Patrick Haddon: Public Relations Rocket Scientist
But not everyone seems to think that's the best approach. Just ask Patrick Haddon.
While Haddon is doing double-duty as the 1st Vice-Chair of the SCGOP and Chair of the Greenville County GOP, he obviously still has time on his hands. To help occupy some of that time, he took a different approach to crisis PR, working to drag others into the mess created by Senator Knotts' commentary, namely Congressman Joe Wilson and his wife:
"I also call upon all Republicans endorsed by Senator Knotts to refuse his endorsement, and all Republicans who have endorsed Knotts to withdraw their endorsements," Haddon said. "I especially call on our great congressman, Rep. Joe Wilson, to withdraw his endorsement of Senator Knotts, and on Roxanne Wilson to resign as Knotts' campaign manager."
In case Haddon wants to know a few things about public relations, yours truly has taught and written on public relations and is employed in the field. Here are some basic tips in Crisis PR management from a public relations website that Haddon should have read before taking shots at the Wilson family:
First, the crisis management team would try to stop the bleeding. To "stop the bleeding" is to do the very minimal, basic things that are required in keeping a bad situation from becoming worse. In the event of a political scandal, a crisis management team would attempt to keep rumors from going wild. They'd want, in other words, for news agencies and other media outlets just to stick to the facts (what is known) about the case and not to engage in speculation or to believe the comments of the politician's enemies.
In this instance, "running wild" would entail fueling speculation and getting others caught in the crossfire of an unfortunate situation. By naming Joe and Roxanne Wilson, Haddon may well have given ammuntion to Joe's opposition. It's also worth noting that since Knotts has two more years on his Senatorial term, it's highly unlikely that Mrs. Wilson is involved with managing campaign efforts for the Senator.
He also has opened himself up to speculation that his real target was AG candidate Alan Wilson. As his comments were directed at more than one member of the Wilson family, it would be worth asking who Haddon is supporting, or did support, in the Attorney General race.
Further, while Haddon complains that he "cannot sit idly by and watch our Party be torn apart by Senator Jake Knotts' bigotry", it seems that Republicans were pretty much unified in repudiating those remarks. Instead of showing leadership, it seems that he was simply trying to score political points, with little or no concern for any collateral damage.
Real leaders work to pull their team up - not drag others into the mud. As a leader in the SCGOP, Haddon had an obligation to be thoughtful in his remarks and protect fellow Republicans. While his efforts to join the political bandwagon in speaking out against Knotts, his ill-advised and potentially damaging comments certainly displayed a lack of leadership.
Haddon seems quick to hold Knotts accountable for his rash remarks, but perhaps he should hold himself accountable for his own rash commetary first.
Just more Spanky inspired Leighton Lord BS.
I think you're jumping to conclusions. Regardless of Patrick's motivation--which I presume you haven't asked him about--the Republican Party needs to send a clear message that we have nothing in common with racist obstructionists like Sen. Knotts.
I'm sure Patrick will appreciate your attempt to defend the indefensible.
So where was Haddon while Rick Betram was garnering the "Trophy Mouf" designation, not to be confused with Reino's mouth being in the Trophy Room... ;-)
A lot of the Lindsey Graham insider folks up here in the Upstate (of which Patrick Haddon is one--part of the reason he was recruited to take out Sam Harms) don't particularly care for Joe Wilson as a "rising star" since there seems to be persistent chatter or rumors that Wilson is looking to primary Lindsey in 2014.
Just something to chew on.
Try doing research before you spout tripe will ya. Haddon was one of the chairman who spoke publicly to defend Wilson when the "You Lie" comment was swirling around, even when our current Congressman voted to condem him voting with the Dems.
I am sure he voted, but he has not openly stated or picked a side in most of the races much less the AG race.
Sen Knotts likes to destroy people he disagrees with, he get enjoyment out of it. Let the long knives find their way home.
This shone a lot of light on what is happening (Ron Paul & Co).
My question is how can I, or any other average SC Traditional Republican who has true conservative values get involved and help save this party and make it stronger. I am not a Libetarian, nor do I want to be. I want the Republicans to be strong and take control of Congress so we can straighten out the mess we are in. Some of you insiders point us in the right direction. I always vote, but am concerned abou the integrity of the vote after the Green fiasco!