Paul Begala

The veteran Democratic consultant, who made his name as chief strategist for Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign, has consulted for candidates around the world, including Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko. The former world heavyweight boxing champion is seen as a champion of democracy, but is regarded warily by some in the Obama State Department. Begala talked to Obama reelection campaign manager Jim Messina about joining him in working for Klitschko, but a source close to Messina said “Jim never met with Klitschko, never met with the people in his party,” and added “at this time, particularly with everything going on, it doesn’t look like it’s something that we’re going to explore.”