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The Obama transition team announced this morning that former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe has been using the campaign's database for his own ends. The announcement confirmed reports of e-mails written by Plouffe to Obama supporters following the election.
The e-mails, appearing to target nostalgic Obama supporters, contained a strange mix of traditional campaign phrases like "The time to donate is now, America needs Obama, and I need your support," and more casual phrases like "I had a really great time, and I was hoping we could stay in touch." Plouffe supporters following the prompts were then taken to a PayPal site that allowed them to send money to Plouffe's personal account.
The trick seems to have been particularly effective on diehard Obama supporters, many of whom were glad to be involved with the campaign again and happy to hear from Plouffe in general.
As Alice Gindy '10, a former volunteer for the campaign said, "I mean, David has e-mailed me basically every day since Obama announced his candidacy. The two things I can count on in this world are Brown Morning Mail and David Plouffe. What a great guy." Despite an initial shock after realizing that she had donated more money after the election than before it, Gindy was not ready to accuse Plouffe of any wrong-doing. "It's not like I got my money stolen," said Gindy. "I was angry for a day or two, but David followed up on his promise to send me an "In Plouffe We Trust" T-shirt. Now, tell me how many criminals would do that."
In a press conference that was planned to address concerns about economic stimulus plans, Ed Frankly, the press secretary for Obama's transition team, was thrown off-guard by a barrage of questions about Plouffe. "I think it's important that we focus on the economy," said Frankly.
However, after a reporter read a section of one of Plouffe's e-mails, in which Plouffe asked supporters "for a few bones to grab a slice," it became clear that Frankly would have to address the issue head-on.
"David has been dealing with some personal issues of late" said Frankly. "We're not at liberty to discuss the details of David's personal life, but we are encouraging him to seek help. Supporters should know that Plouffe's e-mails are not in any way affiliated with President-elect Obama."
While Plouffe's current condition and whereabouts remain unknown, reports have surfaced about a former campaign staffer visiting left-leaning colleges and selling "Yes We Can" lawn signs out of the back of his car.
