Taegan Goddard's Political Wire

May 27, 2009

Insider Tips for a Smooth Confirmation Process

Former Reagan Chief of Staff Ken Duberstein -- who also guided Justices William Kennedy, David Souter, and Clarence Thomas through their Senate confirmation process -- shares 10 secrets for a smooth trip to the High Court.

• Personal stories are compelling every time.
• Begin your senatorial courtesy calls almost immediately.
• Practice, practice, practice.
• Be prepared for the kitchen sink at the hearings.
• The Constitution stops at the foot of Capitol Hill.
• Tell the truth, always.
• Senators welcome mea culpas in your oral testimony.
• Pause for seven seconds before you answer any question.
• Have an answer for the one question you didn't want to be asked -- because you will undoubtedly be asked that question.
• Senators usually depart when the cameras are turned off, but remember: The microphone will still be on.

He adds a bonus: "You have the best lobbyist in the world at your disposal... the president of the United States, and a popular one at that. Use the president's influence judiciously -- but use it."

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Taegan D. Goddard is the creator of Political Wire, a political column updated around the clock with the most interesting news, buzz and commentary.

Goddard is also co-author of You Won - Now What? (Scribner, 1998), a political management book hailed by prominent journalists and politicians from both parties. In addition, Goddard's essays on politics and public policy have appeared in dozens of newspapers across the country, including the Washington Post, USA Today, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer and Christian Science Monitor.

This is a personal site and does not necessarily reflect the views of any company, political campaign or advocacy group.

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