Uber Hires The Guy Who Led Obama's 2008 Presidential Campaign To Victory

As Uber brings its on-demand ridesharing services to more cities, it's facing resistance from local governments and taxi companies.

On Tuesday, Uber announced that political strategist David Plouffe would be joining the team as its senior vice president of policy and strategy.

Plouffe is perhaps best known as Barack Obama's campaign manager during the 2008 presidential election cycle.

Starting in September, Plouffe will be responsible for "managing all global policy and political activities, communications, and Uber branding efforts," Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said in a blog post.

"Over the years, what I've come to realize is that this controversy exists because we are in the middle of a political campaign and it turns out the candidate is Uber," Kalanick said. "Our opponent - the Big Taxi cartel - has used decades of political contributions and influence to restrict competition, reduce choice for consumers, and put a stranglehold on economic opportunity for its drivers."

Here's what Plouffe said in the announcement.

I am thrilled to be joining Travis Kalanick and the great team at Uber. As Uber succeeds like I believe it can, it will spur the creation of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and directly create millions of jobs; deliver rapid, easy and affordable transportation alternatives to workers, parents, businesses and people out having a good time; make our roads safer, drastically cutting down on drunk and distracted driving; and give those who choose not to purchase an automobile a more viable way to live their lives day to day.

Uber has only been around a few years. In that short time, some companies can begin to lose their start up mentality and sense of urgency - and insurgency. Not Uber. This is a hungry team, with big vision and the skills to execute on that vision. The strength and character of the senior leadership team Travis has assembled is one of the major reasons I've decided to join them. And when you walk thru Uber's HQ in San Francisco, the place is pulsating with young, brilliant and dedicated employees who believe they are part of doing something historic and meaningful and won't take no for an answer. It's a feeling I've been fortunate to experience previously and feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by that talent and energy one more time.

Uber has the chance to be a once in a decade if not a once in a generation company. Of course, that poses a threat to some, and I've watched as the taxi industry cartel has tried to stand in the way of technology and big change. Ultimately, that approach is unwinnable. But I look forward to doing what I can right now to ensure drivers and riders are not denied their opportunity for choice in transportation due to those who want to maintain a monopoly and play the inside game to deny opportunity to those on the outside.

I could not be more excited to join such a vibrant company and its people who will be at the absolute leading edge of tomorrow's innovations and changing people's lives and their cities for the better. It will be a privilege to jump in the foxhole with the team at this great startup and get to work.