McKinnon to depart Team McCain

Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:50 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: 2008, McCain, Obama

From NBC's Mark Murray
McCain media consultant Mark McKinnon has told many in the press, including First Read, that he would no longer work for McCain if Obama becomes the Democratic nominee.

McKinnon, a former Democrat who was an integral member of George W. Bush's two successful presidential bids, has reconfirmed that pledge to the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza. "'I'll be transitioning, shifting position from linebacker to head cheerleader,' said the always-colorful McKinnon. He added that he would continued to be a 'friend and fan' to the campaign."

"'I just don't want to work against an Obama candidacy,' McKinnon told Cox Washington bureau chief Ken Herman [last summer]; electing Obama, he added, 'would send a great message to the country and the world.' McKinnon said at the time he would vote for McCain."

More from Cillizza: "The task of creating the ads and media strategy for the campaign will now fall to a trio of consultants -- Fred Davis, Chris Mottola and Mike Hudome -- known collectively as Foxhole Media. Hudome will be heading up the effort."

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Comments

Smart move. You wouldn't want to work against what the people are going to support.

Lee-- Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:57 PM)

So, even someone in the McCain campaign feels that Obama is the Democratic nominee...interesting!

Beth, Denton, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:57 PM)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are actually running now. How obvious does it have to get to realize that the GOP has wanted Hillary to win the nomination: "'I just don't want to work against an Obama candidacy,' McKinnon told Cox Washington bureau chief Ken Herman [last summer]."

This just proves that the GOP fear Obama.

Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America.

Paul, Riverside, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:59 PM)

Wow... this is quite a story. The rules of the game continue to change. A man of values: you've got to love it.

A Dissertation on Disillusionment: http://blakeneven.blogspot.com

Blake, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:59 PM)

and you tell me Obama cannot win the GE ? Alot of nay-sayers will be eating crow come November.

Valerie,CT (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:59 PM)

you are man who is a truly good to his word person. i wish every politition were like this guy. but i wonder why he went to work for GWB. well i guess show me money will make you do any thing but its good to see for some there is more than money.

jeff D Evanston Il (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:00 PM)

Markie Mack has conviction. Good for him.

Blaine (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:01 PM)

McKinnon: strange guy.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:01 PM)

This guy adds a welcome touch of gray to a world of black and white. This just goes to show you that you don't have to be jumping down the other person's throat and glorifying your own candidate to be active politically.

P, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:02 PM)

That is very interesting what does that say about his thoughts in Senator Clinton. He would have stayed on to fight against her? This democrat fight needs to end. I am tired of Johnny Boy McBush getting to take pot shots at our nominee. I think him and his Siamese twin Bush need a very long vacation.

Brian M. De. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:03 PM)

Way cool! A Washington guy who sees the truth and has integrity!! This country needs everyone like you!

Cherie Kansas City MO (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:03 PM)

It's like the Twlight Zone. What message does he want to send the country and world? "We aren't racist, look we elected an black guy?" Or is it "hope" trumps "reality"????????????????????????????????????????????????

Bobbi, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:07 PM)

I’m with him on the racist vote. It doesn’t help the party or the nation to have these lost souls in our tent. Go vote for McCain. Mudcatt

Hussein (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:09 PM)

Does McFossil have anyone left on his campaign? Oh yeah, Charlie Black and George Bush........that should do it.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

This just goes to prove what most of us already knew: many Republicans will be voting for Obama.

Ron Jeffers, Arizona Independent (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:10 PM)

Kudos for principles! I've seen many "Republican" types (like my Dad) come to support Obama. They may disagree with his ideas, but everyone agrees we need to limit special interest groups and restore some semblance of integrity to the Office of the Presidency. Obama is it if that's your priority. If you want the same BS then McCaine's your guy.

Pete, Austin TX (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:12 PM)

An attack of conscience causes a turncoat Democrat to quit "Lobbyist Lover" McCain's campaign. Now that's funny and so ironic. The Double Talk Express keeps hitting bumps in the road daily. It'll crash and burn in early November and that will be the best thing that could happen to our democracy.

