Vermont's Independent Voice
Browse News
Browse Arts + Culture
Browse Food + Drink
Browse Cannabis
Browse Music
Browse On Screen
Browse Events
Browse Classifieds
Browse Personals
Monday, March 16, 2015
Morning Read / U.S. Politics Morning Read: The Norwich Native Behind Clinton's Campaign
Posted
By Paul Heintz
on Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 9:15 AM
Robby Mook, Vermont's 35-year-old political wunderkind, has been racking up press clippings as he prepares to manage former secretary of state Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.
On Sunday, he made A1 of the New York Times. A profile penned by national political reporter Amy Chozick characterizes the Norwich native as a level-headed data geek with a "goofy sense of humor" and a "killer impersonation of [former president Bill] Clinton."
Mook's toughest assignment, Chozick writes, will be to humor the candidate's vast stable of loyalists and advisers — the former president included — while keeping her campaign focused and disciplined:
For more on Mook's Vermont roots, check out Seven Days' September 2013 profile.
On Sunday, he made A1 of the New York Times. A profile penned by national political reporter Amy Chozick characterizes the Norwich native as a level-headed data geek with a "goofy sense of humor" and a "killer impersonation of [former president Bill] Clinton."
Mook's toughest assignment, Chozick writes, will be to humor the candidate's vast stable of loyalists and advisers — the former president included — while keeping her campaign focused and disciplined:
Part of why Mr. Mook landed the job was that in 2013, as the campaign manager for Terry McAuliffe — a close friend to Mr. Clinton who is now governor of Virginia — he deftly nurtured the Clintons’ vast network of friends with frequent phone calls, but did not get distracted by the noise and drama that often attaches itself to the couple.
“Eighty percent of it is people just want to be heard, and Robby was always available,” said Tina Flournoy, chief of staff to Mr. Clinton.
He particularly impressed Mr. Clinton, who may be the ultimate strategist of his wife’s 2016 campaign. The former president checked in often about specific districts or counties, but Mr. Mook did not change course based on his influence, said Mr. McAuliffe, who compared him to “a horse in the Kentucky Derby” with blinders on.
For more on Mook's Vermont roots, check out Seven Days' September 2013 profile.
Comments
Comments are closed.
Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. While we’ve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down — at least temporarily.
While we champion free speech, facts are a matter of life and death during the coronavirus pandemic, and right now Seven Days is prioritizing the production of responsible journalism over moderating online debates between readers.
To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. Or send us a tip. We’ll check it out and report the results.
Online comments may return when we have better tech tools for managing them. Thanks for reading.
About The Author
Paul Heintz
Bio:
Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.
Paul Heintz was part of the Seven Days news team from 2012 to 2020. He served as political editor and wrote the "Fair Game" political column before becoming a staff writer.
