Keeping up with Henry Barbour is not an easy task.
Courtesy of capitolresourcesllc.com
Walking through the Hilton hotel lobby in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the Republican National Committeeman takes about five steps before being drawn into yet another conversation with another group of politicians, discussing anything from news regarding the convention or just life in general.
Barbour does not seem rushed at all, however. Perhaps this is the sort of polish that can be expected from someone who has been so successfully involved in politics for the past decade, which was highlighted in the New York Times profile that ran about him five years ago.
“I just see myself as a guy who works in organizational politics with the objective that we try and elect good people – people with integrity,” Barbour said. “People who, for the most part, share the values and principles and desire to make Mississippi better and the country better.”
Although many might not be familiar with Barbour’s work, Mississippians will certainly recognize his uncle, former Gov. Haley Barbour.
While Haley has historically served a much more public role, Henry has a reputation of being an instrumental member of many successful candidates behind the scenes. Whether that be managing the campaigns of his uncle in 2003, or Rep. Chip Pickering’s campaign in 1996 and 2003, Henry has proven his resilience in the role of politics.
He also helped in campaigning for the current Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, which drew controversy towards the end of 2010 given his strong opposition of the previous chairman, Michael Steele.
“Michael and I got along very well when he was chairman, and I felt like we needed to make a change,” Barbour said. “Yes, I worked to replace Michael, but it didn’t change my affection for him.”
Henry said he hopes this kind of spirit will spread throughout the Republican party.
“I think that is the spirit that Republicans in America need to have,” Barbour said. “And I think that is what we are seeing here in Cleveland. We are seeing the party come together here behind Donald Trump.”
According to Henry, this kind of attitude is most important in his work as a politician in general, actively working to bridge gaps between commonly contentious groups of people to ensure a brighter future for both Mississippians and Americans.
“I also think it is important that you be able to work with people, and work with people who have been on the opposite side,” Barbour said. “Republicans and Democrats, whites and blacks, hispanics, Catholics, Protestants – whoever; we’ve all got to come together and work together. That’s really important to me, and doing it in a way that is honoring to God.”
After a long running history of serving on various statewide and national campaigns, Henry now works as a lobbyist for Capitol Resources LLC.
Henry said he is eternally grateful for the opportunity that such a position provided him with.
“Sometimes it’s comical to say that you are a political advisor to Haley Barbour,” Henry said. “Once Haley was finished after eight years of being governor I was ready. I was tired! We worked hard. It a was privilege and honor to get to help him, because they had some really important moments where Mississippi needed them.”
Henry was put on the national stage this year regarding a quote mistakenly attributed to his uncle, Haley. Henry’s statement was perceived as anti-Donald Trump, causing the now Republican nominee to mistakenly lambast Haley on Good Morning America in January.
Although the issue has since been cleared up, Henry said Donald Trump represents the best opportunity for the nation.
“Here’s the thing: Donald Trump wasn’t my first choice or my second choice, but Donald Trump won,” Henry said. “I respect the will of the voters. I am for Donald Trump. I am 100 percent for Donald Trump. Does that mean I agree with him 100 percent on everything? No!”
As Henry looks forward, many might see his current stage in life as a perfect time to run for office, but if you ask him, that will certainly not be happening, Barbour said.
“As a young guy, I kind of might have thought about [running],” Barbour said. “I feel like in many ways I can have more impact doing what I am doing and support the candidates instead of trying to be the person who is the candidate.”
