Richard Gardner Reed (May 24, 1953 – August 17, 2022) was an American advertising agent.[3] A member of the Republican Party, Reed was known for his attack ads against John Kerry during the 2004 United States presidential election, which led to the coining of the term swiftboating.[2]
Rick Reed | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Gardner Reed May 24, 1953 Wakefield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 17, 2022 (aged 69) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Franklin & Marshall College Harvard Kennedy School |
| Occupation | Advertising agent |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 1[1][2] |
Biography edit
Reed was born in Wakefield, Massachusetts, to Priscilla Swett, a physician assistant, and Gardner Chase Reed, a financial advisor.[1][2] He was raised in Chatham, Massachusetts.[2] Reed attended the Franklin & Marshall College, graduating in 1975.[2] He also attended Harvard Kennedy School, where he earned his master's degree in public administration.[2]
Reed had worked for Ronald Reagan's unsuccessful 1976 presidential campaign.[2] He was later hired to work at Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm, a campaign advertising firm.[1][4] Reed worked on advertising campaigns for many Republican politicians, including George W. Bush, Peter Fitzgerald, John Warner, and Lindsey Graham.[1][2] He was involved in John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign.[2] In 2004, he became known for his "Swift Boat" attack ads against John Kerry, which accused Kerry of lying about his service in the Vietnam War.[1] The ads, produced for the group Swift Vets and POWs for Truth, lead to the coining of the term swiftboating to describe an unfair or untrue political attack.[2] He helped produce ads for Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and served as Trump's media advisor.[1][2] Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson described Reed as "the smartest political consultant I know".[1][5]
Reed died in August 2022 at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, at the age of 69.[1][2]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h Smith, Harrison (August 23, 2022). "Rick Reed, who crafted Swift boat ads attacking John Kerry, dies at 69". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Shanahan, Ed (August 28, 2022). "Rick Reed, G.O.P. Adman of 'Swift Boat' Campaign, Dies at 69". The New York Times. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ Hughes, Clyde (August 24, 2022). "Rick Reed, creator of 'Swift Boat' political ads, dies at 69". United Press International. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ Cillizza, Chris (July 30, 2003). "Finkelstein's Protégés Are His Best Revenge". Roll Call. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
- ^ Swaine, Jon; Laughland, Oliver; Jacobs, Ben (April 15, 2016). "Entering the orbit of a 'total narcissist': who's who in Donald Trump's inner circle". The Guardian. Retrieved October 15, 2022.