After a rough-and-tumble week in the U.S. Senate race, I talked with both campaign spokespersons about the significance of national figures, the upcoming joint appearance and how the race looks now just 57 days out.
Both Sen. Jim Talent's campaign spokesman Rich Chrismer and Claire McCaskill's spokeswoman Adrianne Marsh work tirelessly for their candidates, are fiercely loyal and at times too careful in talking to people like me. Both have been a pleasure to work with during this race.
These are excerpts of conversations I had with both Chrismer and Marsh in separate telephone interviews.
On the Bush/Clinton visits:
Chrismer: This isn't the first time she's brought in a national figure. There's been Harry Reid, Howard Dean, John Edwards and now Hillary Clinton's husband.
Catanese: Wait, Hillary Clinton's husband? Why do you call him that? He's a former President.
Chrismer: Well, I'm sure Hillary Clinton will be campaigning for her sometime in Missouri. It was her husband today.
Marsh: There's no plan to bring (Hillary Clinton) in.
Catanese: Why not? Why not have her in for a fundraiser?
Marsh: I don't know why or why not, there just isn't.
Catanese: So does it make any difference if Bush comes in for Talent and Clinton comes in for McCaskill?
Marsh: There's a big difference because the Bush legacy is bound to be abysmal. There was a lot of nostalgia today for the good times with Clinton. When Bush comes to town, people come out to protest, when Clinton comes people think of the good economic times, peace and prosperity we had in this country.
Other Big Names to Come?
Marsh: There is some talk in bringing Barack Obama in. We've heard he wants to come back in to help Claire. Cheryl Crow is having a fundraiser (today) in St. Louis for Claire at a private home.
Catanese: Is Claire McCaskill attending a fundraiser with Ted Kennedy the day before the Meet the Press debate?
Marsh: Another person asked me about that today. We have no plan to do that. It's the first I've heard of it. Claire will be occupied with other things the day before the debate.
Gaining Momentum?
Catanese: Do you feel like you've been gaining momentum recently with a bump in the polls and possible missteps by your opponent?
Chrismer: Senator Talent has said (the Katrina comment) was over the top. Certainly the opportunity to get our message out has had an impact. Claire McCaskill's record is becoming more clear for voters and we will continue to draw distinctions.
Catanese: Do you feel you've hit a rough patch with Talent gaining in the polls and the recent flare-up over Claire's Katrina comment?
Marsh: No, not at all. First, he's not up in the polls. That USA Today Gallup poll was slated for Republicans. The (Post-Dispatch) poll is more representative of where this race is. Clearly, there was some movement by Talent, but with $2.5 million spent, it's not surprising. But the money gap is closing. I think he's in for a tough ride.
Catanese: Was her comment about Katrina and the President a mistake?
Marsh: No, it wasn't a mistake. She was acknowledging what people felt at that time. You remember the pictures on TV, there was a real feeling of abandonment down there. She's not running away from her remarks. She knew the blogger was in the room. Now, I was a little surprised the next day, I can tell you that.
Catanese: How did a blogger get into the meeting if the mainstream media wasn't allowed?
Marsh: You know, that's a good question. I really don't know.
On Friday's forum with the Missouri Press Association:
Catanese: Is Sen. Talent doing any debate prep for this Friday's forum?
Chrismer: Senator Talent is ready to debate the issues with Claire McCaskill. Senator Talent prepares every day for his job as U.S. Senator. Obviously, the debate requires more prep. Sen. Talent will be examining very closely Claire McCaskill's record. We believe the debate will be very enlightening in contrasting their positions.
Marsh: You're going to see some fireworks because (Talent's) a feisty debater. He's very good. We were watching some debate tapes today and when we were wrapping up, Claire said, "Wow, he's pretty good." I think people will be really impressed by Senator Talent. He impressed me.
Catanese: You're just trying to build him up now, so you can tear him down later, right? Lower expectations?
Marsh: No, we know he's a good debater. But we'll be ready.
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