McCain's Prompt Reaction to Articles a Good PR Move

John McCain's response to allegations in the New York Times and the Washington Post that he had an improper relationship with a lobbyist was right on in terms of public relations. He reacted quickly after the potential scandal hit the papers today (although the New York Times' article said he refused requests for interviews in December) and held a press conference this morning denying any improper personal relationship or unethical decisions made as a result of the relationship. We shall see how the story plays out but addressing the issues immediately after a scandal or controversy breaks is almost always the way to go.



It's hard not to compare this response to Kwame Kilpatrick's following the Detroit Free Press' front page story about an affair between Kwame and his chief of staff and thousands of sexually charged text messages. Detroit's mayor was officially silent for a week, although it appears he may have found time for some more inappropriate conversations in a hot tub down South. Bad PR move! When he did speak, he sought sanctuary in church, another bad PR move! I know I mentioned that in a previous posting, but it still galls me!

The New Compuware

I look forward to hearing more about the announcement on Compuware 2.0. It should give me a better idea of what Compuware 1.0 actually does. BF

Musings on Detroit area PR Happenings

What better time to start a PR blog in the Detroit area than now? With Kwame Kilpatrick on an "assignment from God" in his tenuous role as Mayor of Detroit, I'm also on assignment, though not from God, to comment on various PR happenings in the Detroit area and throughout the state. I'm still shaking my head at the Mayor holding a press conference (sans the press - bad move) in church. Separation of church and state issues come to mind...and why was the lovely Carlita Kilpatrick dressed as a man during Kwame's apology? Another bad PR move...it seemed unnatural and forced. BF