Bob Beckel

Political Consultant, FOX News Commentator, and Co-columnist for USA Today's "Common Ground"

Combining political savvy, campaign experience, and a sharp wit, Bob Beckel has emerged as one of Washington’s leading political analysts. He has a veteran’s perspective from his years in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and leading dozens of election campaigns, and blends wry stories of life in the political trenches with a strategist’s analysis.

After a political baptism as a college student working for Robert Kennedy’s 1968 campaign, a tour of duty in the Peace Corps, and a successful stint heading up his own consulting firm, Bob joined the federal government in 1977. As a deputy assistant secretary of state in the Carter administration, he steered the controversial Panama Canal Treaties through Congress. He then moved to the White House to head the administration’s effort to press Congress into passing the Mideast and SALT II Treaties.

He resumed his career as a political consultant until Walter Mondale asked him to manage his 1984 campaign for the presidency. As national campaign manager, he oversaw Mondale’s successful race for the Democratic nomination. He is credited with pulling together the campaign after its defeat in New Hampshire and became known as the man who wrapped the “Where’s the Beef?” slogan around Gary Hart so effectively.

For the past several years, Beckel has had an active consulting practice, and advises his clients on communication strategy, consensus building, and public policy. He is one of Washington’s most prolific speakers.

Beckel was a regular guest on CNN’s Crossfire and worked with counterpart Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard as a senior political analyst for CBS This Morning. He has been a contributing columnist for the Los Angeles Times during the last three presidential campaigns, and was a guest host for Larry King Live. He also co-hosted Crossfire Sunday with Lynne Cheney for three years. He also worked with former GOP Chairman Haley Barbour as a political analyst for numerous local and international broadcast outlets for 12 years.

Currently, Mr. Beckel is a graduate professor in advanced political strategy at George Washington University. He is the regular Democratic political analyst for Fox News Channel’s Hannity & Colmes as well as for numerous other shows on Fox Cable. He also appears regularly on broadcast network newscasts, and is a syndicated columnist with Tribune Media Services.