Jim Margolis

Last updated
Jim Margolis
Jim Margolis in 2022.jpg
Born
James David Margolis

(1955-04-30) April 30, 1955 (age 68)
Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
Nationality American
Alma mater Oberlin College
OccupationPolitical consultant
Political party Democratic
SpouseVicki Seyfert-Margolis

James David Margolis (born April 30, 1955) is an American political consultant and communications executive based in Washington, DC. He served as an advisor to Barack Obama in both his 2008 [1] and 2012 [2] campaigns for the White House. Margolis is a partner at GMMB, Inc., [3] a strategic communications firm and advertising agency. [4] [5] Previously he served as chief of staff to US Senator Kent Conrad, [6] chief of staff to US Congressman Howard Wolpe, [7] and Deputy Director of Communications for Vice President Walter Mondale's presidential campaign. [8]

Contents

Early life

Margolis is the fifth child of Frederick Margolis, [9] a pediatrician, [10] film producer, [11] and inventor, [12] and Elizabeth Rieger, [13] a social worker. He was born in Albuquerque, NM when his father served in the US Public Health Service directing health care on a Navajo Indian reservation. [14] Margolis grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, attended Kalamazoo public schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School (1973). During his middle school years he became active in politics and elections. [15] Margolis received his BA from Oberlin College in 1978 with a double major in Government and Communications Studies. [16]

Political career

After graduating from college, Margolis was hired to manage the congressional campaign of Howard Wolpe. Wolpe defeated Republican incumbent Garry Brown in November 1978 [17] and Margolis came to Washington as Wolpe's chief of staff. [7]

In 1984, Margolis became the state director for Mondale's presidential primary campaign in Illinois. [18] Next he served as state director for Mondale in North Carolina, [19] and then in the general election became Deputy Director of Communications at the national headquarters in Washington. [8] Margolis joined GMMB (then Greer & Associates) in February 1985. [19] In 1986 he led the strategy and advertising efforts for Senators Brock Adams and Kent Conrad. [20] In January 1987, Margolis took a leave of absence from his firm and became Conrad's first chief of staff. [21] [22] In January 1988 he returned to GMMB. [23]

In US presidential politics, Margolis worked as deputy director of communications for Walter Mondale in 1986. [24] In 1992, the firm was the lead agency for President Clinton's presidential campaign. [25] [26] Margolis served as a strategist and media consultant for Senator John Kerry's 2004 presidential primary campaign. [8] During the 2004 Democratic primaries, "Margolis' commercials featuring Senator John Kerry's crewmates from Vietnam recalling his heroism were credited with helping him win the nomination," according to The New York Times . [27] He left the Kerry race after the nomination was effectively won, after a dispute with Robert Shrum, another media consultant. [28] In the 2008 and 2012 campaigns, Margolis was an advisor to Barack Obama. [29] [27] Margolis co-produced Obama’s two national conventions in 2008 and 2012. [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Lockhart</span>

Joseph Patrick Lockhart is a spokesman and communications consultant, best known for being the 21st White House Press Secretary from October 5, 1998 to September 29, 2000, during the administration of U.S. President Bill Clinton. Previously, he had worked as press secretary for several Democratic politicians, including Walter Mondale, Paul Simon, and Michael Dukakis. Following his work as press secretary in the Clinton administration, he was an advisor to John Kerry during his 2004 presidential campaign. He subsequently founded and became managing director of the communications consulting firm The Glover Park Group, worked for Facebook from 2011 to 2012, and was executive vice president of communications and public affairs for the NFL from 2016 to 2018.

James A. Johnson was an American businessman, Democratic Party political figure, and chairman and chief executive officer of Fannie Mae. He was the campaign chairman for Walter Mondale's unsuccessful 1984 presidential bid and chaired the vice presidential selection committee for the presidential campaign of John Kerry. He briefly led the vice-presidential selection process for the 2008 Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Howard Wolpe</span> American politician

Howard Eliot Wolpe was an American politician who served as a seven-term U.S. Representative from Michigan and Presidential Special Envoy to the African Great Lakes Region in the Clinton Administration, where he led the United States delegation to the Arusha and Lusaka peace talks, which aimed to end civil wars in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He returned to the State Department as Special Advisor to the Secretary for Africa's Great Lakes Region. Previously, he served as Director of the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and of the Center's Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity. While at the Center, Wolpe directed post-conflict leadership training programs in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia.

