The ''Yes We Can'' line surely referred to Barack and his billion-dollar warchest, didn't it? You can't win the primary only with cash yet, but you pretty much can win a general election with it. Besides, it was the only truly American object with which he has ever been happy.
Mr. Axelrod,
You enjoy seemingly insurmountable challenges. Here's a proposal. Persuade Elizabeth Warren to run. Then offer your services.
'Rebrand' her as populist. (It should not be difficult given her life story/background) Don't allow Republicans to get away with labeling her as a 'liberal/socialist'.
The paradigm in Washington must change. Little or nothing will get done if the status quo remains. Voters need and deserve more than the choice between Jeb or Hillary.
We cannot go on like this much longer.
Sincerely,
mgt
You enjoy seemingly insurmountable challenges. Here's a proposal. Persuade Elizabeth Warren to run. Then offer your services.
'Rebrand' her as populist. (It should not be difficult given her life story/background) Don't allow Republicans to get away with labeling her as a 'liberal/socialist'.
The paradigm in Washington must change. Little or nothing will get done if the status quo remains. Voters need and deserve more than the choice between Jeb or Hillary.
We cannot go on like this much longer.
Sincerely,
mgt
5
Off topic and probably won't be published: however, the truth is no one person, even the president, can affect real change until Citizens United is reversed.
9
Pertinent is how David Axelrod's narrative, subtly but powerfully acknowledges Mrs Obama. The politics-wary Princeton/Harvard educated wife and life partner of many years, who set aside her now prescient concerns and reservations about politics - an occupation she described as 'not noble'; gave up her own equally important dreams, aspirations and life plans to accommodate and bolster that of her politically ambitious husband. Axelrod (un)wittingly employs her very perceptive and unassuming voice in very telling and important ways.
He ever so subtly returns Mrs Obama to her rightful place in her husband's historic ascent after what seems - post his 2012 re-election - a strange and rather disconcerting and insidious attempt to diminish, relegate - and even completely erase her from the many narratives that purport to tell her husband's story.
Where other Obama staffers and operatives tell their stories without ever acknowledging his wife - many, including those who only just a few short years ago insinuated themselves into his life, and by extension her life - and only as his political star rose, entirely pretend Mrs Obama either never existed, or is purely incidental, irrelevant and in some instances, even inconvenient to their preferred view - and their place in not just her husband's political, but personal life as well.
In the end history will show this brilliant and glorious woman to be as someone put it, the magic - the secret ingredient to this historic presidency.
He ever so subtly returns Mrs Obama to her rightful place in her husband's historic ascent after what seems - post his 2012 re-election - a strange and rather disconcerting and insidious attempt to diminish, relegate - and even completely erase her from the many narratives that purport to tell her husband's story.
Where other Obama staffers and operatives tell their stories without ever acknowledging his wife - many, including those who only just a few short years ago insinuated themselves into his life, and by extension her life - and only as his political star rose, entirely pretend Mrs Obama either never existed, or is purely incidental, irrelevant and in some instances, even inconvenient to their preferred view - and their place in not just her husband's political, but personal life as well.
In the end history will show this brilliant and glorious woman to be as someone put it, the magic - the secret ingredient to this historic presidency.
36
Chi-Eg,
Many thanks for reminding this American of our First Lady, who shows spunk, sense and sensibility. As a person in her own right to be admired, and a source of strength to the President, much more than a charismatic political couple at the White House, but an example of an American family to be emulated in many ways.
Mrs. Obama is splendid, and it is not only her husband who has encouraged me to get on my feet, and take a stand during these often adverse times, while also reminding us that there is plenty of work to be done for the future of our younger generation.
Many thanks for reminding this American of our First Lady, who shows spunk, sense and sensibility. As a person in her own right to be admired, and a source of strength to the President, much more than a charismatic political couple at the White House, but an example of an American family to be emulated in many ways.
Mrs. Obama is splendid, and it is not only her husband who has encouraged me to get on my feet, and take a stand during these often adverse times, while also reminding us that there is plenty of work to be done for the future of our younger generation.
8
As an engineer I see a similar spirit in President Obama. He analyzes problems and makes rational decisions about what should be done. They are for the most part practical and not ideological.
