Matthew Dowd has spent a long time shaping American politics and analyzing it on tv, however in September 2025, the veteran strategist made headlines for a distinct cause. The longtime advisor and MSNBC contributor was fired after his controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk’s loss of life sparked swift backlash.
Study extra about him beneath.
He’s a Veteran Political Strategist
Dowd has labored in politics for many years, most famously serving because the chief strategist for George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection marketing campaign. Earlier in his profession, he suggested Democrats like Dick Gephardt and labored with Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen earlier than switching events and becoming a member of the Republican aspect.
His Political Id Has Shifted Over the Years
Dowd’s political journey has been something however static. He has recognized as each a Democrat and a Republican, and in more moderen years has known as himself an unbiased. He has overtly criticized each main events, saying he believes leaders on either side usually fail to prioritize atypical Individuals.
He Ran for Workplace in Texas
In 2021, Dowd entered the race for Texas lieutenant governor as a Democrat, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. Nevertheless, he later dropped out of the race, saying he didn’t wish to contribute to a crowded Democratic subject and believed a extra various candidate ought to take the lead.
“A various subject is now rising within the Democratic major for this workplace,” Dowd mentioned in a assertion on the time. “I don’t wish to be the one who stands in the best way of the better variety we want in politics.”
He Was Fired From MSNBC After His Charlie Kirk Feedback
In September 2025, following the capturing loss of life of Kirk, Dowd mentioned on air that Kirk was “probably the most divisive youthful figures” and argued that “hateful ideas result in hateful phrases, which then result in hateful actions.”
His remarks sparked backlash, with MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler calling them “inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable.” The community shortly terminated his position as a contributor, although Dowd later apologized and clarified he didn’t intend in charge Kirk for the violence.
“On an earlier look on MSNBC I used to be requested a query on the setting we’re in. I apologize for my tone and phrases. Let me be clear, I under no circumstances meant for my feedback in charge Kirk for this horrendous assault. Allow us to all come collectively and condemn violence of any sort,” Dowd wrote on BlueSky.
He Has Written Books and Labored in Media Past TV
Outdoors of politics, Dowd has constructed a profession as an writer and media voice. He co-wrote Applebee’s America: How Profitable Political, Enterprise and Non secular Leaders Join with the New American Neighborhood and later printed A New Method: Embracing the Paradox as We Lead and Serve in 2017.
