Mark Penn, Karen Hughes Team Up On Corporate Crisis Group

The Wall Street Journal reports (password req.):

Two hard-charging political operatives are teaming up to create a bipartisan consulting organization to advise corporations in crisis -- as they work to burnish their own reputations as well.

Former Clinton strategist Mark Penn, chairman and CEO of public-relations firm Burson-Marsteller, is hiring former Bush adviser Karen Hughes as a vice chairman, the principals say. The political combatants, known for their partisan efforts, decided to combine forces to offer a one-stop crisis-communication and public-affairs shop to corporations caught in front-page headlines or faced with a changing Washington.
[odd couple]
Associated Press
Mark Penn, right, former Clinton strategist, is hiring former Bush adviser Karen Hughes in pursuit of bipartisan success at Burson-Marsteller.

It's a comeback effort of sorts for both players. Mr. Penn, 54, who served as chief strategist and pollster for Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential bid, has been blamed in recent months for her failed candidacy. Ms. Hughes, 51, who came to Washington with President George W. Bush as his communications director, left her State Department position several months ago after making little progress on her mission to improve the U.S. image around the world.

"Mark and I share a vision that communications people should be strategic advisers ... and an understanding of the realities of the political process," Ms. Hughes said. "And we also share the same lawyer."

The deal was brokered by Robert Barnett, a Washington superlawyer who earlier represented each of them on their books. Mr. Barnett is increasingly a broker between strange bedfellows. He is currently negotiating between the campaigns of Sen. Clinton and likely Democratic nominee Barack Obama over relieving her campaign debt, determining her convention role, and making joint appearances.

Comments

[pitneo]

Well that should definitely cinch the the fact that Hillary's campaign was so heavily filled with republican tactics and lies.

[evekendall]

Anyone who would give money to these two duds is a sucker.

[obamanation31]

I knew he was republican.

[cargocult]

I think deep down, each American has (let's call it ) a "Baldwin Line" which cannot crossed.

And this is mine:

If it turns out that Mark Penn has hired Karen Hughes as a consultant as a means of providing cover for a torrid romantic relationship between Mark Penn and Karen Hughes, I'm moving to Canada.

[LiarLiarIraqsOnFire]

Care to share a ride?

[hillaryj]

R U Surprised..................?????

[pitneo]

I'm not surprised at all. He ran Hillary's campaign just like the republicans run all their's so why would anybody be surprised?

[tinarm]

After the Penn fiasco during the primary I wouldn't hire him to help my company. Karen Hughes became a joke when she went to work for Bush. Honestly would anyone in their right mind hire either one of these people?

[bikerdude]

Ta;lk abougt two sleazy creeps deserving each other....

[pbfishtaco]

In Washington, recycling takes on a new meaning.

[jmpurser]

Wow. A DLC (Democrats Love Corporations) hack in bed with a GOP hack to make money. I'm shocked. SHOCKED I say. You mean a dog actually BIT a MAN!!!

[Dash Riprock]

You couldn't find two finer individuals. In the dictionary you would find their pictures next to the word slimey.

[levibatgirl]

Ick. Talk about true colors.

[eniobob]

Who is the Frick or Frack of this duo?

[modmom]

Penn is one of the most despicable people in the political arena. Coupled with Karen Hughes makes sense, as they are cast from the same mold.

The fact that the Clintons not only associated with Penn but stuck with him despite his gross incompetence and devious motives was a clear indication of the type of president Hillary would be-aligned with corporate interest.

[WorkingClass]

Those two would scare the flies off a gut wagon.

[Grunty1]

Did we need MORE proof that Penn is a snake?

With this connection though, it does make me wonder if Penn was intentionally having H'illary use arguments that would be used against her doubly in the general election, Maybe she should sue him and take back those millions of dollars, since he may have been working as a double agent.

[johnnygoodwud]

nothing but money whores

[eddiejoe]

He couldn't find a male escort so he chose the next best thing.