The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

p> ANOTHER MIKE TO THE RESCUE br> With rumors swirling Wednesday night that former Clinton pit bull spokesman Mike McCurry might be joining the Kerry campaign as a senior adviser and perhaps even spokesman, there was also talk of mounting concern inside the campaign that its candidate's numbers were weakening. /p>

"All of our internal numbers are good. That's b.s.," says a Washington-based Kerry adviser. "Everyone wants to help us win. Most of these folks are coming to us wanting to help. We're not going to them. It's not desperation at all."

But for two weeks, Kerry and some of his senior advisers have been frustrated that their message on Iraq and the U.S. economy has fallen flat, and that subordinate spokespeople aren't getting the job done in the war of words with the Bush campaign.

"[Kerry] has flattened out," says a Democratic political consultant in Washington. "The campaign might not be saying it, but Democrats are concerned. Those people that are coming to the campaign offering help aren't doing it to jump on a winning bandwagon, they're offering to help because they see the beginnings of a leaky ship."

It isn't clear where the McCurry rumor started, but he would be a welcome addition for the "Boys on the Bus." McCurry built up a strong reputation among national political reporters during his time in the Clinton White House, as both a tenacious defender of his boss, and a helpful conduit of information, off the record briefings, and background remarks for reporters in need of a story.

"Neither campaign has someone like McCurry right now, and he's the kind of guy who could make a difference," says the Democratic consultant. "Reporters love him, and Kerry would like his attitude. I wouldn't be surprised if this is a reaction to [Karen] Hughes coming back for Bush."

The difference is that Hughes never had a strong or particularly warm relationship with the press.

p> CAN'T BUY ME LOVE br> Sen.

topics:
Iraq, NATO