Obama Aides to Meet with Senators Today
On the same day that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is set to meet with House Democrats, two of his top political strategists will privately huddle with Senate Democrats to coordinate their message strategies for the next five weeks.
At the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Obama senior adviser Jim Margolis and top pollster Joel Benenson will vet the party communications blueprint over the upcoming August recess and through the national convention in Denver. Particular focus will be paid to the economy and energy the two major issues facing the country, sources said.
The private session will be held at 4 p.m. at Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters.
One senior Senate Democratic aide said the meeting is one of several to come between lawmakers and senior aides to Obamas campaign. Campaign manager David Plouffe and chief strategist David Axelrod both have in recent weeks met with Senate Democrats.
We want to make sure we use the next five weeks to our best advantage, the Senate Democratic aide said. Having a coordinated, unified message allows us to do so.