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Trump: "Rove needs to be fired by the Wall Street Journal. And Kimberley Strassel is embarrassing."

4/30/2016

(I'm a back bencher in the Trump 757, which has just taken off)

Trump:

"When is the last time Karl Rove got something right? Did you know that he never graduated college? It shows in this article about how hard it will be for the Republicans to unite behind me.
Really? How many Republicans will go to Hillary? How many Republicans are fine with her picking the next 5 Supreme Court justices?"

Manafort:

"He has no credibility. The rich Texas guys - Bob Perry, Robert Rowland, Trevor Rees-Jones - won't talk to him. He took $100 million for American Crossroads and another $70 for Crossroads Generation and invested in the great Mitt Romney. Jesus, $170 million pissed away.":

(Trump and Manafort laugh)

Trump:

"It's hard for me to get upset with Rove because he's such a loser and everyone knows it. I'm still laughing about him telling Fox that they were wrong, that Ohio was going for Romney, even after it was called for Obama."

(Trump and Manafort laugh again)

Manafort:

"Rove has a contract to write a column each Thursday for the Journal. You can be sure they will not renew that contract."

Trump:

"Kimberley Strassel is just as bad. She writes a column saying the delegates don't need to vote for the candidate who won the primary, Stupid."

Manafort:

"The Journal is pro-business, that's why they exist. They should endorse Trump. Hell, Cruz has never met a payroll."

Trump:

"The Journal disappoints me. They fight me everyday, in every article. I have millions of votes more than Cruz and Strassel says, 'Ignore that, pick who you want.' That's a big reason why I ran; to give the people a chance."

"Paul, I'm thinking about putting many my meetings on live tv as Presidentr. I want to televise my meetings with the VA management team because I'm going to give them an ass kicking and I like the idea of the regular American people watching."

Manafort:

"Donald, I like it. Let's call it government in action."

Trump:

"Let's not call it anything. But I can't wait. The same thing for the meetings with Senators. We're going on record. We're on live television when we discuss closing down Obamacare." And if a Senator has an objection, I'll tell him to turn to the camera and tell the American people why he thinks Obamacare should stay. When I take office, accountability starts on day one and live tv is the way to get accountability."

Manafort:

"And let's put together a program each night at 8 eastern with the highlights of your meetings. The American people can see you pushing to bring about the changes we proposed during the election."

Trump:

"Done. And I'll bring it up in the debates with Hillary. She will never live broadcast her meetings."

Manafort:

"No. She would not want America to see her in action - or should I say see her in-inaction."

(Trump and Manafort laugh one more time before Trump takes a call from Tim Clark)

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Sirius XM: An Hour in the Innovation Lab > Cool Custom Streaming Data

4/29/2016

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(I had a brief tour of the Innovation Lab at Sirius XM. There is a lot of very cool things in development. Thanks to Scott Greenstein, Chief Content Officer.)

Scott Greenstein:

STREAMING VIDEO and SECOND AUDIO CHANNEL

"We have a world of opportunity to increase our use of personalized data. For example, if a client is listening to CNBC, we can display the stock quote for every stock mentioned. And we're close to adding a second audio channel to say the quote quickly in say, a British or French accent, between the words of the announcer."

GAMING:

"As an upgrade, we could add a gaming channel for the passenger to play. Any game is available, including the ability to pick up where they left off at home."

PERFECT PERSONALIZATION:

"I'm embarrassed that after all these years that we would play even 1 song that you didn't want to hear. We're deep into testing the means to give feedback verbally and we're down to having an 85% success rate after just 10 songs.

BREAK IN:

"I've never liked being locked onto a single channel. We will offer the option for a personalized network. It is constantly scanning each channel for your content. We may offer an interview with Chelsea Handler, followed by three songs you like, with constant break-ins to announce changes in traffic."

"Just one time we enable you to avoid a long traffic jam, we will deliver value equal to a month's service. We're testing automated data from your car, that is, we attach a unit that sends us traffic data including video. We analyze it and deliver it to our audience. Our dedicated traffic channel is really unchanged over 50 years. We must give you data immediately on the fly, not have you go to our traffic channel and wait to see if there is useful information."

