Democratic Convention: Mike McCurry
Mike McCurry
Former White House Press Secretary
Thursday, July 29, 2004; 11:00 a.m. ET
The 2004 Democratic National Convention will come to a close Thursday night, as Sen. John F. Kerry officially accepts the presidential nomination.
Former White House Press Secretary under President Clinton Mike McCurry discussed the convention and the 2004 election.
The transcript follows.
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over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Mike McCurry : As a person who has been involved in a lot of conventions you get a pretty good sense of how things are going and this convention is going extremely well for both the party and the ticket. Conventions have to be biographical, inspirational and substantive and if they fail on any one of those three they are less than successful. So far on all three counts the Democrats have been successful.
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Washington, D.C.:
What have you been doing at the convention? Any speeches that "wow-ed" you?
Mike McCurry : For the first time in years and years I have been goofing off and I don’t have any official job with the convention and I have been helping the party do press relations and helping the ticket get organized for the fall.
I thought Obama’s keynote was spectacular, I thought Edward’s speech was well argued and my former boss bill Clinton did a great job and then appropriately got out of town.
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Washington, D.C.:
Mr. McCurry,
Would you mind answering a question unrelated to the convention? How does one get to become a White House press secretary? Is it skill, luck, or both?
And, what are the main differences between the press secretary and the communications director?
Mike McCurry : Good question. Write as much as you can. Thank any teacher or boss who edits your writing and makes you better as a writer. You can run your mouth pretty well if you know how to organize your thoughts in thoughtful sentences.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Hi Mike
Can you tell me what really goes on behind the scenes of all this big nose called a convention! What is the real purpose of the convention if we all know who they are going to pick? Did they ever have in the history of the convention pick someone else in the middle of the whole thing?
Mike McCurry : Behind the scenes a great political party (the oldest on earth!) is getting geared up for the fall campaign. That's a great story and interesting but unfortunately the press does not pay a lot of attention to that.
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Mount Airy, Md.:
How did your early educational experience in Junior Statesman of America prepare you for your political career?
Mike McCurry : Junior Statesmen is a great program for high school kids interested in politics. When I was in HS in Calif it was only a statewide program but it is growing now and available in your Mid-Atlantic region. Check it out at www.jsa.org.
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Arlington, Mass.:
Are you pleased with the media coverage of the event, or do you see areas for improvement? What might these be? Also, how much do you think the wireless technology helps to improve coverage? Thanks.
Mike McCurry : I think more focus on the work of the party, the interesting delegation meetings, the issues that will drive the debate in key races around the country and less attention to the theater of the convention on the podium would give us a better view. Plus there are dozens of interesting events and briefings going on. Plenty of stuff worth more than one hour a night on the networks !
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Anonymous:
Oh, and Mr. Mccurry, that little girl (Ilana, I don't rememeber her last name) wowed me. I think she could be President in 23 years.
Mike McCurry : I have a daughter just like that and I agree.
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Washington, D.C.:
What do you think we can expect from Kerry's speech tonight? How negative (of the current administration) can he get away with, considering Edward's comments last night?
Mike McCurry : Sen. Kerry has the benefit of low expectations since most people think if you google "vision and inspiration" you won't get Kerry. I think he will suprise people tonight with a positive and hopeful vision and some passion that people have not seen before.
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Martinsville, Va.:
What is it like to work inside the office of the most powerful man in the world and then return to life as a "regular citizen?" Don't you miss it?
Mike McCurry : Nah, four years at WH and 2 before that State were plenty. I miss (to be honest) the foreign travel with the Prez. That is awesome. To see a different country, to get to tour places with the best guides in the world, to learn about different political realities facing allies and others -- that was best part of the job. (I liked being State Dept Spokesman more than being WH Press Secy)
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Boston, Mass.:
Do you think Kerry-Edwards actually have a chance to win this, or will the Bush-Cheney media juggernaut roll over them?
Mike McCurry : It's a long 96 days to election. Lots will happen but if the American people watch Kerry and conclude we could be better off as a nation under his leadership -- "stronger at home and more respected aborad" to repeat the mantra you hear here in Boston -- then I think we Dems have a chance. The important question is whether Kerry will be elected with any kind of a mandate to govern. That's what he has to start building tonight.
