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He also stoked the Governor's presidential ambitions, persuading him in 1986 to make the race and drafting a comprehensive plan, complete with themes -- good jobs at good wages, the Massachusetts Miracle -- that would steer Dukakis through the primaries. When Sasso resigned a year ago -- for not telling Dukakis that he had been responsible for sending reporters an attack video against Joe Biden -- even Dukakis underestimated how crippling the loss would be. The primary campaign, after a three-week dip, chugged along according to Sasso's old game plan. It was as if the Celtics had lost Larry Bird for the season but went on winning for a while purely out of habit.
Devastated, Sasso took a job working for Boston's largest advertising agency, Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos. He found the sidelines frustrating. He and Dukakis stayed in touch, but mainly as friends. After the convention, Sasso saw that something was missing: no one was crafting new themes to extend the basic message of the primary campaign. Still, Sasso kept his own counsel. Dukakis does not like asking for favors or admitting mistakes. So when he finally invited Sasso back, just before Labor Day, it was because the candidate had no choice: the campaign was in trouble, and only Sasso could fix it.
For all his bonhomie, Sasso does not give much away. He is a crafty poker player. Since his return, he has played his cards close to his vest, yet has brought a sense of direction and hope to a wayward campaign. Though outwardly very different, Dukakis and Sasso share a sense of discipline and a respect for what works. Sasso is imparting both to the campaign. He is tightening the organization with the same meticulous care he uses to arrange the notes and message slips that pile up on his desk.