Matt Bai

Matt Bai is a journalist, author, and screenwriter known for his political commentary and analysis across major media outlets. After being awarded the Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship in 1994, Matt Bai launched a distinguished career as a journalist, author, and screenwriter. Early in his professional journey, he served as a speechwriter for the U.S. Committee for UNICEF, crafting speeches for prominent figures including Audrey Hepburn.

His journalism career commenced as a city desk reporter for the Boston Globe, progressing to a national correspondent role at Newsweek magazine. In 2001, Bai was further recognized as a fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, solidifying his expertise in political analysis. Bai spent over a decade as the chief political correspondent for The New York Times Magazine, where he provided comprehensive coverage of three presidential campaigns. During his tenure, he authored impactful cover essays such as ‘Kerry’s Undeclared War,’ a profile of John Kerry in 2004, and ‘Is Obama the End of Black Politics?’ in 2008, alongside numerous cover stories on political strategies of figures like John McCain and Barack Obama.

The screenplay was listed on the Hollywood Black List in 2016 before the film’s release in 2018, starring Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, and J. K. Simmons. He currently continues to contribute his political insights as a regular columnist for The Washington Post, further cementing his voice in national discourse.