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Anonymous:
The Post, for the most part, has been rather good at sticking to the issues.
But in other media outlets, there is saturation coverage on THK's "shove it" remark and Whoopi's off-color joke.
We have important issues such as the unnecessary war in Iraq, the necessary one in Afghanistan, terrorism, the economy, and most importantly, the ever-growing humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
Why do you think most of the media (Post excluded, as said) is making major coverage of the small non-issues and ignoring the important issues? How can you get the rest of the media to pay attention to the REAL ISSUES? Thank you.
Mike McCurry : Problem is the press has been covering this campaign a long, long time by now and they get easily bored. They forget that most of us are just starting to pay real attention now and we need to get some of the substance and issue-coverage that the press thinks it did a long time ago.
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Oxford, Miss.:
Do you think that Shaprton's speech, as powerful as it was, could end up hurting Kerry?
Mike McCurry : I think all the powerful speeches -- Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Sharpton -- get the press to say "boy, Kerry might get overshadowed." That's great for Kerry because it means the bar is lower for him. It's hard to fail to win a convention over that is sitting there waiting to be putty in your hands.
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Takoma Park, Md.:
Will the networks regret not covering Obama's speech live?
Mike McCurry : Yes. Most of the network folks here are privately ashamed they are not doing more.
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Arlington, Mass.:
What are the top two or three points that Kerry needs to make today, and how likely do you think it is that he will do so effectively?
Mike McCurry : Biography-- how does his life story tell us something about how he will lead. Substance -- what are the 2-3 things I know for sure Kerry will do if he is elected Prez. Vision -- will I feel better about America four/eight years from now after Kerry is President. If he satisfies on all three of these, it will be a great speech.
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Burke, Va.:
Ralph Reed went on one of the networks last night and naturally said things are looking up for the Bush reelection. He cited some information that bothered me: He says the Democrats have basically reduced their media buys or pulled out of Arkansas, Louisiana and Missouri. He inferred that you are giving up on these states. What do you say?
Mike McCurry : I've heard him say this and meant to check. I think the campaign reduced ads in lots of states this week because we would get "free" media on the news. Why pay for air time that you are going to get for free during saturation coverage of the election?
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Arlington, Va.:
Newsweek editor Evan Thomas has said that liberal media bias might give Senator Kerry as many as 15 extra points in the polls. Do you think the effect of the liberal media will be this great?
Mike McCurry : I think that is silly. I'll ask Evan what he meant. First, the press may be more liberal than the rest of America, but they fight their own perspective by being hard on us. Does anyone really think that the "liberal" press went easy on Bill Clinton? I think the real difference is that the press sometimes misses important issues because culturally and socially, they are not in sync with the audiences they serve. But I really don't think they give a strong advantage to one candidate or party -- surely not 15 points!
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Frederick, Md.:
As a kid (I'm now 58) my family always watched the conventions gavel to gavel and the discussions at home and the TV coverage certainly influenced my interest in politics today. Don't you think the networks and cable networks owe it to the American people to put on more of the conventions... even if they are a bit boring. There's still alot to learn about the process and what goes on that could make interesting viewing? We need more exposure to it all not less!
Mike McCurry : I wish that C-SPAN was not the only option for gavel-to-gavel coverage. I wish the networks would do more. I wish cable would let speakers speak and keep the pundits quiet. But the main problem is the three big networks. They have the vast audience and they are the ones who reach those who do not have internet or cable access. They are the ones who need to do a lot more. (I agree about watching the conventions. As a kid, my mom and I sat up and watched them all, gavel-to-gavel, even McGovern's acceptance speech in '72 at 2 in the am)
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Annandale, Va.:
I'm a conservative independent. I am searching for facts that would make me think that Kerry and Edwards are not the liberal, socialistic couple I think they are. I read in the Post this morning why Kerry went to Vietnam and it impresses me. I hear Edwards say terrorists are going to be taken care of and that impresses me. Then I see an email this morning that says John Kerry has voted against every aircraft carrier, and most military weapsons systems since 88 that have been put forth. And I think "great" another strip the military Democrat. Any response?
