Ronald Brownstein is a distinguished American journalist and political analyst, recognized for his insightful contributions to political discourse. After graduating with a B.A. in English Literature from the State University of New York – Binghamton in 1979, he began his career as a senior staff writer for Ralph Nader. In 1983, he joined the National Journal as a White House correspondent, where he honed his skills in political reporting and analysis, eventually becoming a national correspondent for the Los Angeles Times in 1989.

Throughout his tenure at the Los Angeles Times, Brownstein made significant strides in political journalism, serving as the national political correspondent and authoring the influential Washington Outlook column. His work earned him two finalist nominations for the Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the 1996 and 2004 presidential campaigns, showcasing his ability to deliver clarity and depth in political reporting. In 1997, he transitioned to U.S. News & World Report as chief political correspondent, further solidifying his reputation in the field.

In 1998, Brownstein joined CNN as a political analyst, where he provided expert commentary until 2004. He returned to CNN as a senior political analyst, contributing to the network’s political coverage and special programming. Additionally, he serves as Editorial Director for Strategic Partnerships at Atlantic Media, where he oversees long-term editorial strategy and contributes to various publications, including the National Journal and The Atlantic.

A prolific author, Brownstein has penned several books, including the New York Times best-seller “Rock Me on the Water: 1974—The Year Los Angeles Transformed Music, Movies, Television and Politics.” His accolades include the Carey McWilliams Award for lifetime achievement from the American Political Science Association, affirming his status as one of America’s leading political journalists. With a career marked by excellence and a commitment to insightful analysis, Ronald Brownstein continues to shape the conversation around American politics.