Believer

My Forty Years in Politics

By: David Axelrod

Narrated by: David Axelrod

The great strategist who masterminded Obama's historic election campaigns opens up about his years as a young journalist, political consultant, and ultimately senior adviser to the president

The man behind some of the greatest political changes of the last decade, David Axelrod has devoted a lifetime to questioning political certainties and daring to bring fresh thinking into the political landscape. Whether as a child hearing John F. Kennedy stump in New York or as a strategist guiding the first African American to the White House, Axelrod shows in Believer how his own life stands at the center of the tumultuous American century.

Believer begins in the inimitable world of 1960s New York, but rapidly moves west. As a young newspaperman in the Chicago of the 1970s and 1980s, Axelrod reported on the dissolution of the last of the big city political machines, along with the emergence of a Black, independent movement that made Obama's ascent possible. Seeing the golden age of Chicago journalism collapse, Axelrod switched careers to become a political strategist, working for pathbreakers like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and morally conflicted characters like John Edwards. For better and worse, Axelrod helped to redefine the techniques by which modern political campaigns are run.

The heart of Believer is devoted to Axelrod's 20-year friendship with Obama, a warm partnership that inspired both men even as it propelled each to great heights. As senior adviser to the president, Axelrod served during one of the most challenging periods in national history and worked at Obama's side as he battled an economic disaster, navigated America through two wars, and fought to reform health care, the financial sector, and our grid-locked political institutions.

©2015 David Axelrod (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Would Barack Obama have been elected president without David Axelrod? That question is less far-fetched than it may seem...what emerges is important: a portrait of political campaigning that is more like what we hope than what we fear, that rises above the machinations and muck...a stout defense - indeed, the best I have read - of the Obama years.... Judging from his first book, Obama has the talent to write the best presidential memoir in modern tunes. It is worth waiting for. But for now, David Axelrod has written a highly readable, uplifting account of the candidate he loves - and, reassuringly, has shown politics can still be a calling, not a business." (New York Times Book Review, David Gergen)

"Axelrod, liberated from the constraints of messaging, is warm and wry, loyal to Obama without being uncritical, and occasionally acid in his appraisals of others - now-Secretary of State John Kerry, political consultant Mark Penn and former Sen. John Edwards will not be among this book's biggest fans. It helps that Axelrod can write. A journalist before he was a political consultant, his book is revealing..but best of all, it is well told - the work of a capable, professional storyteller." (The Los Angeles Times)

"Mr Axelrod has uncommon insights to offer." (The Economist)

Great insight on politics....

What made the experience of listening to Believer the most enjoyable?

I liked the honesty which David Axelrod used in telling his story and I always enjoy an author reading their own words. From his story I could really empathize with the pressure of running a campaign and developing a strategy to win elections

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think the part when the health care bill passed was especially powerful as the many previous Democratic and Republican administrations have attempted to pass a law.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to hundreds of audio books and this is my first review. I found the subject fascinating but I really appreciated the honesty with which he told it. I have no doubt that he was an intregal part in getting Obama elected and I think that history will prove that he will be one of our greatest Presidents.

Captivating story

Great insights into both the 2008 and 2012 elections. Felt like I was on the campaign trail with Obama. Gotta love politics !!!

Riveting, even though I knew the plot already!

This is probably the 4th or 5th book I've read/ listened to on the Obama campaign and presidency. Still found it fascinating. Heard new behind - the - scenes details on what went on described in a plain - spoken manner. very illuminating.

Great Story!

I loved this book and how it gives insight into the president's personality and the politics of decisions made in campaigns and the White House. Believer was interesting from start to finish especially being from the Chicagoland area.

Absolutely captivating

Mention politics and most people cringe but this book was more than politics. It was an honest peek behind the scenes of strategies, ups, downs, triumphs and failures. I couldn't put it down.

American history first hand

Too many U.S. citizens know too little about the history of their home. This book gives you a front row seat to the election of our first African-American president. Job well done and well told by Axelrod.

A Broad Swath of Political History

A deep dive and long drink of a Democratic strategist over 40 years. Nice insights into the politics of our time

Making Of a Political Genius.

Very well written and funny, therefore very entertaining. This book details the making of a brilliant strategist. Obama would never be president without someone like  David Axelrod, who not only is a genius, but also knows how to surround himself with the assets he needs to succeed.

The best book I have listened too

David Axelrod's reading of his own story is a heartwarming look into both sides of politics, the self-interested and the believer. Thank you, David, for sharing your story.

Believe

Well done. Great insight. Enjoyed the first hand insight as t told by Mr Axelrod