Paul Begala

Easton Press Paul Begala books

Take It Back - James Carville and Paul Begala - signed first edition - 2005

Who is Paul Begala?

Paul Begala, born on May 12, 1961, in New Jersey, is an American political strategist, commentator, and author. He gained prominence for his role as a key strategist in the successful 1992 presidential campaign of Bill Clinton, which led to Clinton's election as the 42nd President of the United States. Begala graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in government. He then earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1983. His early career saw him working as a law clerk for a federal judge and later as an attorney in private practice. However, Begala's true passion lay in politics, and he soon transitioned into a career that would make him a prominent figure in American political circles. In the early 1990s, Paul Begala joined forces with James Carville, another influential Democratic strategist, to form a powerful political consulting firm. The duo, often referred to as the "Ragin' Cajuns," played instrumental roles in shaping Bill Clinton's presidential campaign. Their innovative strategies, including the famous slogan "It's the economy, stupid," contributed significantly to Clinton's electoral victory.

Following Clinton's successful election, Begala continued to be involved in Democratic politics. He served as a counselor to the President in the Clinton White House, providing advice on a range of policy and political matters. Begala's sharp wit and strategic acumen earned him a reputation as a formidable force in political circles. In addition to his work in politics, Begala has been a familiar face on television as a political commentator. He has contributed to CNN as a co-host of the program Crossfire and has been a frequent commentator on various news programs, offering his insights on political developments.

Paul Begala is also an accomplished author, having written several books that delve into politics and societal issues. His writing often reflects his deep understanding of the political landscape and his commitment to advancing progressive causes. Begala's foray into authorship began with his book titled Is Our Children Learning?: The Case Against George W. Bush (2000). In this work, Begala turned his critical eye toward the presidency of George W. Bush, particularly examining and questioning Bush's approach to education policies. The title, marked by its witty wordplay, encapsulates the author's satirical and insightful take on the political landscape. Collaborating with James Carville, Begala co-authored Buck Up, Suck Up . . . and Come Back When You Foul Up: 12 Winning Secrets from the War Room (2002). Drawing on their experiences as political consultants, the book provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at political campaigns, offering anecdotes and lessons learned from the "war room." In It's Still the Economy, Stupid: George W. Bush, The GOP's CEO (2002), Begala continued his exploration of the George W. Bush administration, this time focusing on economic policies and their implications. The title echoes the famous mantra from Bill Clinton's successful 1992 campaign, emphasizing the enduring relevance of economic issues in politics. The collaborative efforts of Begala and Carville continued with Take it Back: Our Party, Our Country, Our Future (2006). This book delves into the challenges facing the Democratic Party and presents a perspective on how the party can reclaim its political standing. As the 2008 presidential campaign unfolded, Begala authored Third Term: Why George W. Bush (Hearts) John McCain (2008). In this work, Begala scrutinized the relationship between George W. Bush and the Republican presidential candidate John McCain, examining to what extent McCain represented a continuation of Bush's policies.

Throughout his career, Paul Begala has remained an influential and respected figure in American politics, admired for his strategic mind and dedication to the Democratic Party. His multifaceted contributions as a strategist, commentator, and author have left a lasting impact on the political landscape, making him a notable and enduring figure in the realm of American politics.