John Podhoretz

John Podhoretz began his career as a Washington journalist in the 1980s, working behind the scenes at the White House, where he served as a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan and later for President George H.W. Bush. During his tenure, Washington, D.C. was a hub for conservative thought, which greatly influenced Podhoretz. After three years in the features department of the Washington Times, he transitioned to television, contributing to the weekly news magazine Insight, and later to U.S. News & World Report. At age 27, he secured his role as a speechwriter for President Reagan, and in 1989, continued in this capacity for Reagan's successor, President George Bush. Following this, Podhoretz served as a special assistant to William Bennett, the head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, a position he held for five months before returning to journalism.

After leaving the White House, Podhoretz was inspired to document his experiences and insights, leading to his first book, "Hell of a Ride," which provides a witty and insightful look into the inner workings of the White House staff during the reelection campaign of George Bush. He revisited the White House to conduct interviews with numerous staffers, capturing a vivid picture of their experiences. In addition to this work, Podhoretz has penned other notable books, including "Bush Country: How Dubya Became a Great President While Driving Liberals Insane," a New York Times bestseller.

Currently, Podhoretz is the editor of Commentary magazine and a vital voice in conservative commentary. He is a FOX News Channel contributor, a twice-weekly columnist for the New York Post, and a cultural commentator for National Review Online. He also contributes to several other conservative publications including National Review and was a co-founder and deputy editor of the Weekly Standard. His diverse experiences even extend to performing improvisational comedy at venues like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and the People’s Improvisational Theater in New York City. His eloquence and insightful commentary have earned him praise, notably after a speaking engagement at Hofstra University, which was well-received by students and faculty alike.