He faces a Republican opposition that thinks government can not be a solution for anything. I have worked in Silicon Vallety all my life, and I know there things only governments, not companies, can do.
Jimmy Carter was a President who was an engineer, and after leaving office has dedicated his life to public service, in ways that don't involve the sorry public circus that is Washington DC.
He faces a Republican opposition that thinks government can not be a solution for anything. I have worked in Silicon Vallety all my life, and I know there things only governments, not companies, can do.
Jimmy Carter was a President who was an engineer, and after leaving office has dedicated his life to public service, in ways that don't involve the sorry public circus that is Washington DC.
25
President Obama may not have been able to change the culture in Washington, but bless him that did not prevent him from achieving great, transformative change outside of Washington.
He was able to conduct surgical operations to protect America and end two bloated wars that merely sapped our economic strength without adding to our security.
He averted both a financial and real estate crisis, calmed capital markets, and created conditions for the strongest job growth since the 90s.
America is nearly energy independent through greater production and far stronger energy efficiency standards.
America is finally coordinating ways to fight climate change with China, India and other global powers after years of ignorance and neglect.
Affordable health care was made available to 30 million people while the rate of health care increases declined to the lowest rate in over 50 years.
Marriage equality was fought for and enshrined into law with the help of the President and his administration.
Immigration reform was carried out despite Congressional obstruction and relations with Cuba were finally normalized.
The trillion dollar budget deficit he inherited has been cut by more than half in nominal terms and by 2/3rds relative to GDP - the fastest turnaround in 47 years.
President Obama may not have changed Washington, but he changed the country and the world. He is an American hero.
He was able to conduct surgical operations to protect America and end two bloated wars that merely sapped our economic strength without adding to our security.
He averted both a financial and real estate crisis, calmed capital markets, and created conditions for the strongest job growth since the 90s.
America is nearly energy independent through greater production and far stronger energy efficiency standards.
America is finally coordinating ways to fight climate change with China, India and other global powers after years of ignorance and neglect.
Affordable health care was made available to 30 million people while the rate of health care increases declined to the lowest rate in over 50 years.
Marriage equality was fought for and enshrined into law with the help of the President and his administration.
Immigration reform was carried out despite Congressional obstruction and relations with Cuba were finally normalized.
The trillion dollar budget deficit he inherited has been cut by more than half in nominal terms and by 2/3rds relative to GDP - the fastest turnaround in 47 years.
President Obama may not have changed Washington, but he changed the country and the world. He is an American hero.
55
"Yes we can?"
We?
Perhaps the most cynical campaign ever waged.
A sick joke.
Leaders do not blame. Obama and Axelrod are narcissists who believe that the Republicans will somehow redeem their incompetence. I doubt it. History will be harsh in its judgment of them both, and Obama and his team of amateurs will still be visibly inadequate for what they sold to the public.
We?
Perhaps the most cynical campaign ever waged.
A sick joke.
Leaders do not blame. Obama and Axelrod are narcissists who believe that the Republicans will somehow redeem their incompetence. I doubt it. History will be harsh in its judgment of them both, and Obama and his team of amateurs will still be visibly inadequate for what they sold to the public.
4
History is going to be harsh on our lack of character in times of adversity, and how a great many Americans wedged in their heels when the President announced from the onset that he could not put political Humpty-Dumpty back together again.
Mr. Axelrod and a few other good persons have given it a try. There is reason to believe that America is already being judged on how spoiled and soft we are when it comes to showing any true character, and the joke may already be on us, and not Mr. Obama, nor Mr. Axelrod who will continue to inspire others to keep their feet planted in the ground and roll up their sleeves.
Mr. Axelrod and a few other good persons have given it a try. There is reason to believe that America is already being judged on how spoiled and soft we are when it comes to showing any true character, and the joke may already be on us, and not Mr. Obama, nor Mr. Axelrod who will continue to inspire others to keep their feet planted in the ground and roll up their sleeves.
3
Because Bush and Cheney were such pros. Give us a break.