USEFUL INFORMATION:

"And that's our biggest push - useful information. If you are a Dodgers fan, we will break in with Dodger info, especially the live game. if you are a stock fan, we'll jump in with relevant info. If you want to know a good movie to see this weekend, just say, "Sirius, give me a few movie suggestions and we'll scan our data, recent on-air reviews for example, and deliver it to you. It's better than your cell phone because we deliver trusted sources that you have identified. Same with restaurants, with stores, with hotels. We have the data, we can get it to you when you need it."

"And Gordon, I've got to get back to work, thanks for visiting and we'll reach out to you again in about three months."

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Trump: It's Time to Start Working on a VP.

4/25/2016

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I'm a back bencher at today's 8:00 AM staff meeting of the Trump Campaign Managers.

Manafort:

"Donald, it is a plus for Cruz and Kasich to team up. America sees their true motive - nothing positive, only stop Trump."

Trump:

"It's pathetic. Since you are writing releases, be sure 'pathetic' is the message. What do you think, Corey?"

Lewandowski:

"Agreed, Mr. Trump. They can't win. So priority 1 is keeping you from winning."

Trump:

"OK, It's time to start working on a Vice President. I want someone who is in the Senate, and highly thought of, because in the first 2 months we're going to be all over them to vote and I'll have the full support of the voters. So, we need somebody who can go in for me and make it happen. And I need someone who takes direction, who follows orders. And I think that is Marco."

Manafort :

"Great choice. My polls are positive on Trump Rubio and he's the right choice for all of your reasons.'

Trump:

"And he has a good shot at becoming President because I'll get done everything I need to get done in four years. Corey, get Marco on the phone.

"Marco, this is Donald Trump. Did I catch you at a good time? Good. I want to tell you something and get your feedback. You are on my shortlist for Vice President. #1 I need a senator who can take our program in and get a vote. I'll have the American people behind me so you just need to get the vote. #2 I have high regard for you. You are a hell of a debater, you really know your stuff and I would appreciate your input. #3 I'm confident that I can get everything done in four years - hell, three years, so I'll endorse you 110% to succeed me. Are you in?"

(Mr. Trump left the room)

Trump returns to the room.

Trump: "Marco, I appreciate that. I'm not asking for your endorsement. This is a potential VP discussion and it's early in the process. No, I have not offered it to anyone and yes, I will speak to the three people on the short list." OK, great. I appreciate that and we'll meet in person sometime in the next two weeks. Thanks Marco."

Trump:

"He's in."

Wiley:

"I like Marco and I like Terry Sullivan (Rubio's campaign manager) who Marco will name chief of staff."

Manafort:

"Anything else? Sarah?"

Huckabee Sanders

"It's all good."

Manafort;

"Tim?"

"We're good."

Manafort:

"OK, let's get to work. The story this news cycle is that the Cruz Kasich effort is pathetic. It makes us stronger. It hurts them and helps us - we're going to change Washington and they will do anything, even work together, to try to stop us."

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"If Not for Corey, We Would Not Be Here - and You Would Not Need Me."

4/22/2016

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(I'm a back bencher in Donald Trump's 26th floor office in Trump Tower. Mr. Trump has left the room to take a call and Corey Lewandowski and Paul Manafort have their first chance to visit privately).

Paul Manafort pulls his chair closer to Corey Lewandowski and says, "Corey, I'm going to tell you three things that you can take to the bank. First, I appreciate the great job that you have done. Without you, we would not be here today. I've been involved in Republican campaigns since Gerald Ford, since before you were born, and your work on this campaign has been outstanding. OK?"

Corey leans forward, "Got it. Thanks."

Paul continues, "It is usual to bring in additional staff at this point of the campaign because different skills are needed. It is supplemental. Not in place of. I told Donald that a condition of my working on the campaign is that you stay on. Now you and I will not agree on everything but I promise you that you will have input and will continue to run the day to day business with me. Fair enough?"

