From Client Service To Public Service

With only 34 days until the presidential election, it would seem that relevance trumps otherwise timeless conversation on the topic of client service. Since I've worked in dozens of campaigns, including two presidentials, my passion for public service and politics will move to the forefront - at least until the November election.

As I write this post, the Dow is down slightly after a record loss on Monday and a bit of a rebound yesterday, based largely on the hopes that despite the House vote against the bailout plan, there will be a deal in place by week's end. Let's see how the Senate steps up today and how the market responds.

This economic crisis has offered a rare blend of electoral politics and high stakes governance. There's nothing quite like watching the conflict between self preservation and doing what's truly best for the country. What's more, poor communication has been center stage as the public rages against a bailout plan that was horribly presented and so poorly explained to the American people.

Voters typically don't support bills (especially the $700 billion variety) when they don't understand the issue. Of course, since Capitol Hill doesn't trust the White House, voters don't trust Washington, and members of Congress (of which all 435 are up for re-election) need voters' support to get re-elected, therein explains the results of the House vote and the market's response.

It should be a fascinating week!

Public Service & Priorities

Today, two days after father's day, America will lay to rest ones of its favorite sons. The tributes to Timothy J. Russert have shown a heartfelt consistency about how he lived his life. Tim Russert was dedicated to his real and professional families in a manner that should serve as an important reminder about our priorities. He brought passion to his work and his life, and he will be deeply missed.

Russert served as chief encouragement officer to his team and chief explaining officer to the American people. He was dedicated not only to asking the questions average Americans would like to ask their leaders, but more importantly, he cared enough for all of us to listen to their answers. He brought civility and fairness to American political discourse and its voice was heard clearly, even in a world where acrimony and partisanship tried so desperately to drown it out.

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said that John and Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were men who would have chosen the same lives again despite their shortness of years because of the way they lived and the impact they had. Tim Russert was taken from this earth at only 58, yet his impact on this nation is undeniable. His commitment to those he knew personally and to those he did not was unmistakable.

For me, Meet the Press with Tim Russert has been a Sunday morning routine now for years. I took for granted that he would be there each and every week, where he would ground us, set the tone for the political debate for the following week, only to have to ground us again seven days later.

Lately PR professionals and journalists have been whining about mindless, meaningless issues. We'd all do well to follow the advice found on a sign that was prominently displayed in Russert's office, "Thou shalt not whine." Let us remember the selflessness, passion, and joy with which he lived his life and do our best to live it in our own.