Editors’ Note

The recipient of a BA in political science from Merrimack College (Andover, Massachusetts), Kathleen McGlynn joined the John Edwards for President campaign after managing public affairs for fashion brand Kenneth Cole. She served as Director of Scheduling for Elizabeth Edwards during the Kerry-Edwards 2004 presidential campaign, prior to which she was the Director of the CEO’s Office at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. McGlynn also served as a special assistant to Kerry Kennedy Cuomo during Andrew Cuomo’s 2002 bid for Governor of the State of New York, and got her start in national politics serving as Deputy Director of Scheduling for Tipper Gore during the Clinton administration.

Campaign Brief

The recipient of a BA with high honors from North Carolina State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Honorable John Edwards served as a U.S. Senator (Democrat, North Carolina) from 1998 to 2004. During his senatorial tenure, he served as a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence and as Senator John Kerry’s running mate in the 2004 presidential election. The John Edwards for President campaign (www.johnedwards.com) is headquartered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

How do you define the role of the Chief of Staff for the Edwards campaign?

My job is to keep the trains running on time, so to speak. Senator Edwards is busy at events, talking with and connecting to voters. At headquarters we’re in charge of all the behind-the-scenes work, and my job is to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. In hiring people, scheduling and planning events, and working with the press, I’m a liaison between all of the campaign’s departments and I make sure we stay on the right track.

In working the campaign team, how important is an open dialogue to the success of the campaign?

As Chief of Staff, my door must always be open. Helping people put out fires and stay on the right track is a 24/7 job. What’s exciting to me about this campaign is how many young people are part of the team – putting in the hours to get John Edwards elected.

So you are pleased with the campaign’s ability to attract young people to its ranks and excite young people, in general, about the political process?

Definitely. Of course, we have a lot of campaign veterans, but we also have a ton of folks for whom this is their first campaign. They want the chance to make a difference in this country, and they don’t mind putting in long hours for little pay and eating pizza every night, because they have a shared vision. They’re building friendships that are going to last a lifetime. They enjoy it, and it’s great to know that we have many young people with a commitment to changing the country working on this campaign.

How important is it for you, as Chief of Staff, to have a deep belief in your candidate? Or is it more important for you to see the Democratic Party succeed in 2008?

I think the stakes are too high to not elect a Democrat to the White House in 2008, but I have a personal tie to the Edwards family. I’m focused on the issues that matter to the American people, but at the end of the day, I’m emotionally attached to these folks. I have worked for them for a number of years and I’m drawn to everything that they believe in. My father and grandfather were in elected office, so I knew I would go in this direction as I was growing up. I’ve been bitten by the political bug, as they say.

How has the Internet changed the face of today’s elections?

This election has been particularly amazing in that regard. Web sites like MySpace and Facebook have created new avenues to reach voters, inform them, and bring them to events. The Internet brings power to the voting public that they didn’t have 20 years ago.

Scheduling Senator and Mrs. Edwards’ time during the campaign must be frustrating sometimes. How do you evaluate the importance of certain appearances to make sure they are in the right place at the right time?

We have an amazing scheduling department. They know they have to be flexible and sometimes we have to change the schedule at a moment’s notice to ensure the Senator’s presence at a major event. Also, the Edwardses have small children, so we have to be mindful of that. They like to travel with their family, so we do a lot of juggling to get them to the places they need to go.

Elizabeth Edwards’ battle with breast cancer has been much publicized. Would you say that struggle has made the campaign even stronger?

It’s inspirational and encouraging. They faced a tough decision and decided to go on with their life’s work. They want to move forward and help people in this country who don’t have health care. That’s really what drives them.

The election is many months off, but you have already been working for quite some time. Is it important to pace yourself?

It is. This election started particularly early, and last time around, I didn’t start working on the campaign until the general election. So we do pace ourselves. We get ready for Iowa, and then we get ready for New Hampshire.

What would you say to young people to motivate them to vote and get involved in the 2008 presidential election?

People like John Edwards want to create an opportunity for everyone to realize their dreams. No matter where they come from, people can work hard and build a better life. The Senator is a perfect example of that – he came from nothing and now he has everything. People should want to be involved in the political process, because it’s one way to create opportunities for everyone and make sure any one in America who works hard can succeed.

Will you ever run for office?

No. I’m running from office.