Paul Begala

Political Commentator
CNN

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, Paul 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. Paul was the student body president at UT and remains a loyal Longhorn fan. In his free time, Paul enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and working on his farm. Most of all, Paul loves spending time with his wife, Diane, and their four sons.