Mike McCurry : Kerry and Edwards are no doubt liberal as you would probably define it, but they are assuredly not "socialistic" They have voted for strong defense budgets but they have voted against some weapons systems that are redundant and that even the Pentagon has had a hard time justifying. Ask Sec Rumsfeld if we need to reform the defense budget and transform the military. Everyone knows we need to. I think Kerry could actually do it.
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Undisclosed Location:
A reporter once claimed that you were a trustworthy Press Secretary. He did mention that some Press Secretaries sometimes have ways they indicate, such as visual clues, when they are spinning a story versus when they are deadly serious. Yet, I have yet to find a Press Secretary admit this is true. Is this a dark secret to which you will never admit, or is it flatly not true, or, will you break the silence and tell us if that is true?
Mike McCurry : It's for sure true. Sometimes we give answers we have to give and the press knows we have to give even though it us pretty much unadulterated spin. I used to try and do that with a wink or a tone of voice that would say: "You know and I know I have to give this answer but let me try and do it in a way that helps the American people know that there is a little game going on." Luckily, most of these answers were about poltical b.s. and not about things that mattered much.
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Jerusalem, Israel:
Hi, my favorite Press Secretary!
We hear here that the Kerry people are a bit miffed at prime minister Sharon, that he appears to be sending signals of support for Bush.
Any predictions on how far Kerry will go to solidify his support in the Jewish community. (Sending his brother to Israel was a nice move, but not all that effective.) Do you expect any strong statements of Israel's right to defend her citizens, or do you think that Kerry will keep quiet being concerned about offending other voters?
Mike McCurry : Hi Jerusalem. We have many prayers for peace in your region and I hope you know that our strong support for Israel includes a deep belief that we need to continue pursuing every avenue for genuine dialogue between the parties. I made it to Jerusalem 15 times as State/WH spokesman and fell in love with Israel. One thing I learned is that Israeli politics is a lot more complicated and fascinating than American politicians can understand so, no, I don't think the Kerry folks believe that Sharon's current poltical moves are designed to impact the politics here. We find more interesting the dialogue between Sharon and Peres. Remember, many of the Dem and Clinton folk who served have worked closely with Shimon. Sen. Kerry has strong and good relationships across the spectrum with Israeli leadership and I think these would enable him to take a more active role in ME peace negotiations.
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Baltimore, Md.:
The networks are making a big mistake not covering more of the convention and they are starting to regret it, as you mentioned. Will this affect their plans for the Republican convention? Are they going to cover more of that convention to avoid the same mistake? How much does live coverage of the convention affect the race?
Mike McCurry : They will shortchange the GOP too and it will drive the Bush WH nuts. I think they are equal opportunity neglecters when it comes to these conventions.
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Boyds, Md.:
The Bush White House has become known for its message discipline and absence of leaks. They treat the press like just another Washington special interest. Do you think this press handling strategy will become the norm in future administration's or is it unique to the Bush White House?
Mike McCurry : No, real difference is cultural. Dems believe the press should support us because we like to fight for the little guy and so should the press (Edward Wyllis Scripps, the great publisher, once said the press should "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable", which most Dems would say is the mission of our party, too). However, sooner or later Dems realize the press is skeptical/cynical about us, too and the relationship goes sour. Repubs just accept the fact that the press will try and make life miserable and they put reporters in their cages and treat them like wild beasts, one feeding per day. It works as long as they maintain total discipline, but once that breaks down, the cages empty and the "beasts" get pretty savage. (I think I took this metaphor a bit too far!)
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Lake Ridge, Va.:
As good a speaker as she may be, how seriously can one take the speech of an eleven-year-old? Very, very few at that age have the widom or experience to form valid, individual opinions. For the most part, they are carbon copies of their (obviously Democratic) parents.
I guess the "cute" factor is too much for most people to overcome. I expect we'll have one at the Republican convention as well? In four years, expect speeches from five-year-olds!
