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Terry McAuliffe

Terry McAuliffe is credited with almost single-handedly bringing a financially ailing Democratic Party out of the red and into the black, securing a future for the blue. At an early age, McAuliffe started a driveway maintenance company; earning money for contributions to the campaigns of candidates he thought could make a difference. That passion led to establishing more than 24 companies in the fields of banking, insurance, marketing and real estate; rebuilding and revitalizing the Democratic Ticket. After graduating from Catholic University, McAuliffe served as the finance chairman of the Carter-Mondale reelection committee. Establishing himself as a proven wrangler of donor support, he was appointed national finance chairman of the Gephardt for President Committee, national finance chairman, and national co-chairman of the Clinton-Gore reelection committee.

McAuliffe’s tenacity proved especially influential after the 2000 election, when the Democratic Party was bankrupt and behind the times in acquiring voter and donor lists. Pressing state chairmen to give up exclusive control of their voter lists, McAuliffe invested millions in a new headquarters, gambling that the party could mount a challenge to the wealthy GOP and its dominating fundraising efforts.

Every high-risk tactic paid off. The Democratic National Committee built an extensive voter roster, enabling the party to develop a strong, direct-mail donor list. The DNC’s new headquarters and infrastructure enabled their operation to utilize the Internet and modern facilities—producing state-of-the-art telecommunications and public relations media. While chairman of the DNC, McAuliffe raised over $535 million, shattering all previous records for funds raised by either party.

McAuliffe gained national attention during the presidential election of 1980 when he wrestled an alligator to raise $15,000 in funds. Since that feat, he has continued to demonstrate a drive and commitment that have helped elect Democrats for more than 25 years. 

Some of McAuliffe’s success at engaging crowds on both ends of the political field can be attributed in part to his trademark gravel-voiced charm and Cheshire cat smile—but primarily to his business acumen and communication skills. It is difficult not to be engaged by his droll, no-nonsense presence. His abilities to rev-up party supporters and gain the respect of his Republican critics have been key to becoming the most successful fundraiser in modern political history. Serving as the chairman of both the 53rd Presidential Inaugural Committee and the White House Millennium Celebration, McAuliffe’s leadership and creativity helped the Democrats skyrocket 20 points in the polls during the 2000 Democratic National Convention. He served as the chairman of Hillary Clinton for President during the 2008 presidential campaign. McAuliffe most recently ran for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Terry McAuliffe's Study Group:

THE MAKING OF A CANDIDATE:
FROM RUNNING CAMPAIGNS TO RUNNING ON MY OWN

Date: Monday, October 5
Time: 4:00-5:30PM
Location: Littauer 116

Learn more about Terry McAuliffe's study group