Steve Elmendorf
Steve Elmendorf
Steven A. Elmendorf, a lobbyist in Washington, D.C., was a senior advisor to House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt for 12 years, serving as his chief of staff after 1997. Elmendorf was also deputy campaign manager for U.S. Senator John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic nominee for president...
figure large lots morning offer people point talking view wake whether
A large part of it is getting a sense from the candidates' point of view of whether or not they really want to do this. Lots of people want to be president, but they've got to figure out: 'What do I have to offer that's going to make people want me to be president?' It's not something people wake up with one morning crystallized in their head. A lot of it comes from being out there, talking to people, test-driving their message.
groups size spending
Not many other groups of this size are spending $40 million. I think it will have an impact.
party speak worried
No congressional party is ever going to speak with one voice. It?s not possible. And I?m not worried about that.
acting build figure good major partisan program side stomach
I just don't think there will be a stomach for a major partisan program on one side or the other. You are going to have to figure out some things that let each side know that the other is acting in good faith, and build a relationship--which could take some time.
party winning important
The bloggers and online donors represent an important resource for the party, but they are not representative of the majority you need to win elections,