Dukakis in a Tank: White House Comms Pros Talk Presidential Optics, with Josh King and Kevin Sullivan
Description
1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis in a tank is an image that has become synonymous with abject public relations failure. And for marketers and PR practitioners, it serves as an enduring reminder of the power that our mistakes have to burn down powerful people and institutions in one moment of lapsed judgment.
Josh King was a junior campaign staffer for the Dukakis campaign, and went on to serve as White House director of production for presidential events under President Bill Clinton. Kevin Sullivan served as White House communications director under President George W. Bush.
And with another election this week--chock full of its own PR lessons and case studies--Josh and Kevin will shed new light on the political legend of Dukakis in a Tank, offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the Clinton and Bush administrations, and explore 32 years worth of other presidential PR blunders.
Because, after participating in democracy this year, we've all earned a good chuckle...
Also, please vote if you haven't yet.
The videos and stories we’ve seen and heard from Hurricanes Helene and Milton over the last month have been truly horrific.
They're an important reminder that the rescue and recovery crews who rush into these disaster zones are invaluable...
...as is the work of public affairs crews and reporters...
Published 11/01/24
The image of 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis riding in a tank has become synonymous with abject public relations failure.
For marketers and PR practitioners, it serves as an enduring reminder of the power that our mistakes have to burn down powerful people and institutions...
Published 10/02/24