WSB Exclusive Speaker
Senior Political Commentator, CNN, and Host, The Axe Files; Founding Director, University of Chicago Institute of Politics; Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama (2009-2011)
One of the greatest political strategists in recent American history, David Axelrod offers an insider’s perspective into the major issues of the day.
CONTACT WSB FOR David Axelrod'S SPEAKING FEES
David Axelrod is a preeminent American political strategist and commentator and the former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama. Axelrod was the founding director of the University of Chicago’s non-partisan Institute of Politics. He currently serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago and as a senior political commentator for CNN. He is the host of “The Axe Files,” a top-rated podcast featuring in depth conversations with public figures across the political spectrum. A former political writer for the Chicago Tribune, Axelrod produced media strategy and advertising for 150 campaigns across the U.S., culminating in President Obama’s historic elections. Axelrod is also the author of The New York Times best-selling memoir, Believer: My Forty Years in Politics.
Joe Biden assumed office at one of the most consequential moments in American history. As the president charts a path toward recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and twin economic crisis, he also faces a unique set of political challenges with a narrow margin in Congress and an increasingly polarized electorate. As the former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama—who came to office facing his own set of crises—Axelrod shares his unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Biden administration.
From the financial crisis and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the fight for health care reform, the Obama Administration was tested with issues of enormous consequences. As President Obama’s senior advisor, David Axelrod worked 20 feet from the Oval Office. He shares his thoughts on leadership as someone who was in the room as monumental decisions were made affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. Drawing on his years as a top strategist and spokesman, Axelrod gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at life in the White House and shares what he has learned from his experiences on the world stage.
The 24/7 news cycle, social media, and a culture where information is currency have completely changed the face of politics—in some cases for better and in others for worse. A veteran strategist who started out his career as a newspaperman for The Chicago Tribune, David Axelrod reflects on the changes that have taken root in the media and what they mean for the direction of our political discourse at home and abroad. Has our desire for soundbites drowned out thoughtful discussion? Does a culture that embraces talking heads over substance make us less apt to listen to opposing viewpoints? How can we better use new media to advance issues of immense importance to our future? Axelrod shares the answers to these questions as he reflects on a rapidly shifting media and political landscape.
Tell us about your event and the speaker you are interested in booking and we will be in touch right away.