2
Haven't changed the tone in Washington? The political tone in Washington has changed. It's now trench warfare between the parties. Brought about, I believe, by the Republicans belief that Obama doesn't belong in the White House and the Republicans belief that since they win in the south with gerrymandered districts that they represent the majority of the American people.
35
The GOP didn't gerrymander the districts in Illinois or California that are truly serpentine. One district has run from the Oregon border to the Golden Gate Bridge - does that really make sense?
The majority of Americans were heard from on November 4th: sorry to see you missed it. Mr. Obama's most devastated victims: black and poor workers and their families.
The majority of Americans were heard from on November 4th: sorry to see you missed it. Mr. Obama's most devastated victims: black and poor workers and their families.
2
I will read this book. I am grateful to mr. Axelrod for being the best sidekick a budding President could have hoped for. David is humble brilliant and the best strategist to come down the pike in my political lifetime. And a jewel of a fellow.
12
Should the dollar collapse within the next twenty years - much more likely than at any time in our history thanks to his efforts of helping some and destroying others - Mr. Axlerod's name should share the infamy.
Axelrod has it wrong in saying we can't judge Obama harshly for failing to deliver change in Washington. The American electorate in unprecedented numbers gave Obama a mandate for change and it was largest, most diverse population since FDR. Obama had momentum when he walked into office. He had millions of people energized and ready to manifest their power in any way he asked only he didn't ask anything of us and he certainly didn't ask anything of Congress. What our President didn't have was courage. What he lacked and still does, is the ability to plant his feet and stake out a position and that DNA has cost him - and us - his Presidency. He squandered an unimaginable moment in American politics; one we won't see again for decades at best.
10
Really! Obama was met at the gate by a Republican group of linebackers guarding the goal post.
4
The President lacks courage? It is We the people who are navigating on a bland level of energy. Singular it is to watch us regress and maintaining a low profile, afraid to speak up and have the courage of our convictions, while lying complacently over our computer, going off on a tear and coming up in every conceivable way to place another political roadblock in his path. This is a President who continues to go forth, while many Americans have chosen to remain behind, and squabble in the dust and rubble, without any show of intent to move forth and not backwards.
4
The President does not have to look back. But it would be nice if the Republians and some far left Democrats actually learned to look forward.
20
They are, Larry - and gleefully.
You ask about his mustache in the piece and then in the photo...he doesn't have a mustache.
3
Regarding David's mustache. He shaved it as a challenge to an MSNBC's Dare
It's one of those fashionable transparent mustaches. Get with the times.
3
Mr. Axelrod,
Having read your interview with Ms. Amy Chozick (you look snappy in the photo too), planning to take up a first political book of memoirs. When in the corporate world as a secretary, countless books referred at the time to the financier I worked for, and it never dawned on me to read them. There was a distinct lack of interest about what authors had to say, because I felt in tune with him and that was fine.
It is no surprise that Mr. Obama will continue to go forth, and not waste time looking back. He reminds me of other brilliant people who always look ahead and rarely rest on their laurels. President Obama is the one who woke this American up, and made life richer in so many ways. He gave it substance, and expanded not only my political thoughts, but views about the essentials of life, causing me to wish to go forth as well.
And in the future, while the winds of war come closer our way, I shall think of 'The Last President', and remember how fortunate to be under his wing during these years of hardship. He has been an inspiration in accomplishing so much with so little help, and his eagle eye and graceful way of soaring high above the political intrigues and the obstacles we placed in his way, are nothing short of splendid and valiant. Corny this may be, but there is nothing corny about Mr. Obama.
Congratulations on your new publication.
Having read your interview with Ms. Amy Chozick (you look snappy in the photo too), planning to take up a first political book of memoirs. When in the corporate world as a secretary, countless books referred at the time to the financier I worked for, and it never dawned on me to read them. There was a distinct lack of interest about what authors had to say, because I felt in tune with him and that was fine.
It is no surprise that Mr. Obama will continue to go forth, and not waste time looking back. He reminds me of other brilliant people who always look ahead and rarely rest on their laurels. President Obama is the one who woke this American up, and made life richer in so many ways. He gave it substance, and expanded not only my political thoughts, but views about the essentials of life, causing me to wish to go forth as well.
