Joel Benenson
The Strategist
The long view, patient, analytical, playing several moves ahead.
Joel Benenson is a seasoned political strategist known for his role as chief strategist and pollster for Hillary Clinton. This interview highlights his analytical approach to politics, focusing on compromise and the significance of data-driven decision-making in navigating complex political landscapes.
“Maybe even some Bernie Sanders. And it was, you know, things kind of got back to normal in a day or so after that. But for me, I really was looking for something more to do. It was a stopgap and theater kind of faded away. And, you know, as I was starting to think about things really almost on a lark, I made up a list of things.”
“He was such a giant, and it was a great opportunity. And about a year later I called him one day and we were just talking and I said, you know, I said, boy, I still think of the things we could have done differently. I still tear it apart. Like, how long did it take you to get over this thing? You know, like I'm still thinking about it.”
“I did. I did. I started. I was supposed to graduate in, I think, in 1973, and I didn't finish until 79. I took a little hiatus there as a baseball fan. You'll appreciate this. So I started college in September of 69. And when I went back to finally finish my degree, they gave me the degree.”
“If you're making the case, who can you count on to get the things done that are going to make your life better that will improve your lives, that'll create more good-paying jobs, then I think she will win because I think, you know, it's easy to ask a question and in Poland, say, this is the most important thing.”
The Axe Files with David Axelrod — Ep. 29 - Joel Benenson
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