Keep the trashcan close by.
Combining political savvy, campaign experience and a sharp wit, Bob Beckel has emerged as one of Washington’s leading political analysts. Beckel brings a veteran’s perspective from years in the White House, on Capitol Hill and leading dozens of election campaigns. He blends wry stories of life in the political trenches with a strategist’s analysis.
After a political baptism as a college student in Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign, a tour of duty in the Peace Corps and a successful stint heading up his own consulting firm, Bob joined the government in 1977. As the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Carter Administration, he steered the controversial Panama Canal Treaties through Congress. He moved to the White House to head the Administration’s effort to press Congress into passing the Mid East and SALT II Treaties.
He resumed his career as a political consultant until Walter Mondale asked him to manage his 1984 campaign for presidency. As National Campaign manager, he oversaw the successful race for the Democratic nomination. He is credited with pulling together the campaign after its defeat in New Hampshire and became known as the man who wrapped “Where’s the Beef?” around Gary Hart so effectively.
For the past twelve years, Beckel has had an active consulting practice advising his clients on communication strategy, consensus building and public policy. He is one of Washington’s most prolific speakers.
Bob Beckel has been a regular guest on CNN’s Crossfire and the senior political analyst for CBS’s The Morning Show. He has been a contributing columnist for the Los Angeles Times during the last three Presidential campaigns. For years Bob was the guest host for Larry King Live. For three years he cohosted Crossfire Sunday with Lynne Cheney. He and former GOP Chairman Haley Barbour have been co-analysts for numerous local and international broadcast outlets.
For the 32 years in politics and public policy Beckel has had a continuing running battle with the Right. From his early days as an organizer and civil rights activist thru his battles with the Right over the 2000 Florida vote scam Bob has been a special target of the Right. Over his career he has received thousands of hate letters, calls, and several death threats. After the right attacked him over Bush electors, Beckel was forced to hire security and for months relocate his family.
A year ago Beckel was extorted by a criminal group. He worked with the police to arrest the group and prosecute them. The Right seized the story spreading the false rumors that the crime was prostitution not extortion as was later rebuffed by the Court result, but not before the Right launched a major character assassination campaign against Beckel.
“I’m not bitter. The hatred I engender on the Right is my proudest achievement”.
He helped give away the Panama canal.What a smooth move you#*%^$#^%^%$.....