The 36 Most Powerful People Of 2012

It's been a big year for politics. 

From landmark court decision to seismic shifts in gay marriage and marijuana legislation, to a historic election in which more money was spent and more tweets sent than ever before, the events of 2012 have reshaped the U.S. political landscape, and changed the direction we will take going forward. 

Over the course of it all, a group of people emerged who wielded outsize influence and power over the way that the political winds blew this year. We've taken stock of these movers and shakers and narrowed the list down to 36 people who, whether it was from behind the scenes or in the center of the media spotlight, left their indelible mark on U.S. politics in 2012. 

Bill Clinton

Former U.S. President

Unable to resist the lure of a presidential race, Clinton hit the trail for President Barack Obama, campaigning tirelessly as the Democratic Party's most effective surrogate.

Clinton's incredible speech at the Democratic National Convention made a powerful case for Obama's second term, and articulated the party's message in a way that no other Democrat had previously been able to do. The moment arguably won the election for Obama, giving the President a huge boost that carried him through the fall campaign. 

Now here are all the reasons to be excited about Clinton's comeback > 

Chris Christie

Governor, New Jersey

Despite passing up the chance to run for president in 2012, Christie emerged as one of the leading figures of the Republican Party, possibly setting himself up for a 2016 White House bid. 

So great was Christie's influence in the 2012 election that Republicans have even blamed him for Mitt Romney's loss, as a result of the New Jersey Governor's Hurricane Sandy embrace of Obama in the final days of the campaign.

But in the wake of the storm, Christie has defied odds in a blue state to become New Jersey’s most popular governor ever. Although Christie has already announced his intention to run for re-election in New Jersey in 2013, he is likely to continue to wield lots of power over his party at a national level. 

Here's a look back at Christie's breakout year > 

Michael Bloomberg

Mayor, New York City

To get an idea of Bloomberg's influence, consider this: Is there any other political figure with the power to even consider banning soda? 

Bloomberg continued to drive the conversation on two major issues about which he feels passionately — gun control and climate change. In October, he announced the formation of a super PAC supporting candidates who advocate for increased gun control measures, gay marriage and education reform.

His biggest contribution to the political discussion came in early November, when he almost single-handedly made climate change an issue in the final days of the election. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, he gave his endorsement to Obama, saying the President would be best on handling the issue.

Now, as political attention turns to gun control in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, Bloomberg is once again at the center of the debate as one of the most vocal advocates for curbing gun violence. 

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