Deb Callahan is an American environmental and political leader. In 2011, she became the executive director of the Point Reyes National Seashore Association in the San Francisco Bay area. Previously she served as president of The H. John Heinz III Center For Science, Economics And The Environment, a Washington, DC, nonprofit institution dedicated to improving the scientific and economic foundation for environmental policy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Plouffe</span> American political and business strategist (born 1967)

David Plouffe is an American political and business strategist best known as the campaign manager for Barack Obama's successful 2008 presidential campaign. A long-time Democratic Party campaign consultant, he was a partner at the party-aligned campaign consulting firm AKPD Message and Media, which he joined in 2000.

Thomas A. "Tad" Devine is an American political consultant. Devine was a senior adviser in Al Gore's 2000 and John Kerry's 2004 Presidential campaigns. He was also the chief strategist for Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. He has worked on campaigns for president and Prime Minister in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as several U.S. Senate races. Devine is the president of Washington, D.C.-based media consulting firm Devine Mulvey Longabaugh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 United States Senate election in Delaware</span> Election in Delaware

The 2008 United States Senate election in Delaware was held on November 4, 2008. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Biden, who was also the Democratic nominee for vice president in the concurrent presidential election, faced Christine O'Donnell in the general election. Biden won re-election to a seventh term with 64.69% of the vote, his best-performing result in his senatorial career, while also being elected vice president. Biden took his oath of office in the Senate chamber with the rest of his colleagues on January 3, 2009, but resigned his seat on January 15, 2009, and assumed the vice presidency five days later. Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner appointed Ted Kaufman, a Democrat and longtime Biden advisor, to fill the vacant seat until a special election in 2010. O'Donnell once again ran unsuccessfully for the seat; she was defeated by Democrat Chris Coons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julianna Smoot</span>

Julianna Smoot is an American political aide and fundraiser for the Democratic Party. She served as a Deputy Manager of Barack Obama's 2012 presidential reelection campaign, having previously served as White House Social Secretary, Deputy Assistant to the President. and Chief of Staff to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Smoot previously served as a professional fundraiser for the Democratic Party. She was the national finance director for Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign. Under her direction, the campaign raised $32.5 million during the second quarter of 2007 and by election day, more money than any campaign in American history. She was named Social Secretary after her predecessor, Desirée Rogers resigned on February 26, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephanie Cutter</span> American lawyer and political consultant

Stephanie Cutter is an American political consultant. She served as an advisor to President Barack Obama during his first presidential term, and was deputy campaign manager for his 2012 re-election campaign. She previously worked in campaign and communications roles for other prominent Democrats including Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and Michelle Obama. The New York Times described her as "a popular but polarizing face of (Obama's) campaign", and a "soldier who says the things the candidate can’t say."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Gibbs</span> 27th White House Press Secretary

Robert Lane Gibbs is an American communication professional who served as executive vice president and global chief communications officer of McDonald's from 2015 to 2019 and as the 27th White House Press Secretary from 2009 to 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Favreau (speechwriter)</span> American political pundit (born 1981)

Jonathan Edward Favreau is an American political commentator, podcaster, and the former director of speechwriting for President Barack Obama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anita Dunn</span> American political strategist (born 1958)

Anita Dunn is an American political strategist serving as a senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, having originally held the post from January 20, 2021, to August 12, 2021, and returning May 5, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catherine M. Russell</span> American government official (born 1961)

Catherine Mary Russell is an American attorney and political adviser who is currently serving as Executive Director of UNICEF. She previously served as Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, and Chief of Staff to then-Second Lady of the United States Jill Biden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Donilon</span> American government officer (born 1959)

Mike Donilon is an American attorney and campaign consultant who serves as a Senior Advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden. He was the chief strategist of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. Prior, Donilon was working as a partner at AKPD Message and Media. Between 2009 and 2013, he served as Counselor to Vice President Biden in the Obama administration. Prior to his White House appointment, Donilon worked with the vice-presidential candidate to help him prepare for the debates and also as a traveling advisor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evan Bayh 2008 presidential campaign</span> 2008 presidential campaign of Evan Bayh

The 2008 presidential campaign of Evan Bayh, Democratic Senator and 46th Governor of Indiana, began shortly after the 2004 presidential election.

Steve McMahon is an American lawyer and media consultant who has worked on political campaigns for Democratic candidates including Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean, and Dick Gephardt, in addition to his work with elected officials. He is a founding partner of Purple Strategies, a bipartisan communications firm located in Alexandria, Virginia, and McMahon Squier and Associates, a media consulting firm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 United States presidential election in Michigan</span> Election in Michigan

The 1984 United States presidential election in Michigan took place on November 6, 1984. All 50 states and the District of Columbia, were part of the 1984 United States presidential election. Voters chose 20 electors to the Electoral College, which selected the president and vice president of the United States. Michigan was won by incumbent United States President Ronald Reagan of California, who was running against former Vice President Walter Mondale of Minnesota. Reagan ran for a second time with vice president George H. W. Bush of Texas, and Mondale ran with Representative Geraldine Ferraro of New York, the first major female candidate for the vice presidency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Schultz</span>

Eric Schultz is an American political advisor who served as Deputy White House Press Secretary in the Obama Administration from 2014 to 2017. Recognized by Politico as the strategist "White House officials turn to in a crisis to handle communications", Schultz was originally hired at the White House in 2011 to respond to congressional oversight investigations.

