The 2009 TIME 100 Finalists

Cast your votes for the leaders, artists, entrepreneurs and thinkers who deserve a spot on this year's TIME 100. — By Brian Raftery

David Plouffe

Charles Rex Arbogast / AP
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AGE: 42
OCCUPATION: Political strategist, Obama buddy
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 0

PRO: As Obama's campaign manager, he oversaw one of the most tightly executed, technologically nimble presidential efforts in history, outflanking both the Clintons and the GOP. And he earned a seven-figure book deal — not bad for a college dropout.

CON: Once the election was over, Plouffe's fundraising e-mails quickly went from invigorating to irritating. Dude, we gave at the office.

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