Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Chicago Ties Sustain Obama

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

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 14, 2008 8:47 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama’s Chicago home base has provided the candidate with a wealth of influential allies who serve him in a variety of ways, from the political to the personal, the Washington Post reports. While some play official campaign roles or are informal advisers, others keep Obama grounded on his beloved basketball court. Either way, they must follow two rules: No drama and no leaks.

There’s Penny Pritzker, Obama’s fundraising chair, a billionaire heiress who provides a link to the Jewish community; David Axelrod, his political adviser and a member of Chicago’s “progressive elite"; and Martin Nesbitt, a city businessman who serves as both campaign treasurer and grounding force for the candidate. Watching Obama’s ascent, his longtime friends are impressed. “You can never be fully prepared for the rigor and the discipline," said one.

Sen. Barack Obama leaves a barber shop after a hair cut Saturday, July 12, 2008, in his Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago.
Sen. Barack Obama leaves a barber shop after a hair cut Saturday, July 12, 2008, in his Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, and his wife arrive at a park to watch their daughter Malia's soccer game in Chicago on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, and his wife arrive at a park to watch their daughter Malia's soccer game in Chicago on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, greets people on his doorstep as he move around his home in Chicago, Ill.,June 19, 2008.
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, greets people on his doorstep as he move around his home in Chicago, Ill.,June 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Russel A. Daniels)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., arrives at a barber shop for a hair cut  Saturday, July 12, 2008, in his Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., arrives at a barber shop for a hair cut Saturday, July 12, 2008, in his Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Valerie Jarrett: Obama's Sounding Board

Obama Gears Up for GOP Smears

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

Meet Obama's Karl Rove

Get Ready for Earful From Obama Aides


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne