Matthew Dowd: from strategist to controversial commentator — the story of a politician
12 september 2025 в 16:13
Matthew Dowd spent decades shaping American politics and analyzing it on television, but in September 2025, the veteran strategist caused a scandal for a different reason. The longtime consultant and MSNBC contributor was fired after his controversial remarks about the death of Charlie Kirk sparked a swift public reaction.
Dowd worked in politics for decades, most notably for his work as chief strategist in George Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign. Early in his career, he advised Democrats such as Dick Gephardt and worked with Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen before switching sides to the Republicans.
Dowd’s political path was anything but static. He identified himself as both a Democrat and a Republican, and in recent years, he called himself an independent. He openly criticized both major parties, saying that he believes leaders on both sides often do not prioritize ordinary Americans.
In 2021, Dowd entered the race for Lieutenant Governor of Texas as a Democrat, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. However, he later withdrew from the race, stating that he did not want to contribute to an overcrowded field of Democrats and believed that a more diverse candidate should take the lead.
«In the Democratic primary for this office, a diverse field is emerging», - Dowd said in a statement at the time. «I don’t want to be the one standing in the way of the greater diversity we need in politics».
In September 2025, after Kirk’s murder, Dowd said on air that Kirk was «one of the most divisive young figures» and argued that «hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions».
His remarks sparked outrage, and MSNBC President Rebecca Cutler called them «inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable». The network quickly terminated his role as a contributor, although Dowd later apologized and clarified that he did not intend to accuse Kirk of violence.
«In an earlier appearance on MSNBC, I was asked about the environment we find ourselves in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended with my comments to accuse Kirk of this horrific attack. Let us all condemn violence of any kind together», - Dowd wrote on BlueSky.
Outside of politics, Dowd built a career as an author and media voice. He co-authored the book «Apple America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community» and later published the book «A New Way: Embracing Paradox at the Helm and in Service» in 2017
Dowd worked in politics for decades, most notably for his work as chief strategist in George Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign. Early in his career, he advised Democrats such as Dick Gephardt and worked with Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen before switching sides to the Republicans.
Dowd’s political path was anything but static. He identified himself as both a Democrat and a Republican, and in recent years, he called himself an independent. He openly criticized both major parties, saying that he believes leaders on both sides often do not prioritize ordinary Americans.
In 2021, Dowd entered the race for Lieutenant Governor of Texas as a Democrat, aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Dan Patrick. However, he later withdrew from the race, stating that he did not want to contribute to an overcrowded field of Democrats and believed that a more diverse candidate should take the lead.
«In the Democratic primary for this office, a diverse field is emerging», - Dowd said in a statement at the time. «I don’t want to be the one standing in the way of the greater diversity we need in politics».
In September 2025, after Kirk’s murder, Dowd said on air that Kirk was «one of the most divisive young figures» and argued that «hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions».
His remarks sparked outrage, and MSNBC President Rebecca Cutler called them «inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable». The network quickly terminated his role as a contributor, although Dowd later apologized and clarified that he did not intend to accuse Kirk of violence.
«In an earlier appearance on MSNBC, I was asked about the environment we find ourselves in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended with my comments to accuse Kirk of this horrific attack. Let us all condemn violence of any kind together», - Dowd wrote on BlueSky.
Outside of politics, Dowd built a career as an author and media voice. He co-authored the book «Apple America: How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community» and later published the book «A New Way: Embracing Paradox at the Helm and in Service» in 2017
© Smirnova Olga