Corey replies, "Fair enough."

Paul leans back, "and I promise you one more thing. We are going to have a hell of a lot of fun; more fun than you've ever had in your life. That's a promise. And with your help, I am very confident that we're going to win."

At this point Donald Trump returns.

Paul says, "Donald, I just mentioned to Corey that without his great work, we would not be where we are today - and you would not need me. And that I'm looking forward to working with him."

Mr Trump: "Great. I second the compliment and Corey, if I haven't said thank you for your efforts, I'll say it now, Thank You."

And Mr. Trump comes around his desk and shakes hands with Corey.

And Donald returns to his desk, turns to Manafort and says, "and so how are we going to win this thing."

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Senator: We Can't Get the Delegates

4/21/2016

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(I'm a back bencher at a Ted Cruz staff meeting).

Jeff Roe looks at David Polyanksy and Ken Cuccinelli to start the meeting.
(Roe is campaign manager, Polyansky is lead strategist and Cuccinelli herds delegates)

"Senator," Polyanksy starts slowly and quietly, "we're at a crossroads. We cannot earn enough delegates to take the convention. We're changing gears to move to delegate capture after the first vote. We're focusing on states with maximum delegate potential. We're focusing on winning our base. We're focused on keeping Trump below 1,237. And we're focused on winning on a later ballot at the convention"

Cruz looks up, "Keep going."

Polyanksy continues, "We're targeting Indiana. Fifty seven delegates. We're sending everyone to Pence to endorse you. We're getting former IU basketball players, all the former candidates, Larry Bird - everyone. We're drawing the line in Indiana."

Cruz looks at Roe, "Jeff?"

Jeff Roe replies, "It's our best strategy and our only strategy."

Cruz raises his voice, "Yes, and that gets me more fights with Hannity. And more charges that I'm an obstructionist and that I couldn't win with the voters. And I have to kiss the asses of the RNC and, you know, that's never been among my favorite asses to kiss."

The room was still.

It remained still for three minutes.

Cruz spoke up, "Jeff, David, have the written plan to me by 6:00 pm tomorrow, let's meet then to go over it."

Cruz continued, "Jeff, are you familiar with Isaiah 45:15? "

Roe smiled, "No senator, I can't say that I am.'

Cuccinelli spoke up, "The Lord works in mysterious ways."

Cruz smiled. "Thank you Ken. And would you get a bible for our heathen campaign manager?"

Cuccinelli smiled, "Absolutely senator. I was thinking about a children's edition."

Cruz smiled again "Great Ken. Make sure it has a lot of pictures. And I'm calling this meeting adjourned."

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Cruz: "Get me Ten Events a Day in California"

4/13/2016

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(I'm a back bencher in a meeting with Jeff Roe, Mark Campbell, Jason Johnson and Heidi Cruz; they are listening to Ted Cruz).

"Let me be clear. We will win California and then storm into Cleveland and take the convention. And you must do one thing above all else to make this happen."

Cruz looks at each person, in the eye, for what seems to be one minute without blinking.

No one says a word.

"I want 225 events in California with 150 between May 25 and the election on June 7. I want an interview with the local tv station at each event. I want an interview with the local paper at each event. I want heavy SM before, during and after, at each one. And I want a live broadcast on SM and my website at each one. No exceptions."

Ted paused to take a breath.

Jeff speaks up, "Ted, that's ten events a day, seven days a week."

Ted replies, "Ten a day. Sounds great. That's ten more than Donald, most days."

Ted continues: "No screwups. No exceptions. No changes. Just execution. While Trump helicopters in, we will have been there twice already."

Ted turns to Jeff Roe. "Jeff, you went to Northwest Missouri State and they had a little football team, the bearcats, right?"

Jeff smiles, "Yes sir."

Ted laughs, "Well, just like your bearcats, I'm going to leave everything on the field. Get me 225 events in California and 150 after Washington up to election day."

