Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Political pollster Zac McCrary interviews interesting people who work in and around the political industry. Guests come from a multitude of backgrounds and specialties within the political industry, and span the partisan spectrum. This is not a podcast for partisan squabbling or punditry about the latest issue in DC - it is hearing directly from successful people in the industry...their stories, experiences, and advice. This is a podcast for anyone who works in politics, hopes to work in politics, or wants to get up close to see how things really work in the world of professional politics.

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Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Jim Margolis, Founding Partner of Democratic Media Firm GMMB

February 06, 2024 • Zac McCrary

Jim Margolis, partner at GMMB media, is a pioneering Democratic media consultant who is featured in the new documentary, The Bigger Hammer, by filmmaker Keith Gaby that focuses on the message war behind the Obama vs. McCain 2008 race (now available on Amazon). In this conversation, Jim talks his path to politics through student activism in Kalamazoo, managing House campaigns, and working on the Hill before partnering with Frank Greer to start GMMB. He also goes in depth on his work for the Obama Presidential campaigns and shares some of his favorite stories and spots from a career atop the world of political media.

IN THIS EPISODE

Jim's early entry into politics as a high schooler in Kalamazoo, MI...

Why a narrow loss in one of the first races he worked was "the best thing that ever happened" to him...

Jim talks the important role Congressman Howard Wolpe played in his development...

Lessons learned from his early days as a campaign manager and Hill Chief...

A one-of-a-kind story from Kent Conrad's upset 1986 Senate win in North Dakota...

How his partnership with Frank Greer started and Jim's early days as an ad-maker...

A deep dive into Jim's role spearheading media on the Obama '08 presidential campaign...

Why Jim had the '08 Democratic Convention stage dramatically changed at the last minute...

Jim's 101 on producing political conventions...

Jim on working for two of his most prominent Senate clients, Barbara Boxer and Harry Reid...

What got Jim in Harry Reid's doghouse for a couple of weeks...

Jim talks the evolution of his firm GMMB over the years...

Jim breaks down the art of political ad-buying...

Jim's advice to the next generation of political media consultants...

AND 3/10/83, Brock Adams, Africanists, Mark Andrews, David Axelrod, blue suits, Quentin Burdick, the Chicago Tribune, Cinderella years, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, crazy hats, Fred Davis, disease implications, Byron Dorgan, ending apartheid, extra chips, fancy Florida hotels, Dianne Feinstein, Fort Defiance, Wyche Fowler, game show sets, good ears, Larry Grisolano, herculean tasks, Anita Hill, Paris Hilton, Invesco Stadium, John Kerry, Jim Messina, Michigan State University, Walter Mondale, Robby Mook, mosquito nets, Navajo reservations, David Plouffe, punch cards, Bernie Sanders, tax commissioners, Western Michigan University...& more!