And in the future, while the winds of war come closer our way, I shall think of 'The Last President', and remember how fortunate to be under his wing during these years of hardship. He has been an inspiration in accomplishing so much with so little help, and his eagle eye and graceful way of soaring high above the political intrigues and the obstacles we placed in his way, are nothing short of splendid and valiant. Corny this may be, but there is nothing corny about Mr. Obama.
Congratulations on your new publication.
45
"We clearly haven’t changed the tone in Washington."
But they clearly established the need for change in political culture USA.
It now borders on slapstick--political fools, selling folly for ego and profit.
POTUS is not an omni god.
Democracy without due process--intelligent, informed debate vs ideological marketing--is just tyranny of the ignorant majority.
A majority easily swayed by expensive advertizing and so by the wealthy--aiming for government of the people by the rich, for the rich; democracy devolves into plutocracy.
With the assistance of religion preaching wealth by divine right--democracy degenerates into feudalism: the clergy authorizing the "nobles" to rule the commoners--albeit with the "consent" of god fearing commoners.
But they clearly established the need for change in political culture USA.
It now borders on slapstick--political fools, selling folly for ego and profit.
POTUS is not an omni god.
Democracy without due process--intelligent, informed debate vs ideological marketing--is just tyranny of the ignorant majority.
A majority easily swayed by expensive advertizing and so by the wealthy--aiming for government of the people by the rich, for the rich; democracy devolves into plutocracy.
With the assistance of religion preaching wealth by divine right--democracy degenerates into feudalism: the clergy authorizing the "nobles" to rule the commoners--albeit with the "consent" of god fearing commoners.
11
President Obama seems to me to be the most psychologically healthy man we've had in the White House in my lifetime (67 years), precisely because he doesn't define himself by being president. If he did self-delude a bit, it was in being overly optimistic that the tone in Washington might change. For that, we cannot fault him. Experience in politics is enough of a punishment for self-delusion.
83
I see it differently. My impression of Mr. O is that he is a bit too much like Mr. Peanut (Carter). He's firm in his beliefs about his own righteousness and doesn't really want to hear anything that challenges that view. And he's as naive about how politics really works as Carter was. I've always felt that Mr. O would be very happy as a big-money foundation executive, pronouncing on how to make the world better and throwing money at untested/unproven projects that he's smitten with. (That says more about what I think of most big-money foundations like Ford & Gates than it may about my thoughts on Mr.O.) With Axelrod behind him, Mr. O benefited from a massive on-the-ground vote-getting effort. Too bad Axelrod bailed when Mr. O really needed a general manager to get anything done in Washington.
2
I don't think it is appropriate for someone who has been a very close and important advisor to a president to write about that president until after the president's term in office is over.
One probable reason people will buy this book now to to find some juicy morsel of gossip or inside dirt and, perhaps, use it to embarrass the president or cause him to be less effective.
The primary reason a presidential advisor would write a book this early is to make lots of money; I don't plan to read it now or ever.
One probable reason people will buy this book now to to find some juicy morsel of gossip or inside dirt and, perhaps, use it to embarrass the president or cause him to be less effective.
The primary reason a presidential advisor would write a book this early is to make lots of money; I don't plan to read it now or ever.
5
Lilburne,
You are entitled to your opinion. Although I am not acquainted with Mr. Axelrod, his name is well recognized in the political world and he is considered by many as a prestigious author who is measured and reasoned in his writings. He is not known for writing for the public readership salacious stories about anyone, let alone The President of the United States.
You are entitled to your opinion. Although I am not acquainted with Mr. Axelrod, his name is well recognized in the political world and he is considered by many as a prestigious author who is measured and reasoned in his writings. He is not known for writing for the public readership salacious stories about anyone, let alone The President of the United States.
5
Respectfully let me disagree with Lilburne. I am half way through Axelrod's book and it is a wonderful read about what it took to elect the president. Its timing may be meant to inform this next presidential election cycle or just capture the history of what happened. It is a loyalist's inside view of the years of running and the first four years and for someone like me who loves politics, loves Obama and craves details, it is really great. David Plouffe's book came out years and years ago and it is hard to see any negative or disloyal aspect to telling one's story while Obama is still at the helm.
