Paul Begala
The Catalyst
Ideas with a spark, energy, range and the ability to start things.
Paul Begala is a seasoned political strategist known for his impactful role in Democratic campaigns over the last three decades. This interview highlights his energetic approach to politics, emphasizing the importance of grassroots mobilization and the human connections that drive political success.
“He did. And it really strained our friendship to say the least. Carville publicly broke with him and had donated Azell's campaign, publicly said I want my money back. It was just a bitter, bitter break. And I'd say I was thinking about doing the same. And this guy, I mean, he called me his third son. I mean, I'm really close to him.”
“Prejudice against Latinos was no way to run a political campaign. And so he had a very progressive. He was for immigration reform. He was for bilingual ed. Rick Perry signed a law giving in state tuition to the children of undocumented workers. Of course, because you want them to be smart and productive.”
“It was, I still remember it. So, this is 1991. He's like, you know, my kid is like in fifth or sixth grade, I can't remember. My daughter. And she's going to come of age in this new century that's coming. And I'm really scared to death of what it's going to look like.”
“I still talk. Yeah, but I think that Those initial experiences cut, they matter. And I still do think about the guys around the hardware store or Uncle Buster, God Rest of Soul, Mr. Cort who owned the hardware store. His Uncle Buster was our local JP, Justice the Peace. He'd been on the Bataan Death March.”
The Axe Files with David Axelrod — Ep. 63 - Paul Begala
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