Age: 44
Occupation: Senior White House adviser
Best known for managing Barack Obama's iconic 2008 presidential campaign, Plouffe transitioned to a role in the White House last year, taking over from David Axelrod as the President's top political adviser. As Obama faces a stiff re-election challenge and seeks to wield the political power of the incumbency to his advantage, Plouffe is playing a crucial role once again, crafting Democratic messaging from the executive mansion in Washington.