As the 2008 Presidential race heats up (was it ever frigid?), more media outlets are running Mark Penn-Hillary Clinton stories. Even though Penn, CEO of Burson-Marsteller, has repeatedly said that his only client work is currently with Microsoft, journalists are quick to point out any difference in Clinton's campaign messaging with that of other B-M clients.
The Nation was the
first, I think.
Bloomberg News (@
The New York Sun) Contradictions between Mr. Penn's private business dealings and Mrs. Clinton's public policy positions — which Mr. Penn helps formulate and sell to voters — point up potential clashes in doing both campaign consulting and corporate advocacy. Mr. Penn's firm works for clients, from a tobacco company to drugmakers, whose interests are often at odds with the New York senator's agenda.
A Nation blog follow up.
Additional commentary: The Guardian
Previous coverage at the Cycle