David Axelrod: Obama's Mastermind —and No. 1 Fan

He gets passionate about his candidates

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 11:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – David Axelrod isn’t just a political hired gun. Instead, Barack Obama’s chief strategist backs his candidates with the same passion he reserves for his beloved Cubs and Bulls, the Washington Post reports in a lengthy profile. “He loves his candidates when he starts. He’s usually let down when he finishes,” said one friend. “Obama is the one different guy.”

Axelrod, whose success on behalf of his political clients is legendary, likes Obama so much that he ran his Senate campaign even though Obama was penniless. “My involvement was a leap of faith,” he once said. “If I could help Barack Obama get to Washington, then I would have accomplished something great in my life.” He sees in Obama a resurrection of the idealism of Robert Kennedy, the first politician to win his adoration.

Barack Obama, D-Ill., shares a laugh with his staff and Senior Campaign Advisor David Axelrod, left, during a flight between Chicago and East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., right, speaks with his chief strategist, David Axelrod, as they leave a rally Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008 in Exeter, N.H. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

David Axelrod speaks during a taping of "Meet the Press," April 20, 2008. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Barack Obama listens to his Senior Campaign Advisor David Axelrod, left, during a flight between Chicago and East Rutherford, N.J., Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

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David Axelrod: Obama's Mastermind —and No. 1 Fan

He gets passionate about his candidates

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Meet Obama's Karl Rove

Axelrod is the brain behind the senator's campaign

Role in White House for Obama Strategist?

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Expecting big losses, they're pushing for big changes

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Consultant's finances would come into sharp focus

Chicago Ties Sustain Obama

Key aides, friends go way back in Obama's hometown

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David Axelrod: Obama's Mastermind —and No. 1 Fan

He gets passionate about his candidates

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • campaign adviser • Obama 2008 • campaign staff • David Axelrod • political strategists

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Meet Obama's Karl Rove

Axelrod is the brain behind the senator's campaign

Role in White House for Obama Strategist?

Strategist Axelrod seen as key policy cog, but he could be a target in Washington

Dems to Obama: Gut Your Team

Expecting big losses, they're pushing for big changes

Pay Cut, Scrutiny Await Axelrod in DC

Consultant's finances would come into sharp focus

Chicago Ties Sustain Obama

Key aides, friends go way back in Obama's hometown

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