GMMB, Inc. is a political communications and advertising firm based in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in Seattle and San Francisco. Founded by Jim Margolis, it is the largest Democratic consulting firm in the United States.

References

  1. ↑ Cillizza, Chris. "Margolis Joins Obama's Campaign". 27 April 2007. The Washington Post.
  2. ↑ Rutenberg, Jim (26 November 2011). "Team Obama Gears Up for 2012". 21 November 2011. The New York Times.
  3. ↑ "GMMB".
  4. ↑ Cillizza, Chris (27 April 2007). "Margolis Joins Obama's Campaign". The Washington Post.
  5. ↑ Dobbins, Elizabeth (15 February 2013). "OTC with Jim Margolis, OC '78, and Senior Advisor to President Obama". Oberlin Review. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  6. ↑ "Congressional Record, U.S. Senate, Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, Farewell to the Senate". C-SPAN . 12 December 2012.
  7. 1 2 Estepa, Jessica (27 October 2011). "Former Michigan Rep. Howard Wolpe Dies at Age 71". Roll Call.
  8. 1 2 3 Teinowitz, Ira (12 May 2003). "The Player: Kerry camp taps Margolis to devise media strategy". Advertising Age.
  9. ↑ "Margolis was a doctor who made a difference". Kalamazoo Gazette. 12 February 1991.
  10. ↑ Mah, Linda (10 February 1991). "Dr. Margolis, a gentle giant among children, dies at 75". Kalamazoo Gazette.
  11. ↑ "'Ounce of Prevention' Is Doctor's Theme". Reading Eagle. 26 August 1976.
  12. ↑ "Margolis". Encore Magazine. September 1990.
  13. ↑ Spencer, Steven (23 April 1955). "They're Saving Lives in Navajo-Land". The Saturday Evening Post.
  14. ↑ "MARGOLIS, Elizabeth Hays Rieger Age 95 of Kalamazoo". Kalamazoo Gazette. 18 December 2011.
  15. ↑ Axelrod, David (5 February 1984). "Organizers reflect their candidates". Chicago Tribune.
  16. ↑ Dobbins, Elizabeth (15 February 2013). "OTC with Jim Margolis, OC '78, and Senior Advisor to President Obama". Obelin Review. Archived from the original on 22 November 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2013.
  17. ↑ "Archive: Howard Wolpe profile from 1992 Kalamazoo Gazette (with photo gallery)". Kalamazoo Gazette. 13 December 1991.
  18. ↑ Axelrod, David (5 February 1984). "Organizers reflect on their candidates". Chicago Tribune.
  19. 1 2 Gailey, Phil; Warren Weaver Jr. (9 February 1985). "BRIEFING; The Mondale Team Today". The New York Times.
  20. ↑ "Consultants Scorecard". Campaigns and Elections: 33–40. November–December 1986.
  21. ↑ "Congressional Record, U.S. Senate. Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, Farewell to the Senate". C-SPAN . Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  22. ↑ James, Kathleen (13 September 1987). "Hill Climbers". Roll Call. p. 19.
  23. ↑ "Conrad's staff chief is retiring". Grand Forks Herald. 5 August 1987.
  24. ↑ Teinowitz, Ira (12 May 2013). "The Player: Kerry camp taps Margolis to devise media strategy". Advertising Age.
  25. ↑ Anderson, Heather (8 April 2011). "Obama's senior adviser to discuss political advertising at Dole Institute event". KU News.
  26. ↑ Peters, Jeremy W.; Williams, Josh; Corasaniti, Nick (7 May 2012). "The Methods of Margolis". The New York Times.
  27. 1 2 Peters, Jeremy W. (9 May 2012). "Aggressive Ads for Obama, at the Ready". The New York Times.
  28. ↑ Lizza, Ryan (3 May 2004). "Rope-a-Dope". New Republic. Retrieved 3 May 2004.
  29. ↑ Peters, Jeremy W.; Williams, Josh; Corasaniti, Nick (7 May 2012). "The Methods of Margolis". The New York Times.
  30. ↑ Rutenberg, Jim (September 3, 2012). "Democrats Say U.S. Is Better Off Than 4 Years Ago". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.