Axelrod, David, 1955-

David M. Axelrod (born February 22, 1955) is an American political consultant and analyst and former White House official. He is best known for being the chief strategist for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. After Obama's election, Axelrod was appointed as Senior Advisor to the President. He left the position in early 2011 and became the Senior Strategist for Obama's successful re-election campaign in 2012. Axelrod wrote for the Chicago Tribune, and joined CNN as Senior Political Commentator in 2015. As of December 2019, Axelrod serves as the director of the non-partisan University of Chicago Institute of Politics. His memoir is titled Believer: My Forty Years in Politics.

<p>David Axelrod, AB'76, is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. A University of Chicago alumnus, Axelrod is a 35-year veteran of American politics and journalism.</p>

<p>Prior to becoming a political consultant, Axelrod spent eight years as a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, including as the City Hall bureau chief. As a political consultant, Axelrod has managed media and communications strategy for more than 150 local, state, and national campaigns.</p>

<p>Axelrod served as Senior Strategist to President Obama's successful 2012 re-election campaign. He served in that same role in then-Senator Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, before going on to serve in the White House as Senior Advisor to the President. After the 2012 campaign, Axelrod turned his focus to the Institute of Politics to help inspire and train the next generation of leaders.</p>