A Victory for Decent Americans

We need to remember that Clinton top strategist Mark Penn, now revealed for the shady character he is, is and has been a darling and trusted confidant of both Hil and Bil for over a decade.

To believe that he acted without their complete knowledge and approval is folly.

The dark and negative tone of Hillary's campaign, while executed by Penn, still reflects the core of her values - and willingness to win at any cost.

It is good to have Penn gone. Next up? It's time for the master puppeteer, herself, to go.

Important to note that Penn is not really gone - he's still being kept around as Hil's pollster. Let's here it for loyalty!

zjm
Penn Is Out As Clinton's Chief Strategist

UPDATE -- 8:24 p.m.

While the news of chief political strategist Mark J. Penn's abrupt departure from Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign this evening took many in the Democratic political world by surprise, talk soon turned to how the move would impact the overall message of the campaign. One Democratic consultant, granted anonymity to speak candidly, predicted "a less combative campaign and more focused on her strengths."

Penn was a major influence in Clinton's decision to focus on her toughness and readiness to be commander in chief during the campaign. He was one of the guiding forces behind the now-infamous "3 am" telephone ringing at the White House ad that sought to raise questions about Sen. Barack Obama's (Ill.) ability to lead the country in the event of a national security crisis. That ad ran in the lead-up to Ohio's March 4 primary, which Clinton won by double-digits.

As recently as last week, Penn continued to push that line of attack on a campaign conference call with reporters. "Part of the vetting process is who is ready to be commander in chief," he said, before adding: "We believe Senator Clinton is the most ready to be commander in chief."

The shakeup was announced this evening in a statement issued by campaign manager Maggie 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," Williams said. "Mark, and Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates, Inc. will continue to provide polling and advice to the campaign." Sources close to Clinton insist Penn stepped aside and was not forced to relinquish his position.

The events Williams is referring to is a meeting between Penn and the Colombian government as he sought to help them negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement between themselves and the United States. Clinton is on the record in opposition to the plan, and, Penn was forced to issue a quick apology once the news of his meeting was reported. Several labor unions called for Penn to be fired from the campaign, however, and it appears as though Clinton took the moment to rearrange her political operation.

Stepping into the void left by Penn are Geoff Garin, a pollster and partner in Garin-Hart-Yang Research, as well as communications director Howard Wolfson -- a longtime Clinton loyalist who has been intimately involved in each of the New York Senator's campaigns.

The removal of Penn from his coveted slot atop the Clinton political team marks the end of a tempestuous tenure for the pollster. Penn's relationship with the Clintons goes back to former President Clinton's 1996 reelection race. Penn also served as the political strategist for Hillary Clinton's first run for Senate in 2000 and played the same role in 2006 as the New York Senator prepared to run for president.

Penn enjoyed the Clintons' trust and loyalty as evidenced by the fact that he remained in the catbird's seat even as the presidential campaign saw its original plan dashed by the candidacy of Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.). Penn occasionally clashed with other members of Clinton's inner circle but the candidate always seemed unwilling to lessen his role within her orbit. (For more on Penn, make sure to read the piece penned by the Post's Anne Kornblut.)

Penn's demotion is the latest in a series of moves made by Clinton as she seeks to convince voters and superdelegates that she remains in contention for the Democratic nomination. Campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle and deputy campaign manager Mike Henry left the staff earlier this year.

Stories of staff shuffles rarely penetrate the average voter's consciousness but Penn's decision may be an exception as he was an extremely high profile member of Clinton's team. We'll be monitoring that fallout as it develops. Stay tuned.