David Axelrod Biography

Fast Facts

• Graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Political Science in 1977
• Became interested in politics after witnessing an inspiring speech by John F․ Kennedy when he was 7 years old
• After graduation, he began working for the Chicago Tribune, where he became the youngest political writer in the newspaper's history
• Quote: "I got into politics because I believe in idealism․ Just to be a part of this effort that seems to be rekindling the kind of idealism that I knew when I was a kid, it's a great thing to do․ So I find myself getting very emotional about it․"
• After the 2008 election, he was invited to serve as President Obama's Senior Advisor in the White House
• In addition to Barack Obama, he has aided in the campaigns of several notable Democrats, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards
• Became a campaign consultant in 1984, when he joined Congressman Paul Simon's bid for a Senate seat
• Best known as the campaign advisor for President Barack Obama's successful 2008 campaign
• Co-created the consulting firm Axelrod & Associates in 1985, which later became known as AKP&D Message and Media
• Became one of the few customers to have ever run a tab at Manny's, a Chicago cafeteria and deli he frequented to accumulate wisdom from regular people