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Role in White House for Obama Strategist?

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

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2008 1:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – With Barack Obama holding a lead in the polls, Democrats have begun discussing what, if any, role his top campaign strategist might have in an Obama White House, Politico reports. David Axelrod, say those who know him, is seriously weighing an administration position; where he ends up could be key to the trajectory of an Obama presidency.

“I think he'll do it,” says Bill Clinton campaign manager James Carville. “Obama trusts him, and he cares about policy.” But were Axelrod to weigh in on policy, he could be criticized for politicizing such decisions, as Karl Rove was under President Bush. Regardless of where he ends up, Axelrod will continue to advise Obama in some capacity.

[Images (3)]

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Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., his wife Michelle Obama, left, and senior campaign strategist David Axelrod, right. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Barack Obama, with David Axelrod, senior strategist, gets off a plane in Reno, Nev., Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo)

David Axelrod, chief campaign strategist for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. (AP Photo)

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My concern is that if he does do it, the focus will be on Axelrod and politics and it could well distract from the principal mission that Obama will have, which is getting America back on track.
- Pollster Doug Schoen

Obama needs Axelrod in the White House, and there's ample precedent. My hope is that the Rove experience does not taint political people forever. - Washington Democrat

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Role in White House for Obama Strategist?