Clinton campaign veteran Jay Carson has emerged as a top political advisor to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his independent bid for the White House. Carson, 47, has a notable history in Democratic politics. He served as press secretary for Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential campaign. His political experience also includes work for Bill Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Tom Daschle, Howard Dean, and Michael Bloomberg. Carson describes Anita Dunn, a senior adviser to Joe Biden, as a significant influence in his political career.
Over a decade ago, Carson transitioned from politics to Hollywood, becoming a producer for the television series House of Cards and the creator of The Morning Show. During this period, the former Clinton aide began the process of achieving sobriety. It was at a 12-step meeting that he first met Kennedy.
Carson has provided strategic advice to Kennedy’s campaign in the past year. While acting as an informal adviser, he has assisted with campaign staffing, communications, and field operations. Carson also produced and appeared in a 30-minute advertisement for Kennedy, funded by a supporting SuperPAC. His advice has been instrumental in discussions regarding potential running mates. Kennedy frequently contacts Carson for counsel, often with the text message, “Please call Bobby.”
Kennedy relied on Carson’s guidance after the former faced media backlash over his apparent solidarity with the January 6 Capitol riot defendants. “If it’s not what you believe, just say you messed up,” Carson told Kennedy, with the independent presidential candidate taking his advice.
In describing his turn from Democrat Party insider turned-Kennedy advisor, Carson pointed to disillusionment with the overly cautious and uninspiring Party elite. The Democrat Party’s risk-averse culture means it is vulnerable to charismatic, populist challengers, according to Carson. In a May 2016 Instagram post featuring an image of Donald J. Trump, Carson wrote: “Here’s the really bad news — this guy can win a general election pretty damn easily.”
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