In the Right

Just a few weeks ago, he was at the center of a political feeding frenzy, standing at the elbow of his boss, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.

Being at the center of that storm for more than a few days would be tough on anyone, so it's not surprising that Sawyer has decided to move on -- even to an undefined pursuit of "other opportunities in the private sector," which is code for "get me outta here."

Of course, Sanford's cringe-inducing June 24 puddle of consciousness press conference -- which brought to mind nothing so much as an acid trip at a Grateful Dead show circa 1972 -- would have been enough to make any communications director want to get out as soon as possible, so the only question, really, is what took so long?

Let's read between the lines of Sawyer's resignation announcement. He begins with the ritual acknowledgement: "It's truly been an honor to serve both Mark and the people of South Carolina for the past six and a half years."

That's code for "I'm still spinning, even on my way out the door -- because I'm going to have a hard enough time finding a new gig without a prospective employer doubting my loyalty. At this point, it's one of the few assets I can reasonably claim still to have, my credibility with the media having been shot to pieces by the governor."

He goes on to say: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make."

That tends to be another way of saying, "I'm not independently wealthy, and I've got a young family, and that's the answer to why I've stuck around as long as I have, for any of you who were wondering 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?'"

Then: "I firmly believe that despite recent events, great things to move our state forward can be done during the remaining 18 months of this Administration."

In my experience, that tends to be code for, "Please note, politics-watchers, that I'm using the generic 'this administration,' rather than the specific 'Gov. Sanford's administration,' because at this point, it's even money as to whether he makes it through August, let alone the next 18 months."

And finally, he says: "The public nature of my job might lead some to speculate about my reasons for leaving, but I want to be crystal clear that my departure is purely about what's best for me and my family on a personal and financial level. I wish Mark and the rest of my talented and dedicated colleagues the best."

Every political professional who ever had an impossible spin on his hands feels this guy's pain, and wishes him good luck in his next endeavor.

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