'Hard pass': Internet fumes as ex-Obama strategist David Plouffe teams up with Trump loyalist Kellyanne Conway for new podcast

WASHINGTON, DC: In an unexpected move transcending political divides, Kellyanne Conway, former campaign manager for President Trump, and David Plouffe, the strategist behind President Obama's 2008 victory, announced their collaboration on a podcast titled 'The Campaign Managers'.

The initiative, aimed at offering insights into the upcoming 2024 White House race, promises to “engage rather than enrage” via political discourse. PodcastOne, the platform hosting the venture, unveiled the partnership on Monday, May 6, marking a notable convergence of ideological opposites.

Insights from electoral pioneers

Conway and Plouffe, renowned for their roles in orchestrating groundbreaking electoral triumphs, seek to provide audiences with a comprehensive analysis of campaign dynamics and prevailing issues shaping the political landscape.

Conway, in a post on social media platform X, said the series will “delve deep into the complexities of the 2024 election," adding that the pair will “go beyond the headlines to dissect the latest campaign strategies, analyze the pressing issues shaping the political landscape, and share our first-hand experiences running the campaigns of history-making” candidates Trump and Obama.

"All eyes are on the 2024 elections, with a Trump-Biden rematch, and party control of the House and Senate hinging on a few seats. David Plouffe and I have been in the room where it happens, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with unique, historic candidates who defied the critics, exceeded expectations, won the presidency, and governed. We wish to bring the audience inside to understand the tactics, strategy, individuals, issues, impressions, and ideas that help tip the balance in a handful of states to decide the direction and fate of the country. Through our own voices - and the occasional special guest- we wish to be a resource to those who value substance over soundbites, upending conventional wisdom and unearthing insights about the changing electorate," said Conway in a statement.

Plouffe echoed Conway's sentiments, and expressed hope on X that “listeners will gain value by hearing in one place how both sides assess the election and how the campaigns can take advantage of opportunities and mitigate challenges.”

"Presidential elections have a huge impact on our world," Plouffe said in a statement about the podcast. "The two of us have fierce disagreements on issues and who we want to win this race. But we agree on what it takes to get to 270 electoral votes. We think it's important to have a place where audiences can get the full picture of where the race stands and how it could change and will assess those not wearing the blue and red shirts of our respective parties but as practitioners who have led successful campaigns for the White House," he added.

Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder of PodcastOne, hailed the collaboration as a testament to Conway and Plouffe's stature in the political arena.

"Kellyanne and David are icons in the political landscape. Their intelligent delivery of data and facts, their dynamic presentation of opinions and strategy and their wealth of knowledge on what it takes to become the next President of the United States is a privilege and a thrill to listen to, and we at PodcastOne are excited to be able to bring this podcast to the public," Gray said.

Social media backlash

However, the announcement of the podcast sparked backlash from liberal circles on social media, with critics lambasting Plouffe for his association with Conway.

"@davidplouffe Just how much money did you sell your soul for?" one posted on X.

"Why would @davidplouffe do a podcast with alternative facts Kellyanne?" another asked.

"Wow - David Plouffe must be REALLY hard up for money to stoop so low to do business with a known liar like Kellyanne," a comment read.

"Big Nope. Why would @davidplouffe stoop this low with Alternative Facts Kellyanne.. more gaslighting? Hard pass," someone else fumed.

"Even Kellyanne's daughter can't stand her, and her husband kicked her to the curb because she has no conscience or integrity. Why swim in the sewer that is her life, David?" another alleged.

'The Campaign Managers' is scheduled to debut on May 22, The Hill reported.

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