11
michael Currier,
This is helpful on your part, since it is the President who woke me up to America and its politics. A typist for two decades, watching the politicians come and go, visiting our office and getting ready for the presidential elections, while enjoying a little bit of eavesdropping when it came to listening in on some Presidential campaign managers and others - keep that up your sleeve if you will - and yet I was quick to forget about these years on returning to the international humanitarian community where I feel most at home.
It is President Obama who woke me up to some realities that are taking place in America today and yes, I am prepared to be corny again in saying that he is this American's 'Captain', whose guidance continues to be bright, while looking forward to David Axelrod's input for added understanding of this extraordinary American leader; an input, which is heightened by what you have to relay in your reading of the "Believer".
This is helpful on your part, since it is the President who woke me up to America and its politics. A typist for two decades, watching the politicians come and go, visiting our office and getting ready for the presidential elections, while enjoying a little bit of eavesdropping when it came to listening in on some Presidential campaign managers and others - keep that up your sleeve if you will - and yet I was quick to forget about these years on returning to the international humanitarian community where I feel most at home.
It is President Obama who woke me up to some realities that are taking place in America today and yes, I am prepared to be corny again in saying that he is this American's 'Captain', whose guidance continues to be bright, while looking forward to David Axelrod's input for added understanding of this extraordinary American leader; an input, which is heightened by what you have to relay in your reading of the "Believer".
1
Q: Do you think he succeeded as a manager? A: Well, he never ran a line operation so he didn't know the difference between a persuasive power point and an actual manager who knew how to kick the tires and take names.
2
When I donated and knocked on doors for Obama in 2008 (indeed, bought the iconic Shepard Fairey "PROGRESS" poster in its first run, where it had Fairey's "Obey" logo on it where the Obama logo was placed later), I didn't perceive Obama's message as Axelrod did, to change some kind of "tone" in Washington and promote a golden neo-era of good feelings. I supported him because of what he said about economics in his Cooper Uunion speech that year. that the change was going to be a movement at last away from Reaganistic "trickle down" free market fundamentalism of finance crony capitalism.
Obviously, I was disappointed that the change didn't happen in the naive but meaningless way that Axelrod and Obama intended. Only now as a lame duck is Obama again raising these fundamental economic schisms in our society as aspirational, symbolic goals he will be unable to accomplish and Hillary Clinton is not interested in doing either, at the risk of upsetting her plutocratic base.
Perhaps we'll be ready to address these issues in 2024, unless the pitchforks iconoclastic billionaires like Nick Hanauer sees come out first when things boil over. As that sign painted on the wall by the High Line trail says "The French Revolution they never saw it coming". Hope it doesn't upset Obama's golf game that day.
Obviously, I was disappointed that the change didn't happen in the naive but meaningless way that Axelrod and Obama intended. Only now as a lame duck is Obama again raising these fundamental economic schisms in our society as aspirational, symbolic goals he will be unable to accomplish and Hillary Clinton is not interested in doing either, at the risk of upsetting her plutocratic base.
Perhaps we'll be ready to address these issues in 2024, unless the pitchforks iconoclastic billionaires like Nick Hanauer sees come out first when things boil over. As that sign painted on the wall by the High Line trail says "The French Revolution they never saw it coming". Hope it doesn't upset Obama's golf game that day.
10
Always laugh when I hear Mr. Obama described as a lame duck. Makes me feel chipper, it does, and thanks for the smile. To this American, and when it comes to metaphors. the President is reminiscent of a tiger shining bright and tall in stature, as high as an elephant's eye.
As for the French Revolution and old history, royalty in France today is doing quite well, and there is no need to make a cake out of it.
As for the French Revolution and old history, royalty in France today is doing quite well, and there is no need to make a cake out of it.
3
I think he serverd an honorable man, honorably. Sadly the team arrived in WDC when all the wrongs that money in politics brings. We're seeing from every possible source, endorsed by SCOUS the members of congress act or react against all of us; deny the obvious needs to address infrastructure degradation and provide for the disparity between the haves and have nots through tax policy and removal of the many measures that can make it possible to use money to defeat anything that benefits the people. I don't want to be around to see what another Bush or a Hillary can do to us .. especially if the voters are dumb enough to renew the nuts and enable the interests now in congress.
