“„Mr. Schmidt specializes in the combat that dominates today’s political culture — the minute-by-minute, talking point-vs.-talking point battles that fill a 24-hour news cycle. His formula: a tightly controlled message delivered repeatedly and with almost military-like precision.
“„This week presents just the latest in a string of challenges. With Sen. Obama on a high-profile trip that includes Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel and Europe, Mr. Schmidt had to devise counter-programming that would at least keep Sen. McCain in the mix.
“„His answer so far: National-security comments aimed at getting Sen. McCain into the Obama coverage, and *a provocative television ad that directly tries to pin the blame on Sen. Obama for today’s high gas prices on the grounds that he opposes increasing offshore drilling. *[Emphasis added.]