Mike McCurry : Well, she was pretty smart. I beleive you're right she probably reflects some of her parent's preferences but this is an example of the party trying to do something, anything to keep the attention of the media. I think it worked in this instance.
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Arlington, Mass.:
What kind of feedback are the delegates giving about the overall organization of the convention? Are they at all intimidated or annoyed by the security, or simply appreciative? Would it be better to hold the next Democratic convention somewhere like Cape Cod? (only semi joking)
Mike McCurry : Delegates are fine with security and arrangements as near as I can tell. Merchants and restauranteurs in Boston are displeased because biz has not been great. (This happens every four years -- there are so many free parties and free food that local merchants never get the windfall they anticipate.)
Boston has been a fun city but this hall and this complex has been a big challenge. The Mayor deserves a lot of credit for holding things together but four years from now, I hope we make it easier on ourselves.
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Kendall Park, N.J.:
I've read that Kerry plans to speak 50 to 55 minutes tonight. Isn't that way too long for almost any political speech but especially one from someone who isn't exactly known to be an inspirational speaker?
Mike McCurry : We learned in getting reactions to Clinton's speeches (remember his State of the Unions were famously long) that people really like hearing all the issues discussed and addressed. The American people tend to be less like the theater critics in the press who judge performance above substance. (But I don't think Kerry will talk an hour -- he will talk past 11pm I bet)
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Alexandria, Va.:
I am concerned with how the Republican spinmeisters are being given the opportunity to repeat their talking points right in the middle of the convention coverage. In the old days, the media used to keep the convention coverage as just that, and the spin from the opposition would be handled after the convention is over.
Do you have any feelings about this?
Mike McCurry : I like the old-fashioned tradition of the other party going dark during the opposition convention. On other hand, I don't feel GOP "counterspin" operation has been getting much attention and I am sure our operation in NYC will get ho-hum coverage, too.
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White Lake, Mich.:
How true to daily life in the White House is "The West Wing"? What do you think of the show and do you contribute to it like Dee Dee Meyers?
Mike McCurry : I only contribute a thought or an idea occasionally but Dee Dee, Gene Sperling, Marlin Fitzwater and other former WH aides have done a great job with that program. I think it shows the real human dimension of the WH -- idealistic people trying to follow conscience and sometimes getting overwhelmed by political reality. Most of the time, I think the plot lines ring true. But the set is all wrong and a little goofy -- Not even in a Clinton WH do that many people wander around aimlessly all the time!
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Chicago, Ill.:
Will you consider serving as President Obama's Press Secretary?
Mike McCurry : Hey, believe it or not I just met his campaign press secy this morning! A really bright and interesting guy. I laughed and told him it must be great being at the center of the universe. He seemed real sharp and Obama is obviously going to be a strong factor in the Senate. Maybe I just met one of my future successors?
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Arlington, Va.:
How do you think a Kerry Administration should deal with the bias of FoxNews? Kerry's critics will already have an advantage over him with a 24/7 spin machine in the guise of a "news" channel. Don't you think Kerry needs a specific strategy for dealing with FoxNews?
Mike McCurry : We are entering a time when there will be more and more "destination media" where people can go to congregate with their own kind. That worries me. You could spend your whole day listening to Rush and watching Fox and not get much perspective on people with a much different viewpoint. The answer is not necessarily to bulk up other networks with more perspective on the left. I think the real challenge is for the balanced, impartial press to make their product a helluva lot more entertaining and interesting so it attracts a bigger audience of people who really do want to decide for themselves.
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Arlington, Mass.:
I think it is great to involve young people in the convention, even to the point of asking them to speak, however, I think it would be better not to come across as prim and negative-- she seemed like a Mini Miss Manners with her "time out" comment-- and I don't think that will appeal to young folks who may, like you, watch the convention with their parents. Why not encourage a range of young voices, and let them be kids instead of "kid role models" expressing real concerns? This is not to say that the 11 year old who spoke wasn't obviously bright, motivated and involved-- but it seemed like a strange topic and played into the hands of the less substantive coverage.
What do you think? Am I being too judgemental here?