The room remains silent.

Ted wraps it up, "OK, let's go. And Jeff, have the first draft of the written plan to me tomorrow at 6:00."

Ted leaves the room, and returns, " And order six cases of Red Bull for the bus."

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"What About the Voters" Reince Priebus on Kim Strassel's Suggestion

4/11/2016

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(Monday Morning RNC Staff Meeting - I'm a Back Bencher)

Elisabeth Steil, executive assistant, has the conference call set up. "Mr. Priebus, we're ready to start."

No less than 67 people are on the conference call and about 25 are in the room.

"Reince, this is Chris Young. I'm in New Orleans today and I'm getting heavy blowback from the Journal editorial by Kim Strassel."

Reince replies, "Chris, that's not on the agenda but I'll give it 90 seconds and you have 30 to give us a summary."

Chris, the National Field Director, appears to be reading from notes; "Thanks. Kim Strassel of the Wall Street Journal espouses a proposal by Eric O'Keefe, a grassroots activist, calling for delegates to vote for whoever they choose. Basically ignore the voters."

Reince jumps in, "Yes, it's so easy for Kimberly and Eric - and I know Eric, he operates in Wisconsin - to decide what is best for the Party. Let me make this unequivocally clear. The voters decide who the candidate will be based on our rules. This is another end run around the leading candidate. Let me ask everyone, are we well served as a Party when a candidate pulls delegates from the candidate chosen by the voters?"

Reince continues, "So Chris, thanks for bringing this up. Kim Strassel has the luxury of writing stories; I have the responsibility to enforce the actions of our voters. Kim's story never asked, What about the voters." I ask that question every day, in every meeting. And when we look to people like Eric O'Keefe for answers, we're really in trouble."

"Elisabeth, we've got a lot of agenda items - get us back on track."

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“Mr. Priebus: Hugh Hewitt is On the Phone.”

4/6/2016

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“Mr. Priebus: Hugh Hewitt is On the Phone.”

(I am attending the daily RNC morning meeting as a back bencher. During the conference call, a high pitched beep is heard and Elisabeth Steil puts the main call on hold and announces: “Mr Priebus, it’s High Hewitt on the line.”)

“Hugh, thanks for your call. We’re on the daily call, can you keep it to 3 minutes?”

Hugh Hewitt speaks, typical Hugh, cool, calm reserved, well thought-out.

“Reince, I can keep it to 90 seconds. You need to be much more direct with questions regarding the rules of the Convention. I’m concerned that we will be seen as flexible. We’re rock solid on how we will proceed and you need to be rock solid when asked about convention rules.”

Reince looked up from the floor, “Thanks Hugh. I have it covered.”

“Reince, I wish that were the case. You don’t have it covered. You need to take charge. Be clear. This is where you take a stand - it’s the key role of the party chairman.”

“Hugh, thanks. We appreciate you and Salem more than you know. I’ve got to get back to the call.’

Hugh called out, “Reince, take a stand now. I can give you many things but I can’t give you heart and I can’t give you guts. Act now.”

Reince is grimacing, “Thanks again Hugh“ and motions to Elisabeth to resume the call.

Sharon Day, takes the lead and Reince pulls Natalie Strom aside, “Send Hugh my last press release and underline the reference to the rules. Thanks”

And Reince takes a long sip of coffee, nods to Sharon and jumps into the call.

It’s 9:05 am and for Reince Priebus, this day has 11 hours to go.

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Trump: "Rove needs to be fired by the Wall Street Journal. And Kimberley Strassel is embarrassing."

Sirius XM: An Hour in the Innovation Lab > Cool Custom Streaming Data

Trump: It's Time to Start Working on a VP.

"If Not for Corey, We Would Not Be Here - and You Would Not Need Me."

Senator: We Can't Get the Delegates

Cruz: "Get me Ten Events a Day in California"

"What About the Voters" Reince Priebus on Kim Strassel's Suggestion

“Mr. Priebus: Hugh Hewitt is On the Phone.”

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