Amanda Carpenter

Amanda Carpenter is a political commentator for CNN. Previously, she served as the Communications Director for Senator Ted Cruz and before that, as Senior Communications Advisor and Speechwriter to Senator Jim DeMint.

During her tenure with both senators, Carpenter developed a wide array of materials including op-eds, speeches, briefing papers, and social media content on topics such as economics, healthcare, foreign affairs, and constitutional matters. Her influential work has been featured in prominent publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post. In 2013, she spearheaded the #MakeDCListen speech and campaign for Cruz, which was recognized by pollster Frank Luntz as producing "the best political soundbyte of 2013." Her strategic communications skills were highlighted in 2014 when Roll Call profiled her in a front-page article, emphasizing her status as "Capitol Hill's most-followed staffer" on Twitter.

Carpenter's writing career includes her 2006 book "The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy’s Dossier on Hillary Clinton" and contributions to a variety of other outlets such as Politico, Cosmo.com, and Refinery29. She has also engaged with audiences through her blog for Glamour Magazine's "Glamocracy" during the 2008 election cycle and as one of the top five "best new TV pundits" as named by Politico, appearing regularly on major networks. Beyond her media presence, she has created impactful multimedia content for Townhall.com and The Washington Times.

She resides in the DC area with her husband and two young children.