Go Obama 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:12 PM)

Now there's something to behold. A person leaving McCain's campaign because their conscious won't let them oppose Obama. Well then, there must be something to Barack then, huh? But of course I already knew that, which is why he can count on my vote in November, just like when we had our primary here in NC.

HBOOGY, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:13 PM)

It's clear McCain's campaign would've been an easier one to prosecute if Hillary were the dem. nominee...all he'ld have to do is take the book off Karl Rove's shelf, entitled, the Republican Campaign Against Hillary, he wrote in the event she were to run for president...in otherwords, they already planned for this, and have a strategy already set. But, they never planned on running against Obama....now, they have to think about a new campaign strategy. And we all know what happens when republicans have to think...they self implode!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:13 PM)

it is about CONVICTION, and pure conscience. Remember the words of Bill Richardson when he chose Obama over Clinton?

sem, va (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

It is sad , that for what ever reason people believe Obama will be the next President. He still has a lot to answer for regarding his associate in Chicago/Illinois political arena. Answer for all the favors he did as and Illinois state assemblyman. Have of those he helped are in jail, on their way or should be in jail. The price is high Mr. Obama to be able to donations for your various campaigns , by rewarding the donors with state funds.

jpmichigan (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

Dear mark McKinnon: Can you please show Hillary the writing that you saw on the wall. Thanks.

Oscar, Rio Vista CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:15 PM)

How strange, a professional political operative who signed up as a player for one team, then decides that the opposition looks to tough to take on and it would be wiser for himself to defect. Maybe not so weird. Did not Ann Coulter say she would vote Democratic if McCain ran? Strange times indeed. I think this is only the begaining. There are a lot of disingenuous politicos on the right.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach,Ca. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:16 PM)

This guy stated this quite a while back. From what I've read he was (is) a democrat that got on the Bush bandwagon. It was never sure how much of a republican he really became. I'm guessing he still has a few more paychecks from the McCain campaign before Obama is the official candidate, thus the 'he'll vote for McCain' comment.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:17 PM)

Obviously a man of integrity!! Welcome aboard the Obama Train, Mr. McKinnon!

Janice Rockett - Glenwood, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:22 PM)

Perhaps, he's also disillusioned and disheartened with McCain. He wouldn't say that, of course. I'd be embarrassed to be part of a team trying to push McCain down Americans throats. Americans ARE going to notice what a crooked, dumb, doddering old wreck McCain actually is.

Bonnie, Ut (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:22 PM)

Excellent! I wish more people would demonstrate integrity and not just talk about it.

Obama/Casey (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:25 PM)

Why in the world would McCain keep this guy? Or let him continue to talk to the press? I mean, I agree with him, but it's just crazy to think McCain is paying him for this!

squintz, philly, pa (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:29 PM)

I am not surprised by this turn of events.

McCainWearsDepends (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:31 PM)

It seems like this will be the era where principles rise to the top!!

THERE REALLY IS HOPE!!!!

TLA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:32 PM)

Another man of principles! This says a lot about Obama's character.

demcor (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:32 PM)

Where's Hillary, how come she isn't jumping on the bandwagon?

boogeyman, mamaroneck, ny (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:32 PM)

Hey, JPmichigan--Let's hear the facts about your comments that are at this point nothing but gossip and inuendo. The war-mongering,gossip-mongering and smear-mongering tactics will not cut it in this campaign season. It is a fact that Senator McCain called his wife a c**t in front of people. How's that for gossip. I'll be happy to send some more your way if you keep it up.

obama has Integrity (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:38 PM)

jpmichigan:

Many of the people that the Clintons have done business with are in jail. Many others are dead. The double standard is tiresome. As usual, Clinton supporters criticize Obama's ethics, while ignoring the fact that they are supporting one of the most corrupt politicians in the country.

Was Obama responsible for all of the classified FBI files mysteriously appearing in the White House?

Did Obama fire the travel office employees in violation of Federal Law?

Did Obama hide billing records and then release them after the statute of limitations expired?

