David Bergstein, Communications Director for Senator Cory Booker, is one of the most accomplished communications professionals working in Democratic politics - working tough campaigns across the country and stints at the DNC, DCCC, and DSCC. In this conversation, we talk his path to politics out of a political family in Portland, OR, why he gravitated to comms, lessons learned on early races, some of his favorite press gimmicks, the difference in working campaigns vs. committees, some of the saviest pols he's worked with, the changing face of political communications & much more.

IN THIS EPISODE

David grows up in a political household in Portland, OR...

Oregon's history as a competitive two-party state throughout the 90s and 00s...

The Iraq War and a couple of DC internships pull David into the political profession...

Why David was a good fit for political comms work...

Lessons from David's early campaign work from California US House races to Midwest mayorals...

David's 2 rules on what makes for a good political comms staffer...

How comms has changed over the 15+ years David has been in the field...

Two of David's favorite costume-related comms gimmicks...

Is the media run by liberals?

The differences in working for a political campaign committee vs. a campaign...

Some of the most politically savvy elected officials David has worked around...

Inside the DNC comms operation heading into the 2020 presidential election...

How David thinks about candidates balancing preparation vs. authenticity...

Lessons David learned from multiple bouts of brain cancer and brain surgery...

AND aviator sunglasses, Mark Barabak, Ami Bera, big mouths, Marc Caputo, Jimmy Carter, Edward Chapman, Dick Cheney, consumate liars, Jack Conway, Jim Crounse, dancing Bevin-ochios, Fancy Farm, Neil Goldschmidt, Gwen Graham, The Green Frog, Lucinda Guinn, Haliburton, happy warriors, Tom Henry, Xochitl Hinojosa, Paula Hughes, Doug Jones, Vera Katz, Ted Kulongoski, Dawn Laguens, Alex Leary, Little Beirut, Maryland Matt, Patty Mazzei, Mitch McConnell, Jeff Merkley, methane gas, Roy Moore, Mindy Myers, nesting rats, Tom Perez, Rabinowitz/Dorf, Chuck Schumer, Justin Shaw, Gordon Smith, Steve Southerland, Andy Stone, Pat Stranix, Ron Wyden, Fred Yang...& more!

A Master Class in Political Communications, with Democratic Comms Veteran David Bergstein