From The Hotline for Thursday, July 9, 2009

CONSULTANT CANDID

Storm Surge

Thursday, July 9, 2009


Before recently founding The Surge Strategies, James Davis served as dep. dir. of media affairs at the RNC, leading the execution of booking nat'l and regional media for each WH debate. Prior to the RNC, he served as the assoc. comm. dir. at the '08 GOP Convo in St. Paul, MN. From '06 to '08, Davis served in the Office of the Asst. Defense Sec. Public Affairs. But today, he is our Consultant Candid.

What was your first job?

At age 13, I worked on a Vidalia onion farm. I secured my first political job while waiting tables to pay my way through college in GA. A serendipitous run in with then-Assistant Defense Sec. Powell Moore led to a job as Congressional Researcher for the Secretary of Defense.

What is your proudest moment professionally?

Helping General Petraeus and the many men and women of our Armed Forces inform the media, Members of Congress, and public on the success of the surge.

If you could be in any other line of work, what would it be?

I would own a Zaxby's franchise. Their "kickin' chicken sandwiches" are delicious, not to mention addictive.

Of what campaign (past, present or future) would you most like to be a part?

If Al Franken can win a Senate seat, I'd like to launch a campaign with comedian Dennis Miller.

What individual who does your kind of work for the other party do you respect the most, and why?

I like Rahm Emanuel because he's a get it done type of guy. Although mailing a dead fish was a little over-the-top.

Negative campaigning -- good or bad?

Don't you think the Apple commercials targeting PC were effective?

What one event in a candidate's past would pose the biggest problem in a campaign?

A lot of trips to Argentina.

What is your favorite restaurant to meet clients?

Mixtec, a low-key authentic Mexican spot in Adams Morgan. My fiancée's Dad owns the place so I'm probably good for a few more meals. I prefer to chat business at Off the Record where John always saves me a seat or two.

What is the first section of the newspaper you read?

I usually start with Carolyn Hax for a good laugh -- then I dive into the editorials.

If you could only watch one TV news show, what would it be?

Meet the Press.

A question from last week's Candid participant, Achim Bergmann of The Baughman Co.: What feature film do you believe has influenced American culture more so than any other, and why?

The 1942 film "Now, Voyager" where in a "grand romantic gesture" Paul Henreid lights a cigarette for Bette Davis. It was one of Hollywood's strongest endorsements of the tobacco industry.

Please pose a question for the next interviewee.

What's the worst hotel/place you've had to stay while on the campaign trail or with a client?