Gov. Branstad recalls work with Roger Ailes

Beachwood, Ohio – One of the most effective TV ads Terry Branstad ever ran in his six campaigns for governor was created by Roger Ailes, the conservative media and political messaging titan who appears likely to be deposed as CEO of Fox News amid sexual harassment accusations.

Ailes, Branstad told reporters Monday, crafted the 1986 campaign ad that labeled Democratic challenger Lowell Junkins “Junk Bond Junkins” for his plan to borrow $400 million for state infrastructure projects.

“It really got the message across that this was a bad idea,” Branstad said of the ad.

Ailes was Branstad’s media consultant in 1986 and again in 1990, responsible for developing advertising but also prepping the candidate for media appearances.

Branstad recalled going to Ailes’ studio in New York during both campaigns for “pepper drills.”

“He’d put you in front of a podium just like at a press conference and fire all kinds of mean questions at you and then he videoed that whole thing,” Branstad said. “He’d play it back and he’d freeze-frame it and show you your body language, your facial expressions, and he’d give you some advice on how to handle that and look pleasant, have your hands open not closed, not repeat the accusation.”

The governor added, “I learned a lot from him.”

Now in his sixth term, Branstad is not shy with the media. He holds a live press conference each week and frequently makes himself available for questions at events. During the Republican National Convention here this week, the governor has frequently held court in hotel lobbies with no staff present. His remarks on Ailes on Wednesday were delivered to a table of reporters during breakfast-time at the Iowa delegation hotel.

Branstad has little to say, though, about the accusations of sexual harassment from several women and the lawsuit from former Fox News personality Gretchen Carlson that has sparked his apparent departure.

“I was disappointed. I’m not going to place any judgment on this,” Branstad said. “I just know he’s a very talented man that’s done a lot certainly for the conservative movement and building Fox News.”