Did Obama pardon terrorists in exchange for campaign donations?

Did Obama steal furniture from the White House?

Did Obama pardon Marc Rich, in exchange for campaign donations?

Did Obama use the power of his office, in order to sodomize female interns in the Oval Office? Yes, I know that wasn't Hillary, but still, Bill is a surrogate on her campaign. He is fair game.

Maybe Clinton supporters should ask themselves these questions. Try cleaning Hillary's house first, before you challenge Obama on ethics.

Obama in 2008. Integrity matters and the Clintons have none.

Sick of corruption, sick of the Clintons (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:40 PM)

Would Obama want a guy who was a former democrat that switched to Bush and then jumped on McCain? I suppose if he's truly interested in reaching across the aisle . . . but I'd keep an eye on him nonetheless.

Jason, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:46 PM)

Mr. McKinnon
Kudos to you for your dignity, class and principles. Those qualities are a rare commodity today, but no less priceless and treasured.

R (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:46 PM)

Obviously, he's a fraid he'll be race baited since that's what Obama does best.

Yes integrity matters, and Obama has none.

Sick of the lies and the race baiting, sick of Obama (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:48 PM)

McKinnon didn't want to sling mud at Obama. He recognizes that Obama is the candidate that will return the US to moral leadership in the world and had the conscience to not want to twist the message of unity with the usual fear mongering distortions of truth.

Bobby K. , Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:50 PM)

Wow! What a story! This sends a huge message to both Republicans & Democrats! Actually to all Americans!

Frank Anaheim, Ca. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:51 PM)

Strange days indeed. Most peculiar Momma.

Tommy, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:51 PM)

Oh wow, big kudos for the Obama campaign!! Smart move. :)

Maverick49 (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:52 PM)

Just voted for Obama here in Louisville Kentucky...Wow did it feel great...Alot of Obama signs around...

mike louisville Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:53 PM)

This is funny stuff......

electing Obama, he added, 'would send a great message to the country and the world.'

Take that McWar!!!!

Matt, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:57 PM)

'I just don't want to work against an Obama candidacy,' McKinnon told Cox Washington bureau chief Ken Herman [last summer]; electing Obama, he added, 'would send a great message to the country and the world.'

HIS WORD MEANS THAT, HE CAN NOT OPPOSE WHOM GOD HAS ELECTED.. HE IS THOUGH A HONEST MAN. COS HE LOVE AMERICA AND WILL NOT STAND FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WNAT AMERICA TO GO FORWARD, HE RATHER MOVE AWAY FROM BEEN A REPUBLICAN THAN BEARING THAT NAME JOH MC-REPUBLICAN TO DESTROY THE GRATE- JOY AND CHANGE AMERICA IS ABOUT RECIEVING FROM THE POSTION GOD HAS PUT SEN BARRACK OBAMA TO GO AND DELIVER HIS PEOPLE

UBBOR FRANK (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:02 PM)

Who is left running the McCain/Bush III campaign. Most have either resigned or been forced out.

Tom, Burke, VA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:02 PM)

Here is a lesson for Hillary. Man living by his principles.

frank, Cal (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:02 PM)

Was McKinnon a mole all this time? Unbelievable that he had the gull to work for McCain and not be committed to the McCain Presidency.

lili,cs,co (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

lets see you were a democrat, now a republican
you worked on McCain campaign but now that it looks as if it will be Obama and Mccain you don't want to work against Obama. My gosh, I guess you see the light and do not wish to be caught on the losing end I guess this means if it had Been Clinton you would have stayed put????

Lutisha Ark (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:03 PM)

WOW!! This guy said what last year? And this year he actually is going to do it.

WOW AGAIN!! I think maybe Hillary and Bill might be able to learn something from this guy. INTEGRETY. Of course, they would realy have to want to!

BC, Boise (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:05 PM)

Sounds like McKinnon is a political opportunist. He will be very embarassed if Obama doesn't become Pres. Then who will he kiss up to?

j,cs,co (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:05 PM)

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