Paul Begala is a political commentator, a professor of public policy, an author, and political strategist. He is a commentator for CNN, where he is part of the political team that has won both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. In addition to appearing on-air, Begala writes commentary for CNN, which is the world’s most-read news organization website. Over the years, he has also been a frequent guest on Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO.
Begala is a Scholar with the University of Virginia Center for Politics and has previously taught at three universities: The University of Texas at Austin, where he taught in the School of Journalism; the University of Georgia, where he taught in the School of Law; and Georgetown University, where he was an Affiliated Professor in the McCourt School of Public Policy. He is also a regular guest lecturer at the National War College.
Begala is the author of six books about politics, several of which were New York Times bestsellers. In the 1990’s he helped his friend John F. Kennedy, Jr. launch the political magazine George and wrote the “Capitol Hillbilly” column.
Begala served in 1992 as a senior strategist for Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign and as Counselor to the President in the White House, helping coordinate policy, politics, and media. Before working for Pres. Clinton, Begala worked on Capitol Hill and advised campaigns across America. In 2012 he played a crucial role in the Obama-Biden re-election campaign. He has also done campaign work overseas, including in Israel, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Begala is a Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Government and his law degree. Begala was the student body president at UT and remains a loyal Longhorn fan. In his free time, Begala enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and working on his farm. Most of all, he loves spending time with his wife, Diane, and their four sons.
Paul Begala on the Democratic Party, the Midterms, and 2020 – What does your par
Paul Begala: Why Compromise is an Essential Path Forward in American Politics
Paul Begala on the Democratic Party, the Midterms, and 2020 – What does your par
Paul Begala’s Speech Topics
The Future of American Politics: Trends, Insights, and a Path Forward
To guide Americans through this election cycle, Paul Begala looks beyond the headlines and focuses on the trend lines: the shifting tectonic plates of American society that are causing our political earthquakes. Begala analyzes these tumultuous times with humor, insider knowledge, and deep experience.
Begala has literally been in the room where it happens, having served in senior roles in the Clinton White House and on Capitol Hill. As a veteran CNN contributor and having taught at three universities, Begala brings a historical perspective to today’s politics and our fractured media landscape. A regular on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” he also brings a strong dose of wit and humor to all his speeches.
The grandson of an immigrant maid, Begala has lived the American Dream, and he leaves audiences with a sense of hope and optimism that, despite our divisions, that dream endures.
Anything They Throw At You: How Cutting-Edge Political Communications Techniques Can Help You Win
A legendary political strategist, Paul Begala masterminded campaigns for the top leaders in government and corporate America. With his proven methods, he knows how to win over one of the toughest audiences in the world – the American public. Now, organizations can put these winning strategies at work for them. Begala provides audiences direction for crafting winning communications—which will appeal to even the most skeptical of audiences—in both business and personal life. He brings your audience proven tactics and techniques for communications success, and gives them specific strategies for getting their message across.
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson were phenomenal. They were right on the mark for all of their predictions for both the election and healthcare. They were great!!!!!
Utility
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson were two of the best we’ve had at any of our annual meetings in thirteen years. Bright, witty, content rich and just a pleasure to be with. A++. We’ll definitely be in touch for next year. Well done all around. NewSpring Capital
Financial Services
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala was absolutely phenomenal and the highlight of our seminar! He was charming, entertaining, knowledgeable, and funny!
Financial Services
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Fantastic! Stimulating! Humorous! Everyone really enjoyed Tucker & Paul’s political insights. Clearly they set a fabulous tone but covered the waterfront of candidates and topics in a very insightful manner.
Financial Services
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala is a great entertainer as well as a commentator! He had everyone in the room laughing, writing things down and talking about what he was saying. The information is rich and given in such a way that you need to listen to every word. And, he is such a gracious person. I would recommend him to everyone and we certainly want to have him back for another event. It was a breath of fresh air to have him as part of the program–people wanted more!
Health Care
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala was GREAT! Everyone loved him.
Health Care
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul was fantastic! He was so engaging and humorous and did a great job of relating his personal experience with physical therapy. He was extremely well received.
Health Care
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala was a dynamic, humorous and engaging speaker and the feedback has been wonderful.
Health Care
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
It was fantastic! Paul was one of the best speakers we have had. He was engaging and funny and gave a balanced perspective. We have had great feedback. Thank you and Paul for your attentiveness and careful planning, it showed in the presentation.
Non-Profit
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
We LOVED Paul Begala! Our audience was so pleased. He was outstanding. He made the event personal, local, relevant and humorous.
Telecommunications
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson knocked it out of the park! They were spectacular and everyone loved having them. They are also very nice guys. I really enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them a little. I would and have already recommended them highly to others. Thanks for setting it up.
Legal
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala and Hugh Hewitt had great chemistry! The audience was completely drawn into their dialog. It was extremely well received – evident by questions from the audience, their enthusiastic applause and the survey responses received after the meeting concluded. Just overwhelmingly positive.
Travel & Tourism
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala’s delivery was powerful and passionate, and the feedback that we received from the participants was absolutely positive. He made such a positive impression. Everyone was hanging on his every word.
Automobiles
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala were a perfect fit for our annual meeting!
Chambers of Commerce
What other organizations say about Paul Begala
Paul Begala did a wonderful job. In fact, he received a standing ovation from a mostly Republican audience! His weaving of humor and personal stories to provide clear and truthful political analysis was splendid. Overall, he had a hopeful message about America’s future and opportunities that are unique to our country. He really is a gifted speaker, and great with people.
