Mike McCurry: A Few Words of Wisdom

June 4, 2008

He’s faster than a speeding bullet, made of steel, and can dodge almost anything that comes his way. Ok, so maybe he can’t fly but ask any Washington Presentation attendee and they are likely to tell you that Mike McCurry is nothing short of superman.

McCurry, best known for serving as press secretary during the Clinton Administration, kicked off NSBA’s 2008 Washington Presentation on Tuesday, June 3. His presentation focused on the three political transformations taking place in American politics and how the small business community can make a meaningful impact through understanding these changes.

The first trend McCurry spoke to was the growing frustration and disenchantment of voters as a result of partisan politics. According to him, bipartisan government and coalitions will become a new way of governing and it will be crucial to the success of any politician as the political landscape continues to change. In supporting this point McCurry shared stories from his personal experience in the Clinton Whitehouse during the ’94 Republican Revolution.

The next transformation that is emerging is the way in which a candidate is measured by the media and the public. Whereas politicians of the 20th century were measured by the substance behind their campaigns, 21st century politicians will be measured by where they stand on the issues. “It’s a shift back to peoples gut feelings” McCurry explains “Voters no longer want substance behind a candidate. Instead they want someone who reflects their values and that is what will drive people to vote.” While this may seem like an absurd notion to some people this trend has already manifested itself in the current primary election season between Democratic contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The final trend identified was a transformation in the ways campaigns and individuals communicate with one another. “As a result of the fragmented communication landscape and niche media there is no longer a single unifying nation conversation.” McCurry explains. “People are now so overwhelmed by information that they are looking for someone they know and trust to synthesize it together for them. That is where organizations like [NSBA] have the real power to influence.”

McCurry departed a series of important lessons mixed with colorful and entertaining stories of his own personal experiences from the Clinton Administration to the Kerry Campaign and even drawing from the timely Hillary Clinton campaign. As one attendee put it “I was surprised how candid and forthright he [McCurry] was about his experiences and the upcoming election. I definitely learned a lot and was entertained by the presentation he gave.”