Will bring to the job: Sharp political instincts and the ability to craft and sell the Obama message. Mr. Axelrod is also a fierce protector of Mr. Obama’s political image. The chief strategist of the presidential campaign, he has an innate knowledge of what Mr. Obama hopes to accomplish in the Oval Office. He was a major architect of nearly all the proposals that Mr. Obama made on the campaign trail, a familiarity that could help keep his presidency on track through his first term.
Is linked to Mr. Obama by: Having known him since 1992, when they were introduced through Democratic circles in Chicago. In 2003, Mr. Axelrod signed on as a strategist to what appeared to be a long-shot bid for the Senate by Mr. Obama. He built the team that helped Mr. Obama win election and has become a close friend, often talking to him several times a day. He is also a longtime friend and adviser to Rahm Emanuel, who will be the White House chief of staff.
In his own words: “One of his strengths is that he wants you to be frank with him. He doesn’t always like what you tell him and he’ll push back sometimes, but that’s O.K., that’s fine. He knows when he’s getting spun, so he’s not looking for that. To me, some of the best moments have been some of our lowest moments, our most challenging moments, when I’ve seen him deal with them with such poise and calm and focus. Little by little as this thing has gone on, you see these glimpses of someone who might be sitting in that Oval Office, handling the pressures of a campaign in a way that makes you want to work even harder.” (speaking in October about advising Mr. Obama)
Used to work as: A consultant for a variety of Democratic candidates for mayor, senator, governor and president, helping dozens win election, including Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. He has strong relationships with Democrats in Congress, many of whom believe Mr. Axelrod is responsible for their own success in previous elections. He has also advised businesses and special interest groups through his firm, AKP&D Message and Media. He began as a political reporter at The Chicago Tribune, but left in 1984 to work for Paul Simon’s campaign for the United States Senate.
Is otherwise known for: Ever-changing rin to sincerely root for both the White Sox and the Cubs. Biography: Born Feb. 22, 1953, in New York, grew up the nonprofit Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy ... has three grown children and lives in Chicago.
Biography: Born Feb. 22, 1953, in New York, grew up in Stuyvesant Town ... graduated from the University of Chicago ... marrieder to Susan Axelrod, the president and founder of the nonprofit Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy ... has three grown children and lives in Chicago.