April 19, 2006

Who Replaces Scott?

As first reported by CNN yesterday, Tony Snow has spoken with the WH about the job.

Other names mentioned:

Rob Nichols, currently the pres. of the Financal Services Forum? Insiders think his appointment is unlikely, although he does know Bolten.

Dan Bartlett It would obviously be a step down, but he is arguably the best on-camera communicator the Bush White House has... and he has a good relationship with most members of the press. He's also -- obviously -- very close to Bolten and Bush. He could do it for the rest of the year, groom a deputy in the meantime.

Victoria Clark -- She's close to Bolten, and, importantly, could assert herself as a peer to Rove and Bartlett. Would she take the job if her access to Bush and Bolten were guaranteed? Would the WH worry about her role as Pentagon spokeswoman during the Iraq war? Still, Clarke, asked a few weeks back about whether she'd take the job, replied: "You know, what did Sherman say? If nominated, won't run; if elected, will not serve. Not happening."

Dan Senor -- very well liked, but some in the president's circle believe that he enjoyed the spotlight a bit too much when he was Bremer's press guy. The Bush White House doesn't reward flash and sizzle, at least when manifested by aides to the president. His recent marriage to NBCer Campbell Brown is considered by some Republicans to be a "deal-breaker."

Brian Jones -- currently the RNC's comm. dir. Considered one of the best managers in the GOP comm. business. But he'll likely stay at the RNC. He also lacks on-camera experience.

Ron Bonjean -- current comm. dir to Denny Hastert; former comm. chief for Don Evans; has crisis experience, to boot. (He worked for Trent Lott during the relevant period of Mr. Lott's career.) Smart and talented and well-liked by the press. However, he is also not likely to leave his current job. [MARC AMBINDER]

Posted at 09:54 AM

Comments

It makes little difference since this is a job of mis-information and stonewalling in the first place and the sorry press rarely asks a tough question anyway. Tony Snow is the obvious choice. Having worked for FOX, he is already trained in spin, distortion of the facts and pure propaganda.

Pilsner | 04.19.06 01:29 PM

Here's a name who ought to be considered: Mark Corallo, former top communications guy at Justice, now in private practice with a client list that includes a dude named Karl Rove.

Mr. Anon Y. Mus | 04.19.06 01:53 PM

The Japanese company Mitsubishi, under contract to KBR, a division of Halliburton, is right now building the Pressbot 2006, a robotic humanoid/android press secretary that will be set on full spin mode when delivered to the White House next week. It is envisioned that journalists will no longer waste time asking questions, as the Pressbot 2006 will only supply administration approved talking points and denials...wait, we already had one of those, never mind!

Da VP | 04.20.06 03:08 PM

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