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WHEN HE RAN for president in 2004, Democrats were counting on John Kerry’s military service to define him as a strong leader in a time of war. The decorated Vietnam veteran headed into the party’s convention with a small lead over President George W. Bush, who had dodged serving by enlisting in Texas’ Air National Guard. But just a week after Democrats officially nominated Kerry, he was attacked with a brutal and deceptive series of ads from an unexpected quarter: veterans who, like him, had served on swift boats in Vietnam.
Kerry’s lead evaporated, and the campaign never recovered, as “Swift Boating” entered the lexicon as shorthand for a dishonest political smear. The man largely responsible for the ads was a Virginia consultant named Chris LaCivita. He’s now co–campaign manager for Donald Trump, who, in March, also had him installed as the Republican National Committee’s chief operating officer.
If history is any guide, LaCivita’s command of Trumpworld should make Democrats very, very worried. “Chris is one of the most effective campaign operatives I have ever known,” says his friend Mo Elleithee, a former Democratic strategist who now works at Georgetown University. “He is a brassknuckle brawler who understands what moves voters…He pulls no punches.”
When Trump first announced a presidential run in 2015, the reality TV star’s campaign was a disorganized mess, run by a revolving cast of characters. (Remember Corey Lewandowski?) Several would be convicted for crimes related to the special counsel’s investigation into the campaign’s links to Russia.
Denne historien er fra May/June 2024-utgaven av Mother Jones.
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Denne historien er fra May/June 2024-utgaven av Mother Jones.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9500+ magasiner og aviser.
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TURNING THE TIDE
How Hawaii stopped locking girls up by starting to listen to them

"WE DON'T ACTUALLY GIVE A FUCK"
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A CHILLING EFFECT
The Trump administration threatens polar ice research that could help save us from climate change.

CYBER SECESSIONISTS
Silicon Valley moguls are creating regulation-free, crypto-based “network states.” And hoping to gobble up land near you.

PARENT TRAP
Tech bros and “trads” are pushing women to have more babies. Just as long as they're the right kind of women.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Meet the Elon Musk fans remaking education in his image.

"TRUMP'S FAVORITE DEMOCRAT❞
Grassroots progressives used to love John Fetterman. Now they wonder what happened to him.

FARM REDUCTION
The Trump administration's assault on small farmers

ASPIES ÜBER ALLES
Elon Musk believes autism makes him superhuman. Just don't call it that.

PUNCHING ABOVE OUR WEIGHT
Thanks to you, our trophy closet is overflowing.