Bob Shrum
The Strategist
The long view, patient, analytical, playing several moves ahead.
Bob Shrum is a seasoned political strategist and speechwriter with decades of experience in American politics, having played pivotal roles in numerous presidential races. This interview reveals his deep understanding of political dynamics and his ability to navigate complex electoral landscapes, emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking in achieving political success.
“When I was growing up here, everybody was discovering the new sport of surfing. I am not, as I once told a German ski instructor who tried to teach me how to ski in Switzerland, he said, you are sportif. No. And I said, no. And so for me, it was books. And at a competitive level, high school debate.”
“First of all, what are the big themes? What's the big message? Can you get it across? Number one. Number two, are there going to be moments? Because moments really matter in presidential debates. Of John Kerry in the first debate with Bush.”
“And so I went in and I knew we were going to have a little party, and he was having a party about 25, 30 people there. And I said, can I see you for a minute? And so we went in the corner. And I said, listen, I was coming back. And this is what I heard in the radio. And I said, I haven't told anybody anything. He said, oh, I told.”
“Well, it was a Senate where people had very sharp disagreements on issues, but at the end of the day, they could be friends and they could look for ways to work together. I remember when Ronald Reagan first came to town after he was elected, Kennedy barely knew him. And he asked to see Kennedy.”
The Axe Files with David Axelrod — Ep. 270 — Bob Shrum
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