Matthew Dowd is the chief political analyst for ABC News, a best-selling author, and a campaign strategist for more than 100 campaigns. In his position with ABC News, he appears on “This Week,” “Good Morning America,” and “Nightline.” He is a regular contributor to leading national publications and is also the author of the 2017 book “A New Way: Embracing the Paradox as We Lead and Serve,” which examines the role of leadership in disruptive times. In addition, Dowd is the co-author of the New York Times best-seller “Applebee’s America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community,” which examines the tactics used to thrive in an era of immense change.
Dowd previously created the online community “Listen.To.Us.,” which brings like-minded individuals together to discuss politics and government. His political work includes serving as the chief strategist for two winning reelection efforts—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2006 campaign and President George W. Bush’s second White House bid. Dowd also provided strategic advice to Former President Barack Obama, Bono at the One Campaign, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Prior to his work for President Bush, Dowd worked for 25 years for Democratic candidates around the country, including Senator Lloyd Bentsen and former Texas Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock.
Dowd has taught seminars on campaigns and communication at Stanford, Harvard, Yale, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently a senior fellow at the University of Chicago and the University of Southern California.
Over the last 20 years, he has been an active entrepreneur, founding three highly successful companies including Vianovo and Public Strategies. He recently founded Paradox Capital, a social impact venture fund which is focused on for-profit social good companies.