April 07, 2008

Penn Out

It seems Mark Penn's meeting with the Colombian ambassador about a trade pact opposed by Hillary Clinton was the final straw. The embattled Penn, who feuded with Clinton's other top advisers, has resigned, according to reports. Clinton has been working hard to cast herself as opposed to NAFTA and other trade deals that would send U.S. jobs abroad. In states with significant blue-collar populations, OH, in particular, and PA, which votes April 22, Clinton's position on trade is particularly important. Penn's meeting with the diplomat -- taken, of course, in his capacity as CEO of PR giant Burson-Marsteller -- threatened to jeopardize Clinton's work on the issue.

Clinton stood by Penn previously, despite his feuds with other key advisers, Harold Ickes and Mandy Grunwald. He is the latest Clinton casualty. Others to leave, of course: fmr campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle; her deputy, Mike Henry; and several other members of Solis Doyle's team. New camp manager, Maggie Williams, likely had some say in Penn's departure.

Per Williams: "After the events of the last few days, Mark Penn has asked to give up his role as Chief Strategist of the Clinton Campaign; Mark, and Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates, Inc. will continue to provide polling and advice to the campaign. Geoff Garin and Howard Wolfson will coordinate the campaign's strategic message team going forward."

There was likely a collective sigh of relief from the Team Clinton upon Penn's departure. The internal friction had reached a breaking point by many accounts. But whether Penn's ouster will ease their pain, to borrow from one of my favorite movies, remains to be seen. Clinton still faces an uphill climb, and many could argue that the "strength and experience" pitch that Penn crafted for her was -- and remains -- her strongest battle cry.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)

Posted at 07:58 AM

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