Our Great President Is Maybe An Even Greater 'Spin Man', Says TransMedia Chairman PR Newswire -- December 6, 2002 BOCA RATON, Fla., Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The author of the book "Spin Man" hailed President Bush as a brilliant spin man himself for the way he showed Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and top economic advisor Lawrence Lindsey the door so swiftly Friday following the weak jobs report. "A spin man wants to be seen as firm, decisive and in control," said Thomas J. Madden, Chairman of one of Florida's largest independent PR firms, The TransMedia Group, in Boca Raton. "And the President exhibited all this beautifully in the first major shakeup in his administration." Madden said even though it might not have much immediate effect, at least it sends out a clear signal that the President has about had it with the ailing economy. "Forget the fact that this shakeup might be more form than substance in terms of its having any profound and lasting impact. But if people perceive it as a positive move, then it just might have the intended effect on the National psyche." According to Madden, the term spin man should not be viewed in a pejorative light. He chides Bill O'Reilly for calling his "O'Reilly Factor" program on FOX TV a "no-spin zone." "It's impossible for political and economic life to be without spin as everyone brings a bias of some sort to the table and interprets events differently." Madden believes President Bush has proven to be a great leader, especially after 9/11 "when it all seemed to come together for him. After focusing on the most urgent crisis, the war on terrorism, he's now turning his full attention to the economy and doing it the way a leader should -- with dramatic effect. "All great leaders need to spin out their vision of the future, both the risks and the rewards, while appearing strong, in charge and confident that they're leading in the right direction." Contact: Mark Hopkinson of TransMedia Group, +1-561-750-9800, ext. 15 MHopkinson@transmediagroup.com