The relationship between a political candidate and a consultant might be complicated, but it seems like kindergarten next to the relationship between a political consultant and a journalist. A trusting relationship can be elusive, quickly turning into a game of cat and mouse.
So when it came to taking a look at one of the most powerful political consultants outside Washington, the story called for a reporter who is savvy about the art of political spin and acutely aware of its context.
The story called for Patrick Reardon. Pat has known David Axelrod since Axelrod’s days as a Tribune political reporter in the early 1980s. Pat also brought his knowledge of history to his account of Axelrod’s career, from a child watching John Kennedy campaign to a high-powered consultant guiding the campaign of a man who aspires to follow in Kennedy’s footsteps.
After five months of researching and following Axelrod for this story, Pat was struck by how easily the master of political spin slips into family mode when not immersed in politics.
“He, his wife and children seem to share a deep love and connection despite all the hours he spends away from them or on the phone,” Pat says. “His family is a strong pull, but equally strong is his pull to succeed as a political consultant. Somehow, he’s able to live with that tension.”
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etaylor@tribune.com
