Terry McAuliffe

When the history of modern American politics is written, Terry McAuliffe will be remembered as both the engine and the fuel that powered the Democratic Party machine into the 21st century. A lifelong entrepreneur, key strategist, presidential confidante, party chairman, and fundraiser extraordinaire—McAuliffe has played an incalculable part in making the electoral map bluer than ever and has been called the most successful political fundraiser of all time. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, his presentations never fail to demonstrate his trademark charisma and optimism—what the New York Times called his “endless energy and bonhomie”—entertaining crowds while demonstrating why he’s considered one of the keenest political minds in America.

The Life of the Party. Credited with almost single-handedly bringing a financially ailing Democratic Party out of the red, McAuliffe began his political career as a 23-year old Catholic University graduate who became finance chairman for President Jimmy Carter. His prowess at wrangling donor support propelled him to bigger and bigger roles, including chairman of the Democratic National Committee, chairman of Bill Clinton’s reelection committee, and, most recently, chairman of Hillary Clinton for President. His New York Times bestselling memoir, What A Party!: My Life Among Democrats: Presidents, Candidates, Donors, Activists, Alligators and Other Wild Animals, chronicles his life behind-the-scenes. McAuliffe also ran for governor of Virginia.

Extraordinary and Endless Energy. McAuliffe’s tenacity proved especially influential after the 2000 election, when the Democratic Party was bankrupt and behind in acquiring voter and donor lists. Pressing state chairmen to give up exclusive control of their voter lists, McAuliffe invested millions in a new headquarters, gambling that the party could surpass the wealthy GOP and its dominating fundraising efforts. Every high-risk tactic paid off. The Democratic National Committee built a 175 million name voter roster, enabling the party to develop a strong, direct-mail donor and grassroots list. The DNC’s new headquarters and infrastructure enabled their operation produce state-of-the-art telecommunications and public relations media. Under his tenure as chairman of the DNC, McAuliffe raised over $535 million, the most ever raised by either political party.

More About Terry McAuliffe. At the early age of 14, McAuliffe started his first business-McAuliffe Driveway Maintenance. He has successfully started over 25 companies, in the fields of banking, insurance, marketing, real estate, auto manufacturing and renewable energy. He is presently founder and chairman of GreenTech Automotive, which manufactures electric and hybrid vehicles. McAuliffe gained national attention during the presidential election of 1980 when he wrestled an alligator to raise $15,000 in funds. Since that feat, he has continued to demonstrate a drive and commitment that have helped elect Democrats for more than 30 years.