Thanks again for your great, insightful comments.
Mike McCurry : Yes, you are being a little judgemental. Of course, you could overdo the kiddy stuff but I think she provided a light moment. More important is getting young people interested in politics and the process. I have been trying to sneak some of my Junior Statesmen kids into the convention each day so they can get a taste of the circus here. I want them to get hooked and stay involved because the more we make politicians talk to young people, the more the politicians will talk about the future, about things that will change and about how they will impact the lives of generations to come. That's what politics needs to be about.
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Boston, Mass.:
Mike, How do you reconcile Clinton's abhorent behavior with his stature in the party? Are you at all embarrased by his actions and his apparent dishonesty?
Mike McCurry : Of course we were embarrassed and angry and appalled. That's why he needed to apologize to us all (you too) and why he did. I think the reality of his behavior affects his standing in the party but the enormity of his accomplishment in politics, policy, economy, and diplomacy earned him the stature he enjoys.
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Washington, D.C.:
As a spokesman for the White House, how were you able to reconcile the task of minimizing or delaying a story with journalistic instincts that tell you to pursue the truth and be open to inquiry? I had the pleasure of meeting you briefly at a University Press Club event and it seemed like you had a newsman's intuition.
Mike McCurry : Well, you use some of those reporter instincts to help you get to the bottom of information you need to do well in your briefing. Sometimes you cannot tell all you know for reasons of diplomacy, nat'l security, political sensitivity but you always have to help reporters stay on the road to truth. If you divert them falsely, you wind up hurting the president and yourself. Actually, I think the system has pretty good checks to make sure the Press Secy dishes up the information the press needs to keep people informed.
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Alexandria, Va.:
The Democrats are (in)famous for "circular firing squads" where they wreck their own chances. Do you see this changing for them? Is it likely to become a problem for the Republicans as different kinds of conservatives -- fiscal, social, civil libertarians, internationalists -- have trouble sticking together?
Mike McCurry : We've done a good job here of avoiding those circular firing squads. In fact, we have not aimed much heavy ammo in Bush's direction either. This has been a convention about lifting spirits and making people feel optimistic about America again. I think that's pretty good tonic. (I hope Kerry gives us a little gin to go with the tonic, though)
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Fairfax, Va.:
Mr. McCurry, Do you mid if I ask you for an instant reaction on the breaking news of the day? Today's news about the new book coming out seems devastating to the Kerry campaign. Assuming John Kerry knew that his fellow Naval officers would reveal that his Vietnam films were phoney, and that some of his Purple Heart medal wounds were self-inflicted, why do you think he made them such a centerpiece of his campaign so early, which gave the opposition plenty of time to prepare to fight back at a time of their choice?
Mike McCurry : Sorry, I will duck this one. Don't know about book you are referencing but I'll probably learn about it soon enough, it sounds like.
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Anonymous:
What do you think of George Stephanopoulos' jump to "the other side?"
Mike McCurry : He's my buddy and I am happy with the success he is now enjoying. He's earned it.
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Hattiesburg, Miss.:
Don't you think it's a little strange that the current Up-and-coming "stars" of the Democrat Party are people that have only been around for a very short time -- Hillary, Edwards, Obama? Can you give any reasons why a country would be willing to turn over control to such a lack of experience?
Mike McCurry : Well, we are not talking about giving them political power just yet. We are giving them center stage. It's always good to put some focus on rising stars and in the right cases, like Edwards (like the first JFK in '60), they earn our votes too. These conventions help us identfiy and promote those that the party will need to have in leadership positions in years to come.
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Washington, D.C.:
What did you think of Hillary's speech? Do you think she has what it takes to be President and could Bill handle being "First Gentleman?"
Mike McCurry : She could handle it. Not sure about him. He would have a hard time resisting the role of campaign manager. I'm glad she gave a real speech even though she cut into her husband's time a bit. I bet they had a little "discussion" about that later! I think both of them handled their roles here quite well, btw.
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Mike McCurry : Hey everyone, thanks tons for these good questions. Stay on-line with the Post. This is a fund place to rant and blog. Go Kerry!
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