Donna Brazile

Donna Brazile
Name	Donna Brazile
Birth date	15 December 1959
Birth place	Kenner, Louisiana
Alma mater	Louisiana State University
Occupation	Political strategist, author, professor
Party	Democratic
Known for	Interim DNC Chair, political commentator

Donna Brazile is an American political strategist, author, and professor who served as the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee in 2016. A veteran of numerous presidential campaigns, she is known for her work with figures like Al Gore and Jesse Jackson and her subsequent role as a political analyst for CNN and ABC News. Brazile has also authored several books and taught as a fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics.

Early life and education

Born in Kenner, Louisiana, she was raised in a working-class family deeply involved in the local Catholic Church. Her early political awareness was shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and the leadership of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. Brazile attended Louisiana State University, where she became active in student government and graduated with a degree in psychology. Her initial foray into politics began with volunteer work for the Carter-Mondale presidential ticket in her home state.

Political career

Brazile's professional political career began in earnest with the 1984 presidential campaign of Walter Mondale. She later served as the national field director for the Rev. Jesse Jackson's 1988 bid for the Democratic nomination. Her strategic expertise led to her appointment as deputy campaign manager and national political director for Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign, making her the first African American woman to manage a major party presidential campaign. She has also served in staff roles for the House of Representatives and on the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

DNC leadership and controversies

Following the resignation of Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Brazile was named interim chair of the Democratic National Committee in July 2016 during the contentious presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Her tenure was marked by the fallout from the Democratic National Committee email leak, which revealed internal bias during the primary contest between Clinton and Bernie Sanders. In 2017, she authored an article and a book alleging that the DNC had unfairly favored Clinton's campaign through a controversial joint fundraising agreement, sparking intense debate within the party.

Media and academic work

Parallel to her political work, Brazile built a significant career in media and academia. She served as a regular political commentator and contributor for CNN and later ABC News, providing analysis on programs like This Week. She has been a fellow at the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School and has taught at Georgetown University. Brazile is also a syndicated columnist and the author of several books, including *Cooking with Grease* and *Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House*.

Political commentary and activism

As a prominent political voice, Brazile frequently comments on issues of voting rights, party reform, and social justice. She has been an advocate for voter engagement initiatives and has worked with organizations like Voting Rights Lab. Following the January 6 United States Capitol attack, she has been vocal about threats to American democracy. Her activism extends to supporting candidates and causes aligned with progressive values, often speaking at events for groups like the Congressional Black Caucus and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Personal life

Brazile has been open about her personal health challenges, including a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, which led her to advocate for health awareness. She is a lifelong resident of Washington, D.C., and is known for her deep roots in Louisiana culture and her passion for Creole cuisine. A devout Catholic, her faith remains a guiding force in her life and work. She has received numerous awards, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Chair Award for her service.

Category:American political consultants Category:Democratic National Committee chairs Category:1959 births Category:Living people