Erik Smith

Erik Smith is the founder of the pro-Obama strategy and messaging operation called Common Purpose and works for the political consulting firm Blue Engine Message & Media.

According to his website he "provides strategic counsel to corporations, non-profits and individuals on the development, planning and implementation of comprehensive communications strategies. Most often, these engagements deal with complex legal or regulatory situations such as crisis, litigation, legislative challenge, regulatory change and leadership transition in such diverse industries as health care, financial services, consumer products and public policy advocacy. ... Smith served as the senior communications advisor to Rep. Dick Gephardt in the House Democratic Leader’s office and his 2004 presidential campaign where he developed multi-tiered communications strategies for economic, national security, domestic and foreign policy legislative initiatives, crises and campaign platforms. Prior to that, Smith was the Communications Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. ... In 2008, Smith was a paid media advisor to the Obama-Biden presidential campaign" and "also produced high-profile special events for the Obama campaign, including the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the historic 30-minute network television broadcast seen by more than 35 million viewers."

Articles and resources

• John Stauber, The Progressive Movement is a PR Front for Rich Democrats, March 15, 2013, CounterPunch.

Related SourceWatch articles

• 99% Spring

External articles

• Ben Smith, "'Common Purpose'," Politico.com, April 8, 2009.
• Jane Hamsher, "White House May be Dictating, But We’re Not Stenographers," Firedoglake blog, April 8, 2009.
• Jeremy Scahill, Rahm Emanuel's Think Tankers Enforce 'Message Discipline' Among 'Liberals', RebelReports.com, April 9, 2009.

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