10 Things You Didn't Know About Jon Favreau

Jon Favreau

1. Jonathan Favreau was born June 2, 1981, in Winchester, Mass., and grew up in North Reading.

2. He has a degree in political science from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. While at school he was opinions editor of the student paper, the Crusader, and was active with the College Democrats.

3. He gave the valedictory address at his 2003 graduation. The speech was at times satirical, serious, and certainly prescient as he spoke of his love of the political scene and Washington, D.C., where he had interned for Sen. John Kerry, and how he wanted to return.

4. His first job out of school was as a press assistant to Kerry's presidential campaign.

5. Favreau went to work for newly elected Sen. Barack Obama in 2004 and eventually moved over to the presidential campaign.

6. He is the second-youngest person to work as chief speechwriter. Favreau is just two months older than James Fallows (former U.S. News editor) was when he became chief speechwriter for Jimmy Carter.

7. Favreau is an accomplished pianist and had an electric baby grand in his apartment to keep up with his practice while working on Kerry's presidential campaign.

8. He is called Favs by his friends, Mozart for his young creativity by David Axelrod, and Mind Reader for his ability to channel the president's thoughts by Obama.

9. Peggy Noonan, one of President Reagan's wordsmiths, is his favorite speechwriter.

10. He got into a spot of bother after the election when a photo of him surfaced in December groping a cardboard cutout of Hillary Clinton.

Sources:

• Chicago Tribune
• New York Times
• Washington Post
• Esquire
• The Crusader