A sherpa is an experienced Washington D.C. political consultant brought on to guide an administration's nominee to Senate approval.[1]
History of the usage
Sherpa is a word taken from the language of the Sherpa, a nomadic people of the Himalayas. It literally means 'people of the East'.[2] The English word sherpa originally referred to people hired as porters and guides by climbers of the Himalayan Mountains. Sherpas have a long history of helping to navigate difficult mountain terrain. Senate confirmation has been compared to mountain climbing: dangerous and exhausting. Like the Himalayan climbers, nominees need guides "through the obstacle course of interviews and hearings".[3]
Role
Supreme Court and top Cabinet post nominations have become increasingly partisan and contentious. Nominees for these positions now have designated sherpas who have extensive political experience and are reliable.[4] Sub-cabinet nominees are generally handled by department level political staff.[5] The role of chief strategist and stage manager, to get someone confirmed, is unpaid, largely out of public view and without official title.[6] The role has many facets:
Media messenger – shaping the candidate's image, devising strategies to deal with reporters and coordinating calls with key senators[4]
Traffic cop – everybody wants a bit of time with the nominee[4]
Liaison with both the Senate and the administration; act as escort for nominee to meet senators and be an adviser for the president[7]
Coach – what to say and when to say it and how to have proper demeanor:[5] low profile, suitably humble, deferential, polite and persuasive in answering questions[6]
