But this time it’s Clinton to the rescue as Kerry goes under the knife. Plus: Democratic bedside manners. Also: Big Labor’s last hurrah.
p>
WHOSE PARTY?
br>
According to a former Clinton staffer, the late Saturday phone call
between
John Kerry
and
Bill
Clinton
was the first extensive conversation the two men
had had since Kerry won the nomination. Former Clinton senior
staffers
Paul Begala
and
Joe
Lockhart
brokered the call, while another former Clinton
staffer now on the Kerry payroll leaked word of the conversation to
the
New York Times
.
/p>
As reported
by the Prowler last week, it isn't entirely clear how the staff
shakeup affects some of the current Kerry advisers. A week ago, it
appeared that Lockhart would be traveling extensively with Kerry on
the campaign trail. But on Sunday it was decided that Kerry's
longtime friend and adviser John Sasso would leave
his post at the DNC to travel with Kerry. Lockhart, while doing
some travel, is expected to stay in Washington working out the
kinks in the campaign's press and rapid response operation.