Mark Penn

OPINION September 6

Harris, Trump and 2024: Debates, policies and press scrutiny are critical not optional

In the past, political campaigns focused on finding people with exceptional qualifications and accomplishments. Campaigns were not perfect but met the threshold of informing voters.

OPINION August 23

Kamala Harris’ big night helps Democrats reverse their fortunes

Kamala Harris' important convention speech highlighted how she helped reset her party's fortunes and brought back key constituencies like Blacks, young voters and women.

OPINION June 28

Joe Biden's debate gamble backfires

Just about every focus group and pundit agree that the Biden campaign took on a lot of water following Thursday's debate against Trump.

OPINION May 31

Does the guilty verdict destroy Trump or make him even stronger?

I opposed the Republican attempt to use the personal life of Bill Clinton to impeach him, and this attempt to use the personal life of Donald Trump to jail him is no different.

OPINION May 29

Trump might be winning now, but here are four things that could change that

The presidential election is getting closer and former President Trump is in the lead. But there are four major things that could shake up the race from the debates to Trump's pick for running mate.

OPINION March 21

Schumer taught Democrats and Biden a powerful lesson

New York Democrat and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer created a firestorm of controversy when he called on Israel's prime minister to step aside in a speech last week.

OPINION March 8

Biden gave 'speech of his life' at SOTU. Here are 3 things he did right and 3 things he got wrong

President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union address on Thursday night. He succeeded in several key ways. But he also fell short. Let's look at it all.

OPINION January 8

Trump could win Iowa but voters' second choice is absolutely critical

Republicans will vote in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 15. Americans would not be surprised if Trump won them this year. But the battle for second place is what matters most here.

OPINION November 9

The real reason Republicans aren't winning swing voters

Election night 2023 wasn't what Republicans were expecting to hear from the voters.

OPINION October 20, 2023

Biden’s Oval Office speech on Israel, Ukraine had this secret weapon

President Biden addressed the nation Thursday in a speech from the Oval Office on support for Israel and Ukraine. It had one special element that has been missing from most addresses.