Matt Bai joins Washington Post Opinions as politics contributing columnist
January 14, 2020
(The Washington Post) - Matt Bai will be joining Post Opinions as a politics contributing columnist.
Read More >
Featured Videos
Matt Bai: The Impact Of Social Media On Politics
Matt Bai: New Book At The Wilson Center
Speech Topics
Teddy White and Walter Cronkite could never have imagined the pressures of covering politics and presidential campaigns in the online age. Withering attacks from both the left and right, upstart bloggers and amateur truth-squads–all of it has combined to erode the public’s faith in once venerable political journalists. Why some critics are right to hold journalists accountable, and why others are simply pursuing an agenda at the public’s expense.
A looming debt crisis, lagging growth, yawning inequality and rising cynicism–the perfect storm of political dysfunction continues to swirl while our economic challenges intensify. Can the two parties in Washington still do anything transformative in a cooperative way? What will it take to shake them into action? Behind the story of the bipartisan deal that never was–and why the chances for real change might be better than you think.
Three straight presidents have now seen their parties lose control of Congress in “wave elections”–something unprecedented in American history. What’s really going on Maybe Americans really are swinging back and forth between ideologies. More likely, though, our turbulent politics reflects the larger trend in the society away from large institutions and limited choices–a trend that could spell the end of two-party politics as we’ve known it.
It’s not really true to say the Internet has changed our politics. In truth, the Internet has changed everything in the society, from the way we find jobs to the way we buy cars and date–and politics is simply the last big institution to catch up. How the online revolution is bound to change Washington, and why it’s time for a failed generation of leaders to get out of the way.
Biography
One of the best known and most respected political writers in the country, he served for more than a decade as chief political correspondent for the New York Times Magazine, covering three presidential campaigns and interviewing every major politician of the day. He also wrote the paper’s “Political Times” column in print and online. Then, at the end of 2013, Bai surprised Washington by announcing he was leaving the Times to become the national political columnist at Yahoo News, the most trafficked website in America ” making him the first senior political writer at the Times to jump full-force into the digital frontier.
Bai often explores issues of generational change in American politics and society. However,he doesn’t simply record political history –Bai offers astute intellect and acumen on where it’s headed and an unbiased worldview that appeals to independent thinkers. His seminal cover stories in the magazine include the 2008 cover essay “Is Obama the End of Black Politics” and a 2004 profile of John Kerry titled “Kerry’s Undeclared War.” More recently, he wrote a definitive cover story on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a 10,000-word cover piece titled “Who Killed the Debt Deal” His work has twice been honored in The Best American Political Writing. Informative, engaging, candid and witty, Bai provides audiences with unparalleled perspective and expertise on today’s most complex political issues.
“After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit."
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
The consistent professionalism and quality for the way Worldwide Speakers Group handles events shows that they think of each detail and every contingency beforehand.
Newt Gingrich, Distinguished Leader, Visionary, & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999); Best-Selling Author
I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.
The National Recreation and Park Association
Thanks again for all your help. Your entire team there is truly stellar.
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.
Texas American Resources Company
The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.
Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist
Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.
American Century Investments
The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.
Ernst & Young LLP
All timing and logistics were seamless, and the client was super engaged and thankful. I’m happy to report that we have another WIN for WWSG! Let’s build on the momentum together!
Josh Linkner, Tech Entrepreneur, Hyper-Growth CEO, NYT Best-Selling Author, Venture Capitalist, and Keynote Speaker
Speaker News
Check Availability
