Believer: My Forty Years in Politics

David Axelrod's memoir chronicles his path from Chicago Tribune reporter to one of America's most influential political strategists. His career spans from local Chicago politics to the highest levels of presidential campaigns. The narrative tracks Axelrod's professional evolution through major campaigns and political moments from the 1970s to the Obama presidency. His inside perspective as a key advisor reveals the mechanics of modern American political messaging and campaign strategy. The book details Axelrod's relationship with Barack Obama, from their first meeting in Chicago through two presidential campaigns and into the White House years. Personal stories and behind-the-scenes accounts provide context for pivotal moments in recent political history. Beyond campaign tactics and political victories, the memoir examines broader themes about idealism in American democracy and the tension between pragmatic politics and core beliefs. The intersection of personal conviction and political reality emerges as a central focus of Axelrod's reflections.

Readers found the book offers detailed insights into campaign strategy and Obama's rise, though many note it focuses more on Axelrod's career than Obama. Political junkies appreciate the behind-the-scenes details of various campaigns, while casual readers sometimes found the granular campaign minutiae tedious. Liked: - Personal anecdotes about interactions with Obama - Historical context of Chicago politics - Honest discussion of campaign failures and mistakes - Writing style strikes balance between insider access and objectivity Disliked: - Too much focus on pre-Obama campaigns - Limited new revelations about Obama presidency - Skims over controversial policy decisions - Some readers wanted more personal details about Obama Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) "The first half dragged with endless local political campaigns" - Goodreads reviewer "Best parts are the intimate Obama moments that show his character" - Amazon reviewer

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🗣️ David Axelrod began his career as a political journalist for the Chicago Tribune at age 27, before transitioning to become one of America's most influential political strategists. 🏛️ The book reveals intimate details about Barack Obama's rise from state senator to president, as Axelrod served as his chief campaign strategist and later as Senior Advisor in the White House. 📚 While writing the memoir, Axelrod reviewed over 3,000 pages of his personal journals and countless emails to ensure accuracy in recounting decades of political history. 🎭 The title "Believer" stems from Axelrod's idealistic view of politics as a vehicle for positive change, despite witnessing countless scandals and disappointments throughout his career. 🔍 Before working with Obama, Axelrod helped elect America's first Black big-city mayor (Harold Washington in Chicago), first female senator from Illinois (Carol Moseley Braun), and first Black mayor of New York (David Dinkins).