9
In speaking to an elderly Iraqi friend of many years, and neighbor the other evening, we remembered when we went to vote for President Obama a second time, and one of America's most famous statesmen turned in the line, and introduced himself to her. She was slightly taken aback while shaking his cordial hand, and I teased her afterwards for not asking his views on American Policy's on Iraq.
My friend and I were to conclude in our recent exchange that neither Party has a qualified presidential candidate, leaving us to pause. 'He won't come back' were our final words and there was a long silence.
My friend and I were to conclude in our recent exchange that neither Party has a qualified presidential candidate, leaving us to pause. 'He won't come back' were our final words and there was a long silence.
2
Of course he won't.
1
I think Barack Obama is one extraordinary human being and President. How many today in the political arena can discuss issues with so much intelligence, knowledge and insight? The incessant, personal attacks against this great man and his family betray that there is more than just politics involved. History will show the mendacity of so many of his critics.
81
DAVID AXELROD
Jefferson said that to have a democratic republic, we needed an educated electorate. But, instead as our public educational system has devolved to a state where the basics: civics, history, science and math are neglected the vested interests of the powerful have used their money to provide manipulation and false information in its stead.
So, idealists like Mr. Axelrod, President Obama and ... are made impotent as
the Koch bro's and their ilk, Murdoch and Ailes' friends of fox use their influence and wide reach to usurp the democracy for their own greedy ends.
The two political parties have become beholden to the wealthy and corporation via lobbyists. They are really quite the same as they paly out a fight to make citizens think that both are different. They are different just as the Yankees and Mets are technically in different leagues but play by the same rules.
Our founders warned us of parties. So, honest brokers like Mr. Axelrod are shut out of the game.
The majority of us don't "know what's wrong with Kansas." And, David Axelrod, no matter how well intentioned must attempt to overcome the constraints of real politics.
He is the honest bookkeeper in a house filled with prostitutes... Well with a few exceptions...
Jefferson said that to have a democratic republic, we needed an educated electorate. But, instead as our public educational system has devolved to a state where the basics: civics, history, science and math are neglected the vested interests of the powerful have used their money to provide manipulation and false information in its stead.
So, idealists like Mr. Axelrod, President Obama and ... are made impotent as
the Koch bro's and their ilk, Murdoch and Ailes' friends of fox use their influence and wide reach to usurp the democracy for their own greedy ends.
The two political parties have become beholden to the wealthy and corporation via lobbyists. They are really quite the same as they paly out a fight to make citizens think that both are different. They are different just as the Yankees and Mets are technically in different leagues but play by the same rules.
Our founders warned us of parties. So, honest brokers like Mr. Axelrod are shut out of the game.
The majority of us don't "know what's wrong with Kansas." And, David Axelrod, no matter how well intentioned must attempt to overcome the constraints of real politics.
He is the honest bookkeeper in a house filled with prostitutes... Well with a few exceptions...
29
Thanks to Ms. Chozick and Mr. Axelrod for a very good interview. The author's genuine love of politics and what it can do for people at its best really shines through in his work and book. Of course, as ever, this really heightens the anticipation for what 44 will say in his memoirs, likely later in this decade. Mr. Axelrod also offers more belief that Mr. Obama will have an excellent post-presidency and do more than do well after he has done good, as the old political saying goes.
17
Every post-war President has gone to pains to say nothing negative about his successor. Do you think there is ANY chance Mr. Obama follows that tradition?
Or, they bought the generally overpriced coverage - made exquisitely expensive because liberals always want everything included no matter what the bottom line says - and they bitterly know the skyrocketing premiums and uncovered expenses required before the coverage even begins.
I said long ago that this awful law would be killed by Democrats before the GOP even had a chance to elect a Constitutionalist and that day has become much closer than anyone thought. Mr. Dropping-the-sea-levels could institute yet another delay, but people are already wise to the deception and the cost overruns.
Look for an even more overwhelmingly Republican or Libertarian Congress in January 2017 than you'd ever have dared forecast. No wonder Liz Warren is waiting her time.