and members of Congress - and in this conversation, he talks about the Louisiana politics of his youth, learning the nuts and bolts of campaigns in New Orleans, and his experiences and advice from four decades working in political media.
IN THIS EPISODE…
How the policies of Huey Long brought the Duffys to Louisiana…
Jim breaks down the Long / anti-Long Louisiana politics of his youth…
Jim talks the influence of Cajun voters on state politics…
Jim tells some great Edwin Edwards stories…
Jim’s first big political break by working with New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu…
Jim manages Congresswoman Lindy Boggs first competitive primary…
Jim intersects with premier Democratic media consultant Raymond Strother in 1984…
Jim talks the political consulting landscape of the 1980s…
The 1989 special election that helped put Jim on the map on his own…
Jim’s deep bench of Blue Dog clients…
Jim tells a great story of developing the message to help Buddy Roemer beat Edwin Edwards…
Jim’s advice to those entering the media business…
Jim pays a compliment to a Republican’s ability to message…
Jim’s pitch for people to work in politics…
AND…Roger Ailes, Matt Angle, Beryl Anthony, Doug Bailey, Sidney Barthelemy, Lloyd Bentsen, Hale Boggs, Lindy Boggs, Jim Brown, Bud Cramer, the Delta Airline Crown Room, David Duke, Joyce Elliot, Martin Frost, Pete Geren, Bob Goodman, Al Gore, Charles Guggenheim, Bill Hamilton, Peter Hart, Blanche Lincoln, Bob Livingston, Russell Long, Louisiana State Normal College, Bill McCuen, message delivery systems, LF Payne, Leander Perez, Mark Putnam, David Sawyer, Ronnie Shows, Bob Squier, Charlie Stenholm, Strother Duffy Strother, Blaze Starr, Billy Tauzin, Wayne State